Copper Canyon
The largest canyon in North America, Copper Canyon is nearly four times the volume of the Grand Canyon found in the USA, covering a range of what some claim to be up to 10,000 square miles. Copper Canyon hiking trips can vary in levels of difficulty and other activities offered in Copper Canyon include mountain biking and relaxing ‘float trips’ down the Rio El Fuerte. Wildlife viewing may include colorful parrots, squirrels, raccoons, snakes, foxes, eagles, and various domesticated animals.
Highlights:
- El Fuerte- Known for its Spanish architecture and colonial atmosphere, the cobblestone streets reveal their close ties to their colonial roots. Sometimes used as an alternative to Los Mochis as a starting or ending point for the train trip, El Fuerte served for more than three centuries as a major farming and commercial center.
- Los Mochis- Gateway city on the Pacific coast, it is the final western stop of the Chihuahua-Pacific Railroad. It is also an arrival point for the ferry from La Paz.
- Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico- Considered one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, the train crosses 36 bridges and passes 87 tunnels along its 655 km route from México’s interior to the Pacific coast.
- Divisadero- Providing stunning views of the Copper Canyon, the train stops here for photo opportunities and the chance to stretch your legs and peruse the many vendors’ stalls. A great chance to see the panoramic views of the canyon before heading toward the pine covered rim of Copper Canyon.
- Batopilas- A small 19th century mining village found deep in the canyon about 140 miles south of Creel. While hiking the Copper Canyon, the ‘tropical’ climate allows you to be amongst the numerous fruit trees, rather than the cool pine forests of Creel.
- Creel- Founded in 1907 as a railroad town and located on one of the main rims of Copper Canyon, Creel offers a great place to spend a night or two, hike the canyons, and partake in other activities. Covered with pine forests, the cool air around the rim of this area in Copper Canyon blends with the crisp pine smell creating a unique aroma that remains with you long after your departure.
- Chihuahua- Best known for being home to Pancho Villa in the early 1900s and the home base for Benito Juarez in the late 1800s, Chihuahua has strong revolutionary roots. Today, travelers most often see Chihuahua as a gateway city into the Copper Canyon and the first stop on the Chihuahua-Pacific Railroad.
- Taramuhara Indians- The second largest Native American Indigenous Community, these world famous long-distance runners moved into the Copper Canyon over five hundred years ago to avoid conscription by Spaniards to work in the silver mines. Still maintaining a vital presence in the area, the Taramuhara live throughout the Copper Canyon region in log cabins and caves, maintaining close ties to the land. Don’t be surprised to share the trail with a few locals!
