Hike Contranando Trail System To Water Hole

Five days prior to Labor Day weekend of 2017 we were the crazy ones who decided to raft on the Rio Grande when we heard it jumped up to a flow of 10,000 cubic feet per second. This was one of the first times in 10 years that the water had ever been this high.  The 3 of us had canoed this stretch before- some of us multiple times. Usually the water is slow and low and the boats drag through some...

Santa Elena Canyon is one of the crown jewels of Big Bend National Park, and something you surely don't want to miss if you pay the park a visit. To get here you will take the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive from Panther Junction, the park's headquarters. This drive has many pull-offs to take advantage of for.. you guessed it- scenic views! The road ends at Santa Elena Canyon Overlook which is where ...

With a small group of people, canoes and kayaks, and one vehicle the boomerang trip (paddling against the current, then floating back downstream) up Santa Elena Canyon is the best option for floating the prettiest section of the Rio Grande while simultaneously avoiding pesky outfitters and the headache of scheduling shuttles out of Terlingua, TX. In whitewater terms, the Rio Grande is not parti...

There is plenty of parking at the trailhead and a covered picnic table. The hike is mostly flat, but some big rock negotiation is necessary. If there has been rain, you may need to negotiate some standing water. We were lucky to have dry conditions and did not need to maneuver around any water. Depending on the time of day, you may be blessed with shady conditions inside the slot canyon. We hik...

Big Bend Ranch State Park is certainly one of Texas most beautiful "hidden" gems. Boasting over 300,000 acres of wild, rugged high desert terrain, this park is an explorers paradise. Bordering the Rio Grande, the line between the US and Mexico quickly blurs by through mesas and desert peaks. Start out by visiting the Barton Warnock Visitor Center to pay entrance fees, get camping reservations ...

While you may question what scenery the Upper Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail could offer given the initial view, enjoy the stroll through the Chihuahuan desert as you gradually find your way into a narrowing gravelly wash. You'll have to pass down a few dry falls of varying height, the final passable fall being 10-12 feet of sloping rock so use caution as you find your footing. You'll know when you h...