Creel & Copper Canyon Travel Guide

Copper Canyon is a system of six interconnected canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental of Chihuahua that collectively dwarfs the Grand Canyon — both deeper and wider. Creel is the main base town for exploring the canyon system, and the Chepe (Chihuahua al Pacífico railway) is the iconic way to reach it. The combination of spectacular scenery, indigenous Tarahumara (Rarámuri) culture, and one of the world’s great train journeys makes this one of Mexico’s most underrated travel experiences.

The Chepe — the train journey

The Chepe Regional connects Los Mochis (Sinaloa, on the Pacific coast) to Chihuahua City over 655 km of track through dramatic mountain scenery. The route crosses 37 bridges and passes through 86 tunnels as it climbs from sea level to over 2,400m.

Key stops: Los Mochis → El Fuerte → Bahuichivo (for Cerocahui village) → Divisadero (canyon rim viewpoint) → Creel → Chihuahua

Direction to travel: most visitors recommend travelling west to east (Los Mochis → Chihuahua) to have better light for photography in the canyon sections. East to west is also fine; the train runs both ways.

Classes: the Chepe Express is first class with dining car and panoramic windows. The Chepe Regional is the slower, cheaper service that stops at more communities. Most canyon-region travellers take the Chepe Regional from Los Mochis or El Fuerte.

Booking: tickets are sold at stations and online at chepe.mx. Reserve at least a week ahead in high season.

Creel

Creel is a small mountain town at 2,338m, the most accessible entry point to the canyon system. It’s cold year-round compared to coastal Mexico — bring layers. The town has a central plaza, Rarámuri craft stalls, and a range of guesthouses and tour operators. Most visitors stay 2–3 nights to explore the surrounding area.

What to see around Creel

Divisadero: the viewpoint on the canyon rim, accessible by train stop or road. Standing at the edge, the scale of the canyon becomes clear. Cable car descends partway into the canyon.

Batopilas: a colonial silver-mining town at the bottom of one of the canyons, reachable by a 4-hour dirt road descent from Creel. Dramatic drive; the town sits in a subtropical microclimate while Creel is cold above.

Cusárare waterfall and mission: 30 km from Creel, a Jesuit mission (1690) and a waterfall through pine forest.

Rarámuri communities: the Tarahumara (Rarámuri) are the indigenous people of the canyon region, famous for long-distance running. Craft markets in Creel and along the train route sell handmade baskets, textiles, and wooden figures.

When to go

October–April: clearest skies and most comfortable temperatures. October is particularly good — the canyon is still green from summer rains.

July–August: rainy season; some roads may flood but the canyon is lush. Avoid if planning to hike.