Santa Elena Canyon, Natural canyon at Rio Grande border between Brewster County, United States and Chihuahua, Mexico.
Santa Elena Canyon is a narrow gorge where the Río Grande cuts through tall limestone cliffs, forming a dramatic passage that marks the border between Texas and Mexico. The river has carved its way between these rock walls, creating one of the most striking sections within Big Bend National Park.
The canyon formed between 60 and 130 million years ago when flowing water carved through limestone that once lay beneath an ancient sea. Over time, the Río Grande became the natural boundary marking the division between two nations.
The canyon represents a natural connection point between Mexican and American territories, serving as a testament to the geological forces shaping North America.
Visit during cooler months when daytime heat is more manageable and the rock pools are more comfortable to explore. Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for steep sections along the trail.
A rockslide known as The Labyrinth on the Mexican side rises about 180 feet and creates the narrowest and most challenging point for boaters in the passage. This formation developed through natural rock fall and water erosion over thousands of years.
Location: Brewster County
Location: Chihuahua
GPS coordinates: 29.16547,-103.61212
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:48
Texas combines landscapes that barely resemble each other. The west spreads out in deserts and sand dunes, while the east is marked by swamps and dense forests. Between these extremes lie limestone cliffs, natural springs, and waterfalls that bubble up from the ground. The size of the state allows for this variety. A traveler can hike through dry canyons one day and wade through marshland the next. The state preserves places from different chapters of history. Spanish missions built in the 18th century stand near Native American quarries used for thousands of years. Mining towns and military forts from the 1800s now sit empty, their wooden structures weathered by sun and wind. Plantation houses with wide porches remain from before the Civil War. Visitors can also find a Japanese garden in San Antonio, a replica of Stonehenge in the Hill Country, and underwater caves where divers explore submerged passages. The variety makes it possible to see ancient footprints, colonial architecture, and ghost towns in the same trip.
Cañón de Santa Elena Flora and Fauna Protection Area
25.7 km
Emory Peak
31.1 km
Aguja Formation
18.5 km
Javelina Formation
25.5 km
Luna Jacal
9.4 km
Mariscal Mine
42.1 km
Homer Wilson Ranch
24.5 km
Rancho Estelle
3.8 km
Sotol Vista Overlook
23.5 km
Santa Elena Canyon Trail
243 m
Panther Junction Visitor Center
43.4 km
Panther Junction Mission 66 Historic District
43.4 km
Castolon Historic District
10.1 km
Castolon Ranger Station
10.1 km
Chisos Basin Visitor Center
32.5 km
Dugout Wells
47.8 km
Panther Junction Gas Station
43.2 km
Starlight Theatre
21.9 km
Homer Wilson Ranch Overlook
24.3 km
Alvino House
10 km
Maverick Entrance Sign
18.2 km
Castolon Store
10.2 km
Recreation Building
10.2 km
Livingston House
59.5 km
Hot Springs Store
59.6 km
Tuff Canyon
11.9 km
Tornillo Creek Bridge
58.8 km
Hot Springs Cabins
59.7 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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