Named for the iconic, picturesque bend in the Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park in Texas is part of the Chihuahuan Desert, making up 118 miles along the border of the United States and Mexico.

Due to its remote location, hikers and backpackers are treated to more sparsely populated trails of which there are plenty to choose in the desert, mountains, and river alike.

Along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive you’ll find the most popular scenic spot of Big Bend: Santa Elena Canyon. It’s an easy 1.4 mile round-trip hike and good for all ages.