Tuff Canyon Falls is a rainy-day-only waterfall. That, however, shouldn't deter you from visiting Tuff Canyon on a sunny day.
Tuff Canyon is located along the southern end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Small, narrow and sheer-walled, Tuff Canyon was carved out of soft, compressed volcanic ash called 'tuff' - hence the name. The texture of tuff is abrasive and light beige in color but its softness has allowed the winds and water to carve this beautiful canyon.
There are two viewing platforms on the edge of the canyon cliffs above the canyon. As you look down at the canyon floor you can plainly see the jagged rocks which, when water is flowing down there, create such a spectacular cascade.
Tuff Canyon Trail:
This short, relatively easy half-mile trail begins at the sign "Trailhead" at the viewing area. Descending to the mouth of the Tuff Canyon, the trail does an about face and leads you up the floor of the canyon.
Note: The canyon (including the trail down) is badly infested with sand fleas. Be sure you have applied repellant and bind the bottom of your trousers. DO NOT WEAR SHORTS!
How to get there:
From I-10 at Fort Stockton:
Drive south on US-385 through Marathon (about 58 miles and the last town before entering Big Bend National Park). Continue south to the ranger station at Panther Junction. This is where you pay the
$15 per vehicle entrance fee (good for one week) and pick up the park map and brochure. If you arrive after hours you can stop by the next day to pay).
Note: The last major shopping areas (grocery and hardware stores) are Alpine, Fort Stockton, and Del Rio. Gasoline and some groceries are available also at the Big Bend Motor Inn, Study Butte Store (these two also sell diesel), Lajitas Trading Post and Stillwell Store.
To get to Tuff Canyon Overlook from Panther Junction, proceed west to Santa
Elena Junction, then south toward Castolon. Watch for the information signs - they are all quite interesting.
For photos
of Tuff Canyon, see:
For more information:
Big Bend National Park
P.O.Box 196
Texas 79834
915-477-2251
www.nps.gov/bibe/home.htm
Map of Big Bend National Park (.pdf format)
