Big Bend, Texas

Top Spots in and near Big Bend

  • Alpine, Texas

    Hike Ore Terminal Trail

    8.8 mi / 1188 ft gain
    Before I describe this trail, what season are you hiking? If summer, stop reading now and find another hike. Not summer? Okay, great, let's get started. Do not take inexperienced hikers on this trail, particularly in hotter weather. While it's only 8 miles total (4 out, 4 back), it's constantly ...
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  • Alpine, Texas

    Hike Boquillas Canyon in Big Bend

    3.5
    1.2 mi / 229 ft gain
    Boquillas Canyon is one of the longest and most beautiful canyons Big Bend has to offer. To get here you will head towards Rio Grande Village from the park's headquarters at Panther Junction. If desired, you can stop at the store in Rio Grande Village to pick up some snacks and beverages before y...
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  • Terlingua, Texas

    Boomerang Float in Santa Elena Canyon

    5.0
    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 he...
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  • Terlingua, Texas

    Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend

    4.5
    1.66 mi / 837 ft gain
    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...
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  • Terlingua, Texas

    Raft through Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend

    21 mi
    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 ...
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