With towering limestone walls 1500' tall, Santa Elena Canyon deserves the title of "Queen" of the Big Bend. To see the whole canyon, you must start in Lajitas, float 10 miles through open desert, then descend into the canyon for 10 more miles. At high water this trip can be done in 1 day, floating in rafts. As the water level drops to medium flows it requires 2-3 days. At low water a 1 day "boomerang" trip is possible, where you start at the end of the canyon, paddle upstream several miles into the canyon in canoes or kayaks, then return and float back out.
An excellent way to see the "world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve" is to go camping on the Rio Grande.
At lower water levels we use tandem kayaks, solo kayaks, and canoes.
Come float the river with us to hear the folklore about "Smuggler's Cave".
The campsites on the Rio Grande are 1st come, 1st serve; but don't worry there are plenty of fantastic options. We are now booking trips for the Fall and Winter. www.hikingbigbend.com