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Santa Elena River Access
Parking and river access at the Santa Elena Canyon off of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
Plan Around Santa Elena River Access
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Santa Elena River Access Details
You can reach the Santa Elena Canyon River Access right off of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive near the end of the drive and at the juncture with Old Maverick Road. The access is usually used to pull canoes and kayaks out of the water as most people begin their river trips in Lajitas, a town just west of the park boundary. However you can begin a "boomerang" river journey at the access by paddling upstream and then turning around only to be floated back to where you started. This is a good option if you don't have someone to shuttle for you. The access has a parking lot and composting toilets. Cottonwood Campground is close by and the best option to stay if you are planning a trip from this access point.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
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Nearby Parks Around Santa Elena River Access
Compare nearby parks around Santa Elena River Access when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Santa Elena River Access
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Santa Elena River Access while the map context is still fresh.
0.8 mi away
Santa Elena Canyon
Arguably the most popular "must see" of Big Bend.
1.2 mi away
Dorgan House Trail
Ruins of the old Dorgan House with adobe architecture and a petrified wood fireplace.
2.8 mi away
Terlingua Abajo
Terlingua Abajo is a wet area that provides a habitat for native and migrating bird species.
4.9 mi away
Cottonwood Campground
$14/night, year-round, 24-hour campground with pit toilets, grills and water. No frills but a whole lot of fun!
5.4 mi away
Castolon Store
Historic convenience store with basic groceries, camping supplies and souvenirs. Open year-round.
