Lodge-based exploration of the “other” Grand Canyon

Hidden in the heart of Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental lies Copper Canyon, a spectacular complex of nearly impenetrable chasms covering more than four times the area of the Grand Canyon (and much deeper)! This rugged wilderness of pine-studded mountains and formidable canyons is still a well-kept secret, known to but a few hardy adventurers and the indigenous Tarahumara, celebrated for their amazing long-distance running feats. On this adventure (one of the few truly active trips offered in Copper Canyon) you’ll explore this great wilderness on foot to meet the Tarahumara in their remote villages, enjoy spectacular vistas, see cascading waterfalls, and splash in cooling river pools (great bird-watching, too!). At night you’ll relax in comfortable accommodations, where you’ll dine beside a roaring fire, enjoy margaritas and spirited conversation, and view incredible nighttime skies unhindered by the lights of civilization.

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Activities

7 days easy to moderate hiking

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience Copper Canyon on foot, from the forested highlands, to the lofty interior mesas, to the subtropical canyon floor —not just from the train!
• Meet the unassuming Tarahumara people in their rugged homeland
• Unique natural history and great birding (more than 200 species!)
• Relax in comfortable lodging after a great day on the trail (margaritas included!)

Duration: 9 days Start Location: Chihuahua City End Location: Chihuahua City

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Arrive in Chihuahua City

  Arrive in Chihuahua City, Mexico, the capital of the state of Chihuahua.

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  Day 2 : Cusárare

  Drive to Cusárare, nestled in pine forests of the Sierra highlands at 7,200 feet. Afternoon hike to Tarahumara cave dwellings and pictographs, and to enjoy scenic vistas of the land of the Tarahumara.

• Day 3 : Cusárare

  Hike along the Cusárare River to Cusárare Falls, more than 100 feet in height. Optional afternoon loop hike on centuries-old paths leading through forests, farms, and ranches to the village of Cusárare, with its church dating back to the 1700s.

• Day 4 : Batopilas

  Spectacular drive to the historic Mexican mining pueblo of Batopilas on the canyon floor (a 6,000-foot descent), where you'll stay at a hacienda. You'll spend the next few days exploring the rugged environs. Options include, visiting the historic silver trail (the camino real), exploring remote Tarahumara villages where you can meet the locals and learn about their life in the canyon, and scenic hikes to the tops of nearby mesas.

• Day 5 : Mesa de San Jose

  Walk to the ruins of Hacienda San Miguel, once the headquarters of silver magnate Alexander Shepherd, and stroll through the historic old town square of Batopilas. Next, we drive back to Batopilas to browse through a unique shop just off the square with silver and other curios. Those who wish may walk back to Batopilas. Dinner and overnight at the hacienda.

• Day 6 : Huimayvo

  Hike 7-9 miles roundtrip (depending upon optional extension near the end of the walk) into a deep side canyon of the Batopilas to the tiny Tarahumara village of Huimayvo, hidden beneath the canyon’s towering walls. We may visit the homes of local Tarahumara farmers and craftspeople.

• Day 7 : Drive to Cusarare, stopping along the way for an incredible rim overlook hike

  Drive back to Cusárare, stopping along the way for lunch and a hike to a spectacular canyon rim overlook.

• Day 8 : Valley of the Monks & Return to Chihuahua City

  Optional side trip to Divisadero for dramatic views of Copper Canyon proper, then hike in the otherworldly Valley of the Monks, a hidden little pocket of eroded rock pillars. Drive to Chihuahua City.

• Day 9 : Fly Home

  Depart Chihuahua City.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Jon Bohach

  Jon has been guiding rivers throughout the United States, Mexico and Central America for over 21 years. He has logged over 10,000 river miles on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho, the Rio Grande, the Arkansas, and many others. His experience in Copper Canyon, Mexico began in 1978 when he travelled through the canyon on the old train. It had wooden benches and was covered with Tarahumara Indians riding on top. He’s since assisted in projects to collect endangered species of cactus and studied medicinal desert plants. He also made one first descent, canyoneering a 35 mile section of the upper Oteros in the northern section of Copper Canyon. He began guiding in Northern Mexico in 1994. He remains fascinated by its rich history, tradition, art , and the unique cuisine. He continues to return over and over again, inspired by the people that live in this place and the people that he guides. Jon is full of stories from a lifetime of adventure.

• Keith Albritton

  Keith Albritton was raised in Wisconsin, but has always had a passion for mountain and desert environments. Armed with boundless curiosity and a degree in geography, he headed west in the mid-eighties to begin what has now become a twenty plus year career as a field naturalist and wilderness guide. An interest in birds first carried him to Mexico in 1986 (where he now runs MTS Copper Canyon offerings), as well as other work stints in Belize and the Galapagos. When not working south of the border, Keith splits time between Salida, Colorado and a cabin in Wisconsin's northwoods.

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