Copper Canyon
Canyon Vast network of canyons larger than Grand Canyon
The Copper Canyon system in Chihuahua comprises several deep river-cut gorges across the Sierra Madre; the Chepe train runs scenic routes through them. Travelers seek viewpoint platforms, hiking, indigenous Rarámuri communities and multi-day rail journeys.
Copper Canyon - Barrancas del Cobre - is a network of deep river-carved canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental of Chihuahua, Mexico. The system comprises several major canyons with steep walls and river valleys, and it is notable for its remote landscapes and indigenous Rarámuri (Tarahumara) communities.
Key visitor experiences focus on panoramic viewpoints, train journeys through the gorges, and excursions to small mountain towns and river valleys. The regional passenger railway, known as El Chepe, runs through the canyon corridor and is a primary public means of access, offering scenic views of bridges and ravines.
The canyons were formed by tributaries of the Fuerte, Copper and other rivers cutting through volcanic and sedimentary rock over geological time. The area has been inhabited by the Rarámuri people for centuries and includes communities, ranches and mining-era settlements along canyon floors and rims.
The Copper Canyon region lies in southwestern Chihuahua state in northwestern Mexico, spanning rugged portions of the Sierra Madre Occidental. Access is usually via regional roads or the El Chepe rail line; principal towns include Creel, Divisadero and Batopilas.
- Scenic rail access: The Chihuahua al Pacífico railway known as El Chepe traverses the canyon corridor and is the most scenic public link between coastal Los Mochis and Chihuahua city.
- Practicalities: Trail conditions vary and weather can change quickly in the highland canyons; local guides are recommended for deeper canyon hikes and visits to remote villages.
What to See #
- Divisadero: Divisadero offers several cliff-top viewpoints and a visitor center with panoramic platforms overlooking multiple canyon walls and gorges.
- Creel: Creel is a mountain town that serves as a gateway for canyon excursions and local Rarámuri culture, with nearby natural attractions and trails.
- Batopilas: Batopilas is a deep canyon town at the bottom of a narrow gorge accessible by road and trail, known for historic mining activity and river access.
- Urique: Urique is a remote canyon settlement on the Urique River offering access to steep canyon walls and traditional Rarámuri communities.
How to Get to Copper Canyon #
Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre) is best reached by the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico (the tourist train known as “El Chepe”), which runs between Chihuahua city and Los Mochis and stops at gateway towns such as Creel and Divisadero. From those towns you can take short local drives or guided tours to canyon viewpoints.
You can also reach the region by road from the state capital Chihuahua or from Los Mochis via regional mountain roads; the main access towns for visitors are Creel, Divisadero and Urique where parking and local transport/tours are available.
Tips for Visiting Copper Canyon #
- Start from Creel or Divisadero and plan to be at the miradores at first light - the morning sun and clearer air give the best panoramic views of the canyon and are before most tour groups arrive.
- Book El Chepe train seats or long-distance bus tickets well in advance for travel between Chihuahua and Los Mochis; the train stops at Divisadero and provides the easiest access to the main viewpoints.
- Don't skip visits to the nearby Tarahumara (Rarámuri) villages around Creel - guided village walks reveal local crafts and caves that many day-trippers miss and are best arranged through reputable local guides in Creel.
Best Time to Visit Copper Canyon #
Best visited in the dry months (roughly November-April) for cooler, clearer weather and easier hiking and sightseeing.
Weather & Climate near Copper Canyon #
Copper Canyon's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in June) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 37°C. Moderate rainfall (754 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 9 mm.
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May
May is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is the warmest month with highs of 37°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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July
July is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (185 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
