About
Length (round trip)1.5 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyEasy
Elevation gain215 ft up
Typical time45 min
TrailheadEnd of Boquillas Canyon Road
SurfaceSand and rock steps
Best seasonNovember through March. Desert trails are dangerous from May to September; the Chisos stay cooler year round.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🌊 River or creek

Trail Information Roundtrip Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) Elevation change: 150 feet (45 m) Average hiking time: 1 hour Dogs and other pets are not allowed on any trails in the park. The Boquillas Canyon Trail is a great way to enjoy one of the three major canyons located in Big Bend National Park. A walk along the Rio Grande leads to the entrance of a magnificent limestone gorge that splits the Sierra del Carmen Mountains. Along the way, look for ancient fossils that existed when this area was under an ocean, and pre-historic grinding holes that indigenous inhabitants used in food production. This area is also a great place for scenic photography. The colors on the Sierra del Carmen at sunset are well worth the journey. During summer months, it is best to explore the canyon in the mornings, since daytime temperatures often exceed 110 degrees. Water and good footwear are essential items here, and for any hike in the Chihuahuan Desert. Accessibility From the parking lot, this trail climbs a small rise before descending to the Rio Grande. The trail surface is rock and dirt. Once down at river level, the trail transitions to sand and the remainder of the walk is a flat, pleasant stroll along the river. Eventually the high limestone walls and the river prevent further travel and it's time to turn around and head back to the trailhead. The paved parking lot provides parking for about 15 vehicles. Hike Smart Bring plenty of water! Carry 1 liter of water per person per hour that you plan to hike. The importance of carrying enough water in this hot, dry climate cannot be overstated! Eat Your body needs food for energy and salts and electrolytes to replace what it's losing from perspiration. The dry climate at Big Bend means that sweat often evaporates almost instantly; your body is likely losing lots of moisture and salts without you even realizing it. Eat plenty of salty snacks to keep your body's salt-to-water ratio in balance. Sun protection Carry sunscreen and use it liberally. Hats are also strongly recommended. It may seem strange to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in hot weather, but many hikers choose lightweight, breathable clothing which covers their arms and legs to protect themselves from the sun. Don't leave people behind If you're hiking in a group, make sure the person in the back always has someone to help. Be aware of wildlife Keep an eye out for snakes, and remember to maintain a safe distance between yourself and all wildlife. Animals in the park are wild and should never be approached, harassed, or fed. Don't stack rocks Cairns are stacks of rocks which are sometimes used to mark trails in areas where they are hard to follow. Randomly stacked rocks can lure hikers off the correct trail.

Tips
Buying the walking sticks and wire scorpions left on rocks is illegal cross-border trade, however charming the pitch. The huge sand slide at the end is worth the walk on its own.
Location

End of Boquillas Canyon Road

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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