Copper Canyon — Destination Guide: Overview

Mexico's "Grand Canyon" is not one but more than 20 spectacular canyons carved deep into the Sierra Tarahumara range of the Sierra Madre Occidental chain in the northwest of the country. Covering a total area four times the size of the Arizona canyon, the Copper Canyon plunges as much as 6,163 feet from lip to foot. The rugged landscape of cliffs, rock outcrops and pillars and deep gorges encompasses ecosysytems varying from subtropical at lower altitudes to alpine at the top. The only route through the canyon region is is the 406-mile Chihuahua-Pacific Railway running from Chihuahua on Mexico's northern high plains down to Los Mochis near ...

Mexico's "Grand Canyon" is not one but more than 20 spectacular canyons carved deep into the Sierra Tarahumara range of the Sierra Madre Occidental chain in the northwest of the country. Covering a total area four times the size of the Arizona canyon, the Copper Canyon plunges as much as 6,163 feet from lip to foot. The rugged landscape of cliffs, rock outcrops and pillars and deep gorges encompasses ecosysytems varying from subtropical at lower altitudes to alpine at the top. The only route through the canyon region is is the 406-mile Chihuahua-Pacific Railway running from Chihuahua on Mexico's northern high plains down to Los Mochis near the Pacific coast. A trip along this railroad, threading 87 tunnels and crossing 36 bridges, is an adventure in itself, but there are ample opportunities to stop off along the way and explore the dramatic canyon country by horseback, bicycle, foot or 4WD. Accommodation ranging from budget dorms to comfortable lodges is available at several towns and villages, notably Creel. The region is also home to the Tarahumara indigenous people, famed for their ability to run long distances and also producers of attractive handicrafts.

About the Expert

John Noble and Susan Forsyth are coauthors of Lonely Planet's Spain, Andalucia, and Mexico as well as many other LP titles from Indonesia to Belize to Brazil.