Copper Canyon Hiking & Biking

Copper Canyon Hiking & Biking Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Los Mochis, Mexico. Arrive in Los Mochis by 10:30 a.m. and take a taxi to the Santa Anita Hotel in the downtown area (20 minutes). Your REI Adventures guide will meet the entire group in the lobby of the hotel at 12:00 p.m. noon. We will then transfer by private vehicle to the colonial town of El Fuerte (a two hour drive). Enjoy an evening of comfort at a beautiful colonial mansion built in 1890. You have time to relax or explore this quaint town before our evening dinner and general trip orientation. Your exact air itinerary can be worked out with a member of the REI Adventures air department. Dinner included.

• Day 2

  Early this morning we board the first-class train to Divisadero, the Chihuahua al Pacifico. "El Chepe" is an awe-inspiring rail journey through incredible scenery. In less than 180 miles we gain nearly 8,000 feet while passing through coastal shrub, pine forest and high desert. As we loop our way up the route crosses dozens of high ravines and tunnels through the mountains. Catch your first glimpse of the canyons, climbing up the switchbacks at Estacion Temoris and then later at Divisadero, where we will enjoy stretching our legs on a two hour afternoon hike along the rim of the Copper Canyon overlooking the nearby Tararecua Canyon and the great bend of the Rio Urique. Following our return to the Divisadero station we transfer by vehicle to Creel (7668'), the "Gateway to the Copper Canyon." Here we check into our simple log-cabin lodging for the next two evenings and enjoy a Mexican meal in a Wild West mountain town atmosphere. Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch on the train on your own.

  Hiking: 2-3 miles. Terrain: Easy, along established Canyon Rim trails.

• Day 3

  Today we get on our mountain bikes to explore the breathtaking countryside of this high plateau. The ride is delightful. Highlights include a dramatic landscape of wind-sculpted rocks and sparkling streams known as the Valley of the Monks. We visit an old Spanish mission and Tarahumara cave dwellings. The Tarahumara are a fascinating culture and the second largest Indian tribe in North America (the largest being the Navajo). In large part, because they live in isolated groups throughout the canyons, they have been able to maintain much of their tradition. A short hike takes us to an awesome overlook of the Rio Conchos and our picnic lunch site. We overnight in Creel. All meals included
  
  Cycling: 18-22 miles. Terrain: Dirt roads, some single track. Options for all levels of mountain bikers.

• Day 4

  After breakfast we board our van for a scenic drive (2.5 hours) to the jumping off spot for our exhilarating descent to Batopilas. The first 3-4 miles today include challenging uphill sections as well as pedaling through fragrant pine forests. Then it is onto the kind of ride we dream of … Our descent of nearly 3000' in seven miles offers incredible views with every twist and turn in the road. The scale of the landscape here is mind-boggling, even surreal. While pedaling down this hard-packed gravel road be very careful to go slowly and to concentrate on the road and controlled turns. Our ride ends at La Bufa, a historical mining town, for a picnic lunch. After relaxing and taking in the views we continue by van to the bottom of the canyon (2 hours), to the charming village of Batopilas. Or for those who wish to get in more riding, continue on to Batopilas by bike. Our lodging is a lovely, fully restored Mexican hacienda with all the amenities. All meals included.
  
  Cycling: 20-30 miles with 3000' descent; Terrain: unpaved road, uneven surface, rocky in places.

• Day 5

  Batopilas (1640') may well be the most remote town in North America. The road connecting it to the rim arrived only 30 years ago! It once was one of the richest towns in Mexico with tons of silver hauled out on burro trains. Today it is a tranquil, riverside town and home to only 1,000 people. The surrounding area is the canyon home to the reclusive Tarahumara Indians, renowned as long distance runners. We hike to the "Lost Cathedral of Satevo" built nearly four hundred years ago by the Jesuits. We take time to swim in the sparkling pools of the Rio Batopilas, also a lovely lunch spot. We also have the option to take a guided tour of the ruins of the Batopilas Mining Company and learn about the storied American, Alexander Shepard's role in history of this area. We overnight again in Batopilas. Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner on your own.
  
  Hiking: 8+ miles.

• Day 6

  Today we have planned a full day hiking up the canyon on a fairly rugged foot trail toward the small town of Cerro Colorado. We begin on the Silver Trail following the Rio Batopilas up-river offering great views, side arroyos for explorations and numerous historical points of interest. There are several shallow river crossings that allow for a quick and cooling dip. We pass small pueblos in idyllic settings surrounded by cactus, capoc and other tropical flora. We may meet Tarahumarans on the trail carrying corn and beans for trade in town. Today's journey feels like a step back in time; it's a privilege to relish. We overnight in Batopilas. (There is a shorter hike option for those not wanting to hike to Cerro Colorado). All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 14+ miles (shorter options available) across mixed terrain, streams, and rolling hills.

• Day 7

  Following breakfast we leave the lower canyon and begin our return to the forested rim. We arrive at our evening's lodging in time for lunch today. This afternoon we have time to hike to the lovely Cusarare waterfall. Our beautiful yet rustic lodge (7220') is a great wilderness hideaway located in a pine scented valley near the rushing Cusarare River. We enjoy a peaceful ambience in the absence of electricity, phones and television. The light from kerosene lamps casts a warm glow on the varnished log walls and tiled floors. Take time to relax and soak up the serenity of this special place. A delicious lodge dinner served family style awaits us. Settle into a comfortable chair and enjoy a margarita by the roaring fire. We overnight in Cusarare. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 3+ miles.

• Day 8

  Enjoy a full lodge breakfast after an optional, very early morning hike to the cave dwellings of the Tamaharas where cave paintings can still be seen. Then it's off to Creel for any last minute shopping. Late morning we transfer to Chihuahua by private van, stopping along the way for lunch. Once in Chihuahua enjoy a short walking tour of the historical town center and a visit to the Pancho Villa museum before bidding farewell and raising cold cervezas to your guides at a final Mexican dinner. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 3 miles over steep terrain to the cave dwellings.

• Day 9

  Transfer to the Chihuahua airport for homeward bound flights. Continental breakfast available after 7am (included).

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions.

Accommodations and meals as noted in the daily itinerary; skilled bi-lingual trip leader; bicycles/helmets; private ground transportation; 1st class train El Fuerte – Divisadero; private transfer Creel to Chihuahua; airport transfer on Day 9.

Airfare to Los Mochis/from Chihuahua; lunch on the train on Day 2; dinner on Day 5; cost of insurance of any kind; airport taxes (if any); alcoholic beverages; optional gratuities to your guides and items of a personal nature.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.

This trip is rated Moderate [3] and contains a variety of activities including moderate mountain biking and hiking. Participants should have some mountain biking experience and be comfortable riding on uneven, rocky dirt roads. Optional single track mountain biking is possible for interested travelers. Hiking is not difficult but trails are generally not maintained and are rugged. In addition, Batopilas is a very remote location. You must be in good health and physical condition.

The canyon area ranges in elevation from 1640' in Batopilas to 7875' in Creel; therefore weather and temperature conditions vary accordingly. Typically March - April and October - December are excellent months to travel to the Copper Canyon. It will generally be 20° - 25° warmer on the canyon floor than on the rim. Daytime temperatures in Batopilas during these months range in mid-70s to high-80s; in Creel they range from mid-40s to mid-60s. Do note that snow is possible in Creel during the winter months. At higher elevations March and April can be quite dry, leaving some of the streams and waterfalls diminished. December can be quite cool with a chance of snow on the rim while very pleasant on the Canyon floor.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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