For recreational hikers looking to experience Copper Canyon’s natural beauty, these 10 trails offer a range of scenic views without demanding extreme endurance. Copper Canyon’s network of six interconnected canyons provides a wide range of experiences, each with its own unique charm. Here’s a guide to 10 accessible hikes, complete with starting and ending points and distance details. Enjoy the journey through México’s “Grand Canyon!”
1. Divisadero Overlook Trail
- Starting Point: Divisadero Lookout, near the Divisadero train station
- Ending Point: Divisadero Lookout, loop trail
- Distance: About 1.5 miles (2.4 km), loop
- Overview: This easy loop trail gives hikers access to a series of lookouts with breathtaking views over the canyons. Local vendors at the lookout add a touch of culture to this gentle, scenic hike.
2. Cerro del Gallego in Urique Canyon
- Starting Point: Town of Cerocahui
- Ending Point: Cerro del Gallego Lookout
- Distance: About 5 miles (8 km) round-trip
- Overview: A moderate hike with some climbing, this trail leads to a high vantage point over the Urique Canyon and river below. It’s a photogenic spot, especially at sunrise or sunset.
3. Basaseachic Falls Trail
- Starting Point: Basaseachic Falls National Park entrance
- Ending Point: Basaseachic Falls viewpoint
- Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) round-trip
- Overview: This moderate trail winds through forests to a viewpoint of the towering 246-meter Basaseachic Falls, one of México’s tallest. Multiple viewpoints allow hikers to choose how far they want to go.
4. Cusárare Falls Trail
- Starting Point: Parking area near Cusárare village
- Ending Point: Cusárare Falls
- Distance: About 3 miles (4.8 km) round-trip
- Overview: This gentle, mostly flat hike takes you along a river through a beautiful pine forest, ending at Cusárare Falls. Ideal for families and those looking for a more relaxed hike, it’s best after the rainy season.
5. Batopilas to Satevó Mission
- Starting Point: Town of Batopilas
- Ending Point: Satevó Mission (Lost Cathedral)
- Distance: Approximately 5 miles (8 km) one-way
- Overview: For a touch of history, this trail from Batopilas leads to the remote Satevó Mission. The trail is a moderate, scenic trek with a unique view into the region’s past.
6. Cusarare Canyon Trail
- Starting Point: Cusárare village
- Ending Point: Cusarare Canyon viewpoint
- Distance: About 4 miles (6.4 km) round-trip
- Overview: This moderate trail takes hikers through dense pine forests and along a river, eventually leading to a stunning viewpoint over Cusarare Canyon. This area is known for its tranquility and natural beauty.
7. La Bufa Ridge Trail
- Starting Point: Near the village of La Bufa
- Ending Point: La Bufa Ridge
- Distance: Approximately 6 miles (9.6 km) round-trip
- Overview: This trail follows a scenic route to La Bufa Ridge, with panoramic views of the surrounding canyons. It’s a moderate hike, a bit challenging at times, but the views from the ridge make it worth the effort.
8. Urique River Trail
- Starting Point: Town of Urique
- Ending Point: Urique River bank
- Distance: About 3 miles (4.8 km) one-way
- Overview: A gentler hike along the Urique River, this trail is a great way to enjoy the canyon without a steep climb. The river views and chance to see local wildlife make it a rewarding yet accessible trek.
9. Sinforosa Canyon Trail
- Starting Point: Sinforosa Canyon Lookout near Guachochi
- Ending Point: First viewpoint along Sinforosa Canyon
- Distance: Approximately 5 miles (8 km) round-trip
- Overview: Known as one of the more remote canyons, this moderate trail begins at Sinforosa Canyon Lookout and takes you along scenic ridges and viewpoints. Sinforosa Canyon is rugged and wild, giving hikers a true sense of adventure.
10. Batopilas River Walk
- Starting Point: Batopilas town center
- Ending Point: Riverside area just outside Batopilas
- Distance: About 2 miles (3.2 km) round-trip
- Overview: This is a short and easy riverside walk in Batopilas, perfect for winding down after other hikes. The path runs along the riverbank, giving you a relaxing view of Batopilas and its surroundings.
Here are a few resources to create or find trail maps for these Copper Canyon hikes in Chihuahua:
1. AllTrails
- AllTrails is a reliable platform for trail maps. You can search for each hike individually (e.g., “Divisadero Overlook Trail”) to find specific trail maps, elevations, and difficulty ratings.
2. Google Maps Custom Maps
- You can create a custom Google Map by marking each trailhead. Here’s how:
- Go to Google My Maps.
- Sign in with a Google account.
- Create a new map and drop pins for each starting point. This is a great way to organize and share all trail locations in one view.
3. Maps from the Copper Canyon Adventure Park
- The Copper Canyon Adventure Park near Divisadero often provides local maps that include several trails in the area. Their maps might have a few of the trails listed here, such as the Divisadero Overlook and surrounding routes. Check their site for digital versions or contact them for information on available trail maps.
4. Komoot
- Komoot offers detailed hiking maps and GPS routes. You can search by each trail name or even by locations such as Batopilas, Urique, or Basaseachic to find specific trail paths.
Wrapping It Up
Copper Canyon is a hiker’s paradise with trails ranging from gentle riverside walks to canyon-top viewpoints. These 10 hikes offer some of the best sights without pushing you to extremes. Whether you’re looking for a short, scenic loop or a deeper canyon experience, each of these trails brings you closer to the beauty and history of México’s Copper Canyon.
Enjoy the adventure!
