Take a hike next to the Rio Grande river and enjoy the sights and sounds on this 1.4 mile Big Bend National Park hike.
Location
Big Bend National Park can be separated into 3 areas: West, Central, and East. The Boquillas Canyon Trail is located in the east section of the park at the end of the Boquillas Canyon Spur Road.
Parking
Score! This trail has a parking lot. Not always the case for trails in National Parks. This lot is a fairly good size with room to maneuver. I would even say you could bring a mid-size RV down this road and park in the lot with no trouble. Plenty of room to turn around if you need to.
Over the Hill
The trail begins with steps up over a hill. There is a great view of the Rio Grande at the top, but you have to work a little bit to get there. It’s only about 100 feet of elevation gain, but packed in there so you are feeling it when you make it to the top. You’ll also get your first glimpse of “for sale” little knick knacks. You’ll find these randomly throughout the trail. They are mostly handmade items. There is a small jar next to the items to put your cash in if you want to buy anything from whomever placed them there. No credit cards here.
Along the River
After you take in the view from the top, make your way down to the river. You’ll be walking alongside it for the remainder of the hike. Here, you’ll get your first glimpse of the river going into the canyon. It’s quite beautiful! If you look across the river, you may catch a glimpse of a canoe or even a donkey. Most likely these are for crossing the river from Mexico. Many years ago, you could ride a donkey or get in a small boat and go over to the town of Boquillas, Mexico from this trail. Now, you have to use the Port of Entry which is just up the road from the trailhead. Don’t forget your passport.
Sand Slide
Continue on the trail until you find a shallow cave and a sand slide. This was our favorite part of the trail as it is all about play and exploration. Plan to spend some time here and bring plenty of water and maybe even a snack or lunch. The sand slide itself is quite a climb. Mostly because it is in sand and that’s never the easiest to navigate. At the top, you’ll be able to explore the cave and other little nooks.
Past the cave and sand slide, you’ll find the end of the trail where the river and canyon walls collide. Take a minute to listen to the river and then turn around and head back to the parking lot.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Big Bend National Park or the National Park Service.
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