"A Day on the Rio Grande" Top 5 Page for this destination Big Bend National Park Travelogue by mtncorg

Big Bend National Park Travel Guide: 190 reviews and 387 photos

"I thought you said we were going for a Cruise!?"

Utilizing the fine services of the Texas River Adventures guides in Study Butte, we checked in at their office early one fine morning in January to begin our day on the river. The raft was on the trailer and the lunch was in the cooler, so off we went. A short drive down to Lajitas - a very small town on the river just west of the Park was are put-in point.

Big Bend Essence

Quiet is the order of the day as we slowly drifted downriver, no one else but for the occasional cow on the Mexican side and birdlife along the shores. As we went along I tried my skills at the oars and managed not to sink the craft. At the end of the morning, we came to a fine beach in which we could enjoy a superb lunch in the warm winter sun.

Break in cliff walls signals Santa Elena Canyon

Next to the beach was the river's entrance into the Santa Elena Canyon.

Canyon walls tower 1500 feet above the River

Cliff walls now rose abruptly.

Sunshine was replaced by shadow.

Silence and drama intertwined.

Terrapins baking on a rock within the Canyon

Deep inside the canyon, the only others on the river were a group of turtles sunning themselves on a rock, dropping off into the waters as we approached.

Boulders sprawled on the Canyon floor

A few miles into the canyon, we came to the Rock Slide where huge boulders from above had plunged into the canyon making a very tight squeeze. We barely fit through the rocks, with a little pushing from our guide who got to jump off the raft and push.

End of Santa Elena Canyon in sight

And then, just as the canyon had begun, it ended,

Chisos Mtns looming east of Santa Elena exit

in a brillance of dazzling sunlight, the Chisos Mountains looming silenty to the east.

Page Written Nov 5, 2003
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (10)

Comments (9)

enigma58 Apr 26, 2007 at 5:48 PM Report Abuse

it is a wonderful trip...can I book the raffling on side?
Nemorino Apr 12, 2006 at 12:47 PM Report Abuse

For once I was glad to have VT's map function so I could see exactly where this is -- nowhere near El Paso or San Antonio, which are the closest places I have ever been to. Fine photos and descriptions, as always!
madamx Jul 11, 2005 at 1:38 PM Report Abuse

Hoping to make a stop in Big Bend when we do our Texas roadtrip in the "near future" Did you take Little Girl in the raft too? ;o) ~ Helen
iandsmith Sep 29, 2004 at 2:21 AM Report Abuse

Ouch! That's some ground temp! Interesting and informative with good pics as always.
KimberlyAnn Sep 28, 2004 at 1:24 PM Report Abuse

We are thinking of going to Big Bend late January, so I was interested to see that the weather was pleasant when you visited. Thanks for the great tips.
diamonddog Sep 12, 2004 at 1:21 AM Report Abuse

Another great page Mark, wow what a picture!! Looking forward to visit, are the campsites crowded in April? Cheers
keeweechic Aug 25, 2004 at 8:57 PM Report Abuse

This is one area I wanted to visit in Texas. Your photos and info are just fabulous. So vast. I don't think I would eat before rafting:-) Good rafting tips.. sad that I won't get to visit before I leave TX
mrclay2000 Nov 23, 2003 at 6:26 PM Report Abuse

When Oregonians beat me to Big Bend, I must hang my head in shame. . .I'll get here eventually!
XenoHumph Nov 7, 2003 at 11:59 AM Report Abuse

Marvellous page!! I have been waiting fot it since you said you would build one.. I am not dissapointed. Like usual, great detailed tips and excellent pictures...and thank you for mentioning my page!!