Santa Elena Canyon Trail is a 1.6 mi trail with 80 ft of climbing — about 35m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 6. About 25% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.
Underfoot & overhead creek crossing, concrete steps
1.6 mi and 80 ft of climbing work out to 35m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
Get the summer refuel plan →NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out
In June, Big Bend National Park runs around 95°F at the main visitor elevation, and this route gives you almost nothing to hide under. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.
91°F · Sunny · wind 5 to 10 mph
NOAA forecast for Big Bend National Park — not for this trailhead specificallyUntil further notice, the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry will be open Friday through Monday, 9:00 am through 4:00 pm. It will not change to winter hours at this time.
Live NPS alert for Big Bend National ParkThe use of drones is prohibited in Big Bend National Park. Thank you for preserving the peace and tranquility of Big Bend.
Live NPS alert for Big Bend National ParkAbout 35m of moving time for 1.6 mi and 80 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.
Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.3–0.6 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
No — Santa Elena Canyon Trail is closed to dogs. Our Big Bend National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.
We rate it comfortable from age 6. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.
About 25% of the route is shaded, and Big Bend National Park peaks around 95°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.