Boquillas Canyon Trail is a 1.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Big Bend National Park, Texas that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round.
Big Bend National Park charges a fee to enter. Fees are $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55. A beautiful canyon on the Rio Grande The trail starts in a parking area at the end of the Boquillas Canyon spur road, and climbs over a low hill and drops down to the river.
Texas Tourism Division, P.O. Box 12728 , Austin, TX, 78711-2728, Phone: 800-452-9292
Directions from Rio Grande Village: Travel to the parking area at the end of the Boquillas Canyon Road
January 18, 2021A short climb up from the parking lot, and short descent down to the river area. Was still warm even in winter, and a fair amount of people. Boquillas is right across the way, and you can walk down towards the river or continue up along the canyon a short way until it narrows too much. Fun little hike!
January 17, 2021Awesome trail that takes you right along side the Rio Grande River! Easy for all ages, the only difficult parts are towards the end when it gets narrow alongside the river. The water feels amazing, and the huge rock walls along side the river are a sight to see. Great views of Mexico, and visitors on horses were selling tamales and tortillas, a couple other visitors were selling crafts and hiking sticks, and you can see a horse stable across the river where a couple canoes parked on the side. Very safe, did not feel in danger at all, was a great experience and will definitely do it again! Not much shade, it was a very warm day on 1/17/21 around 70degrees, bring sunscreen and water. There is also a restroom in the parking lot if you need it. If you enjoy Camping and Hiking Adventures, check out our travel blog website to 43 National Parks in 1yr :) www.NationalParkAdventureGuide.com
January 16, 2021January 14, 2021Nice easy trail to start your day. Take your time and walk along the rivers edge. I saw two horses, one on the US side and one on the Mexican side. Also saw evidence of Javelinas and Mountain Lions.
January 14, 2021Gorgeous trail! It starts with a climb, but you make it to the top in no time. Once you’re up to the top of the hill you can catch your breath by looking at the beautiful desert and river views and spotting mortars in the rocks used by the indigenous people that used to inhabit the area. After that, it’s a downhill climb and an easy stroll to the river. Not sure why the map shown here had a second elevation at the end of this trail. This would be a great place to pack a lunch or just sit and relax by the water. I saw lots of kids having the time of their life climbing up and sliding down the sand dunes piled against the canyon!
January 10, 2021January 6, 2021January 3, 2021Beautiful canyon at the end of an easy hike. Go early as the trail can get crowded. Loved seeing the Mexican nationals selling souvenirs on an honor system, and serenading from the opposite bank of the river. Brought home the international aspect of the location. Very friendly and peaceful, no walls in sight.
January 2, 2021January 1, 2021Very muddy. Nice views. Easy.
December 28, 2020Pretty canyon views. We were there too early to see any of the local sellers, but we did meet a few horses that wandered across the river for some breakfast.
December 19, 2020Great kid hike. Bring lots of water. Local Mexican sung and had crafts out to sell for money.
December 17, 2020Friendly hike for beginners but I wouldn’t want to do this outside of winter time...
December 13, 2020Great trail that starts with a climb up primative stairs and then down a rock scramble path. The pay off is well worth the hike with views across the river and then further down the canyon.
December 12, 2020So this was different. Several Mexican nationals on the other side of the border selling trinkets by leaving them on the US side for self service honor system purchases, singing to you from the Mexican side, delivering tamales, and a few other creative business ventures. Some hikers seemed to like it and either gave money or bought items, others were uncomfortable. The hike itself was good, but this hike won't be remembered for the nature, but the Mexican nationals.
December 8, 2020December 3, 2020November 29, 2020Fun and easy trail. Seeing the river against the mountains is breathtaking ! Make sure to pack a swimsuit - there is a spot where you can get in the water right before you reach the canyon. Although the trail is short and heavily trafficked, it is definitely worthwhile.
November 27, 2020Short but sweet hike with some unexpected activity to observe. Bring a swimsuit if you want to go swimming. There are areas where merchants sell souvenirs that Border Patrol wasn't excited about. As soon as 2 officers showed up, a lookout tipped off the merchants who quickly gathered all the souvenirs and crossed the river back to Mexico on their horses. Obviously not the most legal activity, but interesting to watch it unfold.
November 27, 2020This was a really pretty canyon to see, however, it is a very small hike. It was very travelled, and many more people were around than we anticipated. Just to let you know, there are quite a few places along this small walk where there were individuals who came across the Rio Grande to sell their wares. You come through a small area of trees to find a wide open canyon along the Rio Grande. There were people wading in the water while we were there. You can push a little farther to the left, if you are adventurous, but it doesn’t go far before you run out of sand and have to turn back. We only spent about an hour here.
November 20, 2020Rocky terrain then a nice walk along the Rio Grande. Folks sell trinkets along the way but don’t bother you to purchase.
November 17, 2020Pretty easy hike, although the start of the trail is straight uphill. This trail is basically just a quick hike to the river. Smaller than Santa Elena but just a beautiful. Also nice because there are plenty of spots by the river to hang out and enjoy the view, good picnic spot. Trinkets available for sale along the way from people selling their wares, bring cash or change if you want to buy (it’s a tip jar system). If you want, there is a small more moderate part of the trail a bit farther into the canyon where you can get slightly better views, dead ends into a rock wall.
November 11, 2020November 8, 2020Short little trail up and over rocks to dip your feet in the Rio Grand. So refreshing, but moving swiftly so don't slip in the mud. Very hot in the canyon, so bring more water than you think you'll need.
November 7, 2020November 7, 2020November 7, 2020November 7, 2020Lots of horse poop...
November 6, 2020Great river hike
October 23, 2020The canyon is slightly smaller than Santa Elena, but much less crowded and more beach space to hang out by the river. We went for an afternoon and hung out on the shores of the river. It made an amazing afternoon. I wouldn’t wade out or swim too far into the river just given the speed of the current. The hike is really just a mile long walk to the river, very easy. Perhaps post Covid they will reopen the port into Boquillas itself, I was very sad to miss that part of the trip.
