Santa Elena Canyon in Texas and its massive walls

Head for the Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park! This site was carved out by the Rio Grande River over many years before becoming a veritable relic. The Santa Elena limestone forms huge cliffs and is home to a sizeable coral reef.

Coral reefs grow in moderately deep water that is also clear and free of sediment. After the formation of this thick reef, rocks representing swamps and plains appeared in the canyon landscape. The Santa Elena canyon became a national park in 1944.

One of the best ways to explore this canyon is by hiking. The Santa Elena Canyon Trail in Big Bend National Park is like Yellowstone National Park's trusty old geyser. It's a must-see. You discover its natural beauty by walking along the Rio Grande River between two rock faces.

This 457m-high vertical gorge on the border between the United States and Mexico offers a unique experience. Big Bend is a hiker's dream, with over 240km of trails to explore, accessible to all abilities. Elevations reach almost 2,440 m at Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains.

The path starts at the southern end of the car park and is surprisingly easy. At the end of the walk, the "path" runs alongside the Rio Grande. This part of the trail can be a little wet and mushy. Boots or water shoes are recommended, depending on the weather conditions.

Once we reach the river, we get our first glimpse of the incredible Santa Elena canyon. The walls are over 60 metres high and surround a very narrow section of the Rio Grande river.

The trail crosses the Terlingua creek, climbs several flights of ramps and stairs and then descends into the canyon alongside the Rio Grande. At this point, the canyon walls loom and meet (almost) above the river. During the rainy season, Terlingua Creek can flood and become difficult to access.

A few details about the trail:

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 2.2 km (round trip)
• Elevation gain: 55 metres
• Maximum elevation gain: 698 metres
• Best time of year to hike: autumn to spring
• To avoid the crowds: arrive before 9.30 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
• Footwear: Closed-toe trainers or boots if it has rained
• Caution: Exposure to the sun (take sun cream and water)
• Toilets: Facilities at the start of the trail only
• Pets: Not permitted
• Time required: 1 hour

The other way to admire the canyon is by raft or canoe. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife unfolds before the traveller. There are a few rapids to watch out for, and the famous Rockslide can be a challenge even for experienced professionals.

Camping, yes, but where? Camping as close as possible to Elena Canyon is perfectly possible. Terlingua Abajo is a campsite just a few kilometres off Old Maverick Road. However, don't expect any facilities. These primitive campgrounds offer beautiful desert views but no toilets, shade, water or hookups on the horizon. The campsite does not allow generators.

This is a small area to set up camp next to your vehicle. The National Park Service advises anyone with any type of trailer to register with a ranger before visiting these sites, as the access road can be rough.

Price: $10 per night, visitors can stay for 14 consecutive nights.