boquillas canyon

When you hike into the canyon you can see the little Village of Boquillas in Mexico which only recently got electricity by Solar Power. They recently opened it for visitors by boat but you must have a passport. You have Mexican people singing on the other side and a can left on your side for donations. They leave trinkets too but Rangers said they are considered illegal imports.

The walk to the Boquillas Canyon bring you right down to the Rio Grande River. Then follow the riverbed to the canyon which is beautiful. Near the end, the river seems to disappear into the rock cliffs.

The Boquillas Canyon trail is 1.4 miles in total and requires a hike over a small hill until it opens up as you approach the Rio Grande River. It's generally easy but watch your footing as you cross the hill. While not as stunning as Santa Elena Canyon, Boquillas stills gives you a sense of what has been carved by the river. The parking area is easily accessed the visit should probably last about an hour. Look at the Mexican village of Boquillas del Carmen as you hike and, if you have the time and documentation, consider a visit to there as well. The border crossing is open during the days of Wednesday through Sunday

I took this trip with my wife and three children aged 4,6,10. Was about a 1.4 mi round trip walk. Only "hard" part is the dirt stairs in beginning which were easy. Amazing views and beautiful river make this well worth the drive. It took us about 1 hr and 40 mins but this includes the kiddos always stopping to play in and around water. Would definitely take this trip again.

We arived late in the afternoon after visiting Boquillas del Carmen in Mexico and it was too hot for the short hike.

The walk to the canyon view is over a steep path up and then down to some corn grinding holes in rocks and then a ways in willows to the main view of the canyon. We did not cross on small tributary as the river was rising. The view across to the Mexican side then down the throat of the canyon is dramatic with near vertical sides.

Your trip to the canyon will be enhanced by making the crossing to the village of Boquillas. Friendly welcoming folk and an interesting perspective on the park and the people. Beautiful patio overlooking the Rio Grande. Enjoy lunch or a beverage. Bring dollar bills if you'd like to buy something from the cute local youngsters selling bracelets. Small gift shops with crafts, donkey rides and two bar/restaurants.

The small town of Boquillas just across the border from Big Bend National Park used to survive on money from tourists who were rowed across the Rio Grande for lunch or souvenirs. After 9/11 the border was closed and the town suffered significantly. In April or 2013 the US created an official crossing in Big Bend National Park across the river from Boquillas. Now you can legally cross into Mexico. But, you must bring your passport or any documentation you need to enter Mexico and reenter the US. Your documents are not checked when you leave the US so you better be sure they are in order or you might not be able to come back!There is a Mexican "ferry" (row boat) that rows you across for $5 per person. When you arrive on the Mexican side you have to travel about a mile to the town. You can walk, grab a ride in a pickup, ride a horse or a mule. They all cost less than $10 per person. We took a horse and a mule on the slow, dusty road to town. It seems common for a Mexican guide to walk with you. He will help you find the Mexican immigration office, which you have to check in with, show you around town and might give you a little history. A tip to your guide is appreciated.There are two restaurants and a bar in town. We ate at the one that has been there for decades named Falcone's. The food was simple and good. They also have beer. The dining area has a nice view of the surrounding peaks.This is a great way to have a little adventure on your trip to Big Bend. We heartily recommend it.For more information on documentation requirements search for "Boquillas border crossing". For more information on the town search for Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico.

We hiked this short trail to the upstream side of the canyon. The views were terrific, as they are on all the trails in the park. This trail, however, stops short of the canyon itself which was a bit of a disappointment. A disappointment in Big Bend is like a great treat anywhere else.

The drive down to this area is lovely. The drive from Panther Junction is beautiful and worth it alone. Grab some grub at the store and check out the small visitors center (for Passport Stampers you get Big Bend's and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River NRA stamps here). The Canyon itself is not as amazing as you'd like as you can't get into it much. However, you can touch the actual Rio Grande River water and you get to see the "trinkets" that Mexicans leave for you to buy. Seriously, there'll be spots to buy their wares and leave the money. They yell over from Mexico to tell you to buy stuff. Bizarre but an experience.

We canoed through Boquillas Canyon in '98. It was nice to hike to the canyon mouth and see the river rushing through. Easy trail. Saw some Mexican horses on the park side eating grass.

The hike to Boquillas canyon is just up and down steps then along a sandy portion of Rio Grande "beach". It was a different scene with Mexico right across the river and many Mexicans along the Mexico side, but we were really disappointed in the actual canyon. You can't see into the canyon part where the river makes its initial cut-through, so it wasn't really much to see (IMO). If you want an easy hike with some Mexican flavor though, give it a try. Next time I'd rather try Santa Elena canyon or a different trail.

The drive to Boquillas Canyon is worth making the trip. The views on the Boquillas Canyon road are as amazing as those on the Ross Maxwell Scenic drive however, they are completely different. The canyon trail is on the border between the US and Mexico, it is relatively short but filled with so much to see.

Maybe because I went during mid-day but it is a dusty and hot hike that leads to you a canyon carved out by the Rio Grande. Nice view, but what added to the charm was the Mexicans across the river trying to get you to buy their souvenirs. That really added to the charm and reminds you where you are. Perhaps next time I should go back around sunset when the light would be much better. Overall, if you have time, I would still drop by and take the time to explore it.

This is a must at sunset. It's so beautiful that you absolutely can't miss. Definitely worth the drive!