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  • Writer's pictureMick McMurray

Big Bend National Park: Santa Elena Canyon

Updated: Jul 23


The Golden Cliffs of Santa Elena Canyon, reflected in the Rio Grande river
Santa Elana Canyon

We came to Santa Elena Canyon the day before the sunrise trip to familiarize ourselves with the area. As we traversed the trail leading from the parking area to the canyon, we were enveloped by a sense of wonder and serenity as the rugged beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert surrounded us. As we got to the canyon we were greeted by the sight of many people having fun wading in the river, hiking, and sunbathing but we knew this would be an awesome sunrise location.


people at the waters edge and wading in the river
Midday at Santa Elena Canyon



Santa Elena Canyon Journal. A Friendly Guide to Big Bend NP














Watching twilight change the canyon walls with other photographers, while standing next to the river and the moon in the background
Watching twilight change the canyon walls


As a travel blogger, I'm always on the lookout for unforgettable experiences, so we were excited about the sunrise trip to Santa Elena Canyon. Waking up early, we made the drive over to the canyon pre-sunrise. Standing alongside other photographers at the edge of the river, we watched the magical twilight transform the cliffs into a brilliant array of oranges and browns, before embarking on a hike into the canyon and witnessing the awe-inspiring reflections of the cliffs in the Rio Grande River that made our trip one to remember forever.


Sunrise at Santa Elena Canyon with a river and boulders in the foreground and blue sky in the background, while the sun paints, the cliffs, brilliant shades of orange and brown
Sunrise at Santa Elena Canyon

The walkway leading to the canyon hike with Lorna standing in the walkway with her hiking staff next to the river
The walkway leading to the canyon hike


In Santa Elena Canyon with Lorna on the path, and the cliffs reflected in the river
In Santa Elena Canyon

The canyon walls of Santa Elena Canyon reflected in the Rio Grande river
River reflections in Santa Elena Canyon

The view when exiting Santa Elena Canyon with Ocotillo in the foreground and the Rio Grande river, flowing off into the distance
The view when exiting Santa Elena Canyon



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