The Grand Canyon might be the most famous canyon in the world, but it’s far from the largest or the deepest. The six canyon system in the northern Mexico, known as Copper Canyon, beats it on both. The area has seen only moderate tourism compared to its American cousin, but it should be on every riders bucketlist.
Copper Canyon has near endless opportunities for exploration, but one of the most exciting rides through the canyon region has to be the hundred miles from Creel to Urique . The nearby Valley of Frogs and Valley of Monks have some of the most stunning rock formations you’ll see, while the hair-raising descent into Urique will have you wondering what everyone is getting so excited about in Arizona.
Planning Your Ride to Copper Canyon The hundred mile trip from Creel to Urique is not particularly difficult so long as you have some experience riding dirt. Much of it runs along the top of the canyon, providing gorgeous views of the valley below. The final leg of the journey is populated with numerous switchbacks, which can be covered in loose gravel – take your time here (the views are amazing anyways).
The relatively uninhabited landscapes around Copper Canyon have been used for drug cultivation, so use caution. Plan your days so that you’re never riding past sunset as riders have disappeared in the past. That being said, the towns of Creel, Divesadero, and Urique are safe and as long as you stay on the roads; you’ll be fine during the day.
Fuel You shouldn’t need to stop for fuel on this one, just top up before leaving Creel. If you suspect that you will head off on some side road adventures though, it’s not a bad idea to carry a small jerry can.
Accommodations and Food The most popular place to stay close to Copper Canyon is in the town of Creel. It has quite a few budget options (<$40/night) along with boutique hotels like Hotel La Estacion ($70/night). You should definitely try the local food too, authentic Mexican might be the tastiest cuisine in the world. Discada , a mixture of seasoned beef, sausage, and vegetables cooked over an old farm implement, is particularly popular here.
If you’d prefer a tent, there are campgrounds in Creel and Urique that have water and toilet facilities. Primitive camping is allowed just about anywhere, but for security’s sake, it’s a good idea to utilize the designated campgrounds or ask a farmer if you can pitch a tent on their land.
Sights Most of the visitors to Copper Canyon come by train from the coast, and you should do your best to not miss out on this sightseeing opportunity even though you’ll have your own wheels. You can ride it from Creel to Divasadero (the most scenic section) in just two hours and it only costs about $9 each way. To take the train all the way from the city of Chihuahua to the coastal town of Los Mochis takes 15 hours and costs about $100.
While many tourists and local visit the hot springs at Rekowata (where the lukewarm water is pumped into a swimming pool), a much more interesting adventure involves hiking four hours from the town of Cusarare (13 miles south of Creel) to the hot springs near Basirecota, which are much warmer and less developed.
Rocks near Creel – Photo Credit: Mexolive / Public Domain Copper Canyon Railroad – Photo Credit: David Broad / CC BY Saint Ignacio Mission near Creel – Photo Credit: David Broad / CC BY Featured Image of Copper Canyon near Creel – Photo Credit: David Broad / CC BY
