SIERRA TARAHUMARA: NORTH AMERICA'S DEEPEST CANYONS

The Copper Canyon area of Mexico's Sierra Madre is a large plateau of volcanic tuff deeply cut by rivers. The Tarahumaran Indians began to migrate here from the fertile plains of Chihuahua about 500 years ago. As Spanish efforts to find slave labor for their silver mining operations increased, the Indians adapted to these inaccessible canyons. Today, Copper Canyon Trails is retracing these fabulous routes, and providing adventurous travellers with an unparalleled hiking opportunity in North America. Knowledgeable guides have painstakingly researched these trails, some of which were reconditioned by Gary Zeigler and Amy Finger of Adventure Specialists 30 years ago!

We offer several self-supported backpacking trips. Backpacks are more like a "no pain, no gain" experience. All backpacks are custom designed. We have a number of trailheads in the area from which to choose. The hikes are more demanding, but allow passage through some routes too difficult for burros. The routes and level of difficulty can be tailored to your level of experience. Novice backpackers need not worry, though. You don't have to get far away from the crowd to enjoy the spendid natural environment and tranquility that the canyon country has to offer. We'll even help you choose a new route, if you've been here before and want to expand your repetoire.

Canyon Quote

"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not take both..., I chose the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.

— Robert Frost

If you're short on time, but have the desire and stamina, we can fulfill your most aggressive itinerary. Or if you're looking for peace and solitude, birdwatching rare species at the extremes of their range, soaking in hot tubs miles from the nearest road, or discovering waterfalls during the rainy season, we can make your dreams a reality. Contact us to customize a trip.

PIEDRA VOLADA: MEXICO'S HIGHEST WATERFALL

We camp out, or stay in rustic lodges. Accommodations may be spartan as much of the region is without electricity, but the meals are filling and the locals are friendly. We may experience remote ranch life for some meals. Group size is from 3 to 12 clients, always with 2 English speaking guides. Small group size gives us the opportunity to maximize your experience and minimize our impact. Backcountry meals are typically prepared using local ingredients as available.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP

LINKS TO OUR FRIENDS

Copper Canyon Trails is recommended by the definitive Mexico travel guide, Carl Franz' People's Guide to Mexico. We recommend this timeless travelbook not only for its perpetual usefulness, but for its entertainment value in reliving the pitfalls of a savvy gringo travelling in Mexico. Carl and his partner Lorena Havens have forgotten more about Mexico than most anybody will ever know, but they stay current and have a well used website where comments and up-to-date information are appreciated.

We inherited our Urique burro crew from Gary Zeigler and Amy Finger of Adventure Specialists. Gary, a world renowned authority on the Inca, and Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, recently discovered the Inca city of Llactapata, greatly increasing our knowledge of the importance of the Machu Pichu complex. They offer personalized tours in the Andes.

Copper Canyon Trails supports and works with Center for Biological Diversity. Their efforts to call attention to the fragmentation of fragile desert ecosystems have demonstrated the interconnectedness of diverse habitats; and Sky Island Alliance. Their pioneering efforts to document the larger habitats required for large mammals with the help of citizen-scientists have produced data that is used to establish wildlife corridors between distant mountain ranges; the "sky islands" separated by "desert seas". They have recently documented native jaguar hunting ranges as far north as southern Arizona. Please check out the websites of both of these worthy environmental organizations based in Tucson, AZ. We also support and admire NativeSeeds/S.E.A.R.C.H. For years this non-profit organization has maintained the integrity of distinct plant species in the Desert Southwest, including the Sierra Madre and the Colorado Plateau. In this GMO world when airborne pollen can compromise indigenous species, forever eradicating hereditary traits, this is an increasingly arduous task. Recently a seed farm has been opened in Batopilas to grow-out local seeds.

Those concerned with indigenous inhabitants, particularly with a hankering to run 30 miles or more for a gourdful of Tesguino should contact Caballo Blanco, founder of the Club Mas Loco, and promoter/participant in ultra-marathon events held yearly in the Sierras.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

BY AIRPLANE

BY BUS

After the hike you can continue on, by train or bus, to Chihuahua City. The cathedral/central plaza area downtown is very picturesque. A popular zocalo with a centrally located gazebo is flanked by porticos. As sunset approaches, this area becomes a social center as prospective or perpetual couples make the paseo. There is a lot of revolutionary history in this town, and a Pancho Villa museum in a period palace called Quinta Luz. The actual car in which Pancho Villa was assassinated while driving thru Parral has retired here.

BY CAR