Santa Elena Canyon Trail

Comments: My father (60 years old) and I did this hike after the South Rim hike in the morning. It was great to relax and drive out to Santa Elena Canyon (about 40 minutes from the Basin), then walk into the canyon at the North end of the park. You have to cross Terlingua Creek which is most likely about 6 inches deep, so be aware. This is a popular destination, so it is not very secluded. Of course, seclusion is a relative term here as there were a grand total of 10 people while we were there. Seeing how the Rio Grande cut through the cliff walls is amazing to behold and a definite must for any Big Bend trip. The walls are about 1500 feet straight up on both sides. Also, check out the huge square rock stuck in the river bank (you have to hike around it). Just amazing this 25 feet tall chunk of rock fell several hundred feet and stuck into the mud! As Aron Ralston said, "Geologic time is now."