 BIG BEND FLOAT TRIPS - MULTI DAY TRIPS
Santa Elena
Canyon
- Put-in Location: Lajitas, Texas
- Take-out Location: NPS Take-out, about 5 miles upstream from Castolon
- River Mileage: 20
miles
- Best Done in: Two
or three days
- Best Craft: Canoes
or Rafts
Notable Rapids: While
the Rio Grande in Big Bend is not noted for its whitewater, this section has
one well-known rapid - Rock Slide. In reality, Rock Slide is more of a maze or
labyrinth (except at high water) that requires guides to have a very good
understanding of the routes and hydraulics that are hidden by house-size rocks
fallen from the limestone walls.
Fun Facts about Santa Elena Canyon:
If you're a river rat and like to just float, do this canyon as
an overnight journey. If you like to explore and hike, make it a three day to
give yourself plenty of time to see some of the many neat side canyons.
Depending on water levels this trip may be by canoe or raft.
Santa Elena canyon is of limestone base,
originating first from faulting and then carved and polished by the silty Rio
Grande. Be sure to note the "optical illusion" as you enter the canyon. The
canyons walls tip upstream making it appear that the river is much steeper than
it is.
Time permitting, there are some great hikes
at the Entrance camps and Fern Canyon. Entrance camp has a trail that leads to
the rim of the canyon affording some magnificent view of the area. Fern Canyon,
located about 3 miles downstream of Rock Slide is a major drainage entering
from the Mexico side. This is a great swimming hole in the warmer months and
offers some neat slot canyon exploration.
Recommended reading:
Big Bend - The National Park Handboook
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here for pricing
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