Santa Elena Canyon Overlook

Santa Elena Canyon Overlook a peaceful gem that sits on the high ground right at the mouth of the canyon in Big Bend National Park, near the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. From here you look west into the gap, where the Rio Grande has slowly carved a slit in limestone walls. The canyon sits so that the left wall is in Mexico and the right is in Texas, with the river marking the line between them. You are close to the canyon here, so a wide lens will let you take in both walls and the river coming toward you. Morning is the perfect time to be here. The canyon opening faces east, so early sun comes over your shoulder and lights the cliff faces full on, with the shaded slot of the canyon holding its depth behind. Late in the day the sun drops behind the rim and back lights the edge, giving you more silhouette than detail. The Santa Elena Canyon Trailhead is just below to the west (just follow Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to the very end) if you want to walk along the shoreline. You are in a National Park here so you will have to pay the park entry fee to access the entire area. The overlook is open any time, but it is a long drive out to this corner of the park, so give yourself lots of time to get here and explore the area. (Big Bend National Park, Texas, United States)