Make Copper Canyon Your Next RV Stop in Mexico Russ and Lori Tice - Daily Press
go to original July 2, 2016

The MEXICO Report correspondent Rick Najera, shows what it's like to ride El Chepe train into Mexico's Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, Mexico. (Susie Albin-Najera)

Sometimes as important as the destination, is the route taken to get there. Especially when traveling out of The United States, a little homework before travel can truly benefit you.

An amazing destination in Mexico would be the Copper Canyon and surrounding areas. Travel there is fairly easy, not too many highway changes once in Mexico, and roads have recently been improved. From the high desert, we suggest heading east to Phoenix. This is an easy one day trip. From Phoenix, you would take a short hop south to Tucson. Cross the border by Nogales, and it is another easy one day drive to Copper Canyon. In the area of the Sierra Madre Occidental, you will be in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua in northwest Mexico.

Made up of six different canyons, you will be amazed that some of these canyons are deeper and longer than The Grand Canyon. The walls of these canyons are a copper-green color. It is beautiful. Thusly, the name of Copper Canyon fits the area well. Copper Canyon is home to the Tarahumara and Raramuri peoples. These folks generally live in the cooler, mountain areas during the warmer summer months.

In this region of Mexico, you will see nearly two hundred species of oak trees and twenty three species of pine trees. In the higher altitudes reaching 8,000 feet, the scent of the mighty Douglas Fir Pine fills the air. In contrast but equally as beautiful, are the fig and palm trees that thrive at the canyon floor. The humidity at the canyon floor and abundant water create a tropical environment that these trees love.

Inside the Coolest Short Bus Camper Conversion Ever (Outside)

There are so many ways to enjoy the Copper Canyon experience. One way that is peaceful and unique would be by train. This is an experience like no other. Please try to take this adventure if at all possible. The train line is called the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico. An easier name to remember is ChePe, as the line is known as either. The main canyon is called Canyon Urique. The tracks run between Chihuahua and Los Mochis. You would then be at the Gulf of California. The rails comprise over 400 miles of track. There are nearly 40 bridges and just fewer than 90 tunnels along this journey. This is an all-day deal to be sure. The train adventure can take between 14 and 18 hours.

As you roll through the many small towns along the way, Tarahumarans have their exquisitely created food, crafts, and jewelry for sale. The Copper Canyon area is so large, that Mexico created the Parque Barranca del Cobre. This National Park encompasses the municipalities of Urique, Bocoyna, Batopilas, and Guachochi. This train can climb. You will love Temoris, a town that changes in elevation nearly 400 meters. The train does a switchback from the valley three times to gain elevation on its climb. As you do so, part of your ride is through a mile long tunnel built in the canyon walls.

At the bottom of the canyon is Batopilas. Remnants are here of a town that the Spanish built around 1632. They mined silver here in great quantities. One of the favorite train stops is at Divisadero. The train stops here for about 20 minutes. The view is spectacular. Something to remember is that there are now three tourist class hotels here. There are also lower cost guesthouses that are very clean and even have meals included.

Think about extending your stay a couple of days to enjoy this area. It breaks the train trip into two days and you get to take in all that this area has to offer. The people are amazing and friendly as can be. The folks really enjoy that you have come to visit. Think about Copper Canyon being your first or next Mexico vacation. Camping is available along the entire route. Check ahead to plan the miles per day you want to travel and where you may want to stay. Visit Copper Canyon, say hello to our neighbors to the south, and Let’s Get Rollin!

To contact Russ and Lori, email them at Russ.Lori.Rollin@gmail.com.

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