River put in and take out at the Santa Elena Canyon River Takeout for trips on the Rio Grande in Big Bend National park is easily accessed by car, is often considered the most dramatically beautiful. Santa Elena Canyon, downstream, is most popular for overnight or for three day trips, but boomerang trips of during the day of paddling upstream, from the Santa Elena Canyon Trailhead, a few miles into the canyon, and then returning back downstream to the river takeout are also popular.  If the water level is low, you do not have to fight the current much going upstream, making this trip quite leisurely. Boomerang trips are ideal if you only have one vehicle, or if you do not want to pay for a shuttle back to your starting point. A backcountry use permit is required for all river trips; no fee is charged for day-use trips. Be sure to check with a Ranger station on water levels and necessary equipment and regulations before using the river.

Note: Border Activity Notice
Illegal border crossings are known to occur in this area. If you encounter anything that appears illegal, suspicious, or out of place, please do not approach or intervene. Note the location, description, time, direction of travel, and call 911 as soon as possible.