Closed Canyon Trail — Attraction in Manuel Benavides

This is a great short hike through a quasi-slot canyon located about half way between Lajitas and Presidio. From the trailhead to the mouth of the canyon is a short hike..... Maybe something like a 1/4 mile. You probably could easily then walk another half mile through the canyon until get to the end. And it's very clear when you get to the end! There's a sign hanging that says this is the end! The canyon walls are easily 80-100 feet tall. And if you do this hike during the summer months when the temperature is a lot harder, there is a lot of shade from the canyon walls. The canyon itself also created kind of a wind tunnel. So even if it's warm, there might be a bit of a breeze that could help. There's also a couple of places along the road, leading to the trailhead, where you could stop for a picnic. We actually set beside the rio grande and had lunch. It's kinda crazy sitting in texas and looking across the river at Mexico. I hope to do this.Hike again the next time we're...

Great easy trail. Apparently in other people's pictures there was a telescoping ladder in place. Totally unnecessary in the picture where it was placed but had that ladder been available I could have made it across the last deep water hole. Next time I'll know what to bring!

Well, back four months later without a ladder 😞 but you'll see in my additional photo, I did make it over the first obstacle by bracing myself between both walls. You'll have to be at least six feet tall to do this. The next obstacle you'll need to jump about three feet into a wall slanted about 15 degrees with shoes with good traction. The third tinaja you'll need to jam both your hands against opposite walls and walk across like you're in a door jam working your way up. Still with a good sized drop that I didn't have ropes to do and so went back. Make sure have people with you who can help you out of the water if you fall in because you can't do it on your...

Nice trail with a good parking area, only one picnic table and porta-potty but better than most trailheads off of 170.

My 10 & 12 y/o sons enjoyed the hike which is a bonus. They had fun in the canyon and finding spots they could clamber up the walls a bit.

The geology in the canyon is pretty cool and it's very narrow. Much of the rock is pretty slick from erosion and there's a good bit of loose, fine gravel that made sections a little precarious folk folks with limited mobility. Feels a bit disappointing that you get to a point and a sign says turn around and go back. I'm ASSuming the canyon drops off too steeply to the Rio Grande and the State is keeping us all safe.

I believe it was the most picturesque...