A sample Copper Canyon itinerary

Day 1, El Paso – Creel

After picking you up at your hotel in El Paso, we’ll cross the border, pick up tourist cards and drive to Creel in the Sierra Madre. On the way, we’ll pass through the Chihuahuan Desert, passing the Samalayuca Sand Dunes (the largest dunes in North America) and then through the beautiful Mennonite farm country, before arriving in Creel. Once settled in our comfortable hotel, we will have some time to explore this western town before a nice dinner at the hotel.

Day 2, Creel

We’ll spend the day riding single-track and hiking in the beautiful Creel area. We will visit the Valley of the Monks, Lake Arareco, and Cusarare Falls. Depending on the interests of the group, we can also visit some of the small Jesuit missions in the area.

Day 3, Creel

On day three, we’ll explore the canyon rim area, first riding single-track around the rim of Tararecua Canyon, passing interesting Tarahumara Indian ranchitos along the way. We’ll then make the short drive to the Divisadero area for our first spectacular view of Urique canyon and enjoy lunch overlooking the 6,000 foot deep canyon. After lunch, well ride single-track along the rim, stopping to enjoy the many scenic views along the way.

Day 4, Creel – La Bufa

On day 4, we’ll rise early and drive toward Batopilas Canyon, passing through Copper Canyon on the way. We’ll begin our ride in one of the side canyons in pine forests at about 7,000 feet. Our descent into the canyon will include dozens of switchbacks and take us from pine forests, into oak forests and eventually into the warm sub-tropical environment in the bottom of the canyon. We’ll then spend the night at the beautiful home of our friend Fritz, in La Bufa.

Day 5, La Bufa – Batopilas

On day 5 we’ll ride along the beautiful Batopilas River to the colonial silver mining town (first mined in 1653) of Batopilas, pausing along the way for a swim in one of the great swimming holes along the Batopilas River. We’ll then spend the afternoon exploring the ruins of the Sheppard Hacienda and the colonial architecture of Batopilas.

Day 6, Batopilas

We’ll spend day six either hiking in the Batopilas area or riding along the Batopilas River to the beautiful “Lost Mission” of Satevo. After the ride, we’ll spend the afternoon and evening relaxing and further exploring the town of Batopilas.

Day 7, Batopilas – Cuatemoc

We’ll rise early for the drive out of Batopilas canyon. Or, if you’d rather challenge yourself with 40 miles of trail and 8000 feet of climbing you can leave at sunrise and ride out. (Don’t worry, if you can’t make it, we’ll pick you up in the van.) We’ll stop in Creel for lunch and a last chance to shop for Tarahumara crafts, before heading on to the town of Cuatemoc. After checking into the hotel, we enjoy a steak dinner and look around town before retiring.

Day 8, Cuatemoc – El Paso

We’ll drive back to El Paso, and drop you at either your hotel, or the airport.