Note: You are not limited to just the choices mentioned...most of these hikes can be extended with prior notice to the guides. You must be physically fit for all of the hikes. The trails are not groomed, they are narrow ridges with lots of brush and cactus. People do get hurt! The hikes are challenging and offer spectacular vistas.
I love to take off in the morning after breakfast with my day pack stuffed with-water, light
lunch and a few pesos. I generally walk first to the Cusarare Mission, just a mile or so from the Sierra Lodge. It is a beautiful Tarahumara Indian valley-huge boulders, small log cabins high on the ridges, and a lovely old Mission Church. I stop here to buy a cold pop-the store is near the church; and then I walk uphill behind the church, following one of worn Indian paths to a large boulder at the top of one of the hills. Great views down into the valley. Then I follow the dirt road nearby, which goes on for miles. I do this without guides. (If you are not fluent in Spanish we recommend you hire a local guide.) I love it!!
SIERRA LODGE--near Creel
CUSARARE WATERFALL -- The Cusarare River that wanders past the front of the Lodge, takes a 90ft. drop about 1.5 miles away. There is a well traveled train which follows the stream through some of the most beautiful landscape in the Copper Canyon area. Primarily a smooth dirt path, there are some rocky stretches and a small amount of incline. Allow at least two hours for a scenic walk.
PAINTED CAVE -- Approximately a 10 minute walk from the Lodge, there is a good size cave with a polychromatic pictographs. Anthropologists guess at their origin and the Tarahumara simply refer to "the ancient ones". The area, history and culture of the Tarahumara is fascinating.
CUSARARE MISSION -- Less than a one hour walk from the Lodge is a 300 year old Tarahumara church built under Jesuit guidance. Take the road or walk along the creek. Best place to buy the Tarahumara works of art. Plan on morning or afternoon to fully explore the area.
MESA RIDGE HIKE -- You need a guide for this hike. Climb the mesa fro around 500 feet, then walk along the mesa ridge looking down into the Tarahumara Indian valley. Walk inland to Tarahumara settlement ruins - cabins long abandoned with tools left behind, like animal traps, ladders, even grinding stones. Nearby is an apple orchard and climb below the ridge to hidden, abandoned Tarahumara caves. A most interesting archaeological discovery, uncharted! Break for lunch, and return along the waterfall route back to the lodge or continue on for a full day hike.
VALLEY OF THE MONKS - So named for the many unusual rock formations. Travel by vehicle with our resident guide. Hike along the Conchos Canyon to view the Continental Divide and volcano site.
BASERECOTA HOT SPRINGS -- This trek (with on of our guides) is for more able -bodied hikers but definitely worthwhile. Hike approximately 2.5 hours to the Canyon rim. Descend 1200-1500 feet. on a steep, rocky trail to the river and hot springs. Shed clothing down to bathing suits and sit on the sandy floor of the pool filled with warm water. The hike back to the lodge is about 4 hours. This trek works best when part of an overnight campout.
BATOPILAS
SATEVÓ MISSION -- 3.7 miles one way. One of the premier local destinations. This down-river hike can be done morning or afternoon. It can be extended to include a ridge walk which begins or ends near the silversmith's home. The ridge trailhead beyond Satevó is a 45 minute drive by truck up the ill. It can be walked. The return trip above the road gives spectacular view of Batopilas and back canyons invisible from the lower road. Steep descent near town. Plan a full day's excursion if you include the ridge walk.
HACIENDA SAN MIGUEL -- 1 mile one way. Walk upriver through Batopilas to Alexander Shepherds Hacienda. Fascinating history dating back to silver mining in the 1880's Walk or ride most informative with a guide.
ABANDONED PENASQUITO SILVER MINE -- 2.3 mile one way with 20-40 minutes exploring the mine tunnel. Morning only; steep trail. Good views of Batopilas below. Approximately 3 hours round trip with guide. This hike can be extended to include a climb beyond the mine.
ARROYO TAUNAS -- 3.6 hours. Hike with guide up this beautiful arroyo. The rocks are full of minerals and beautiful colors. Good Birding! Climb out of the arroyo for an hour of steep hiking for more good views.
CAMUCHIN RANCH -- 3.5 miles one way. Hike up arroyo to Ranch family's home. These folks have lived near the site of an old Spanish gold mine for 5 generations. This is really backwoods Mexico and a guide is needed.
AQUEDUCT --3.5 miles one way; or farther along aqueduct to dam. Pretty views; easy hike; mornings or afternoons on your won, or with a guide.
CERRO COLORADO -- 6 miles one way. Begin this hike on the Camino Real trails. Follow the Batopilas River to La Junta and continue walking to the village of Cerro Colorado. The upper trail takes you through side arroyos, while the lower trail crosses the river at two or three places. Cerro Colorado is an old gold mining area where mining along the river is still active. Begin this hike early in the morning and enjoy ample shade, good swimming holes, mining ruins and local traffic.
Copper Canyon Trip Description
Copper Canyon Group Itineraries Copper Canyon Independent Itineraries
Chepe History Frequently Asked Questions Tarahumara Indians
