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Advanced Copper Canyon Expedition
Dual-Sport/Dirt Adventure in Mexico
8 Days / 7 Nights
Dirt Riding on Rough-Cut, Single-Lane Roads - Trail Riding Options
INCLUDES BATOPILAS, SATEVO, TUBARES, PIEDRAS VERDES, MESA DE ARTURO, CEROCAHUI AND URIQUE
Paved Miles: 855 / Dirt Miles: 300 - It is possible to trailer down to Creel and reduce the paved riding miles to 85 if you have a non street legal bike, please let us know
General Description
Located between what most riders and tourists know as Copper Canyon and the western Sea of Cortez, lies a vast uncharted region of rugged mountains, sprawling rivers and desert valleys. This area is known as the Baja Sierra Tarahumara. It is the land through which Spanish missionaries traveled on their way to the northern Mexican heartland in the early 1500s. It is rich in history, yet due to its rugged facade, it has remained dormant in time. As a land populated with cowboys and Indians, it resembles our American West in the mid-1800s. This area will delight even the most globally-traveled, dual-sport/dirt rider.
Bikes and Riding Experience
KLR-650 style bikes will do well on this trip. Any bike that is more dirt oriented will, of course, also be excellently suited for this expeditionary-style trip.
All riding is on single-lane roads, many of which are rough-cut. These roads pass through sparsely inhabited terrain. At suggested locations, trail and off-road riding will be available for those wishing to extend the challenge. Gas is of good quality. Where needed, the support vehicle carries any necessary fuel during the extended remote portions of this trip.
Better than average riding skills are required and good health with reasonable physical fitness are important assets for completing and enjoying this type of trip.
Start and End Points
Start and end points are in Douglas, Arizona. For those groups or individuals arriving by bike or with trailered bikes, we will meet at 5:00 pm prior to the tour start date. A specified hotel location with room reservations will be designated. Secure storage of tow vehicles is provided. For those trailering dirt bikes, you will continue trailering with us to Creel, where secure storage of your tow vehicle and trailer will be available. Dirt bike riding will commence from there.
For those wishing to air or ground ship your bike, we will help you coordinate arrival in Tucson for both you and your bike.
Border Crossings
Things you must have to enter Mexico with a motorcycle:
- An unexpired passport or certified birth certificate (no photocopies).
- A major unexpired credit card in your name.
- An unexpired drivers license.
- The title or unexpired registration to your bike. One or the other is sufficient. It must have your name listed (no photocopies).
Passengers riding in the support vehicle need only bring an unexpired passport or certified birth certificate (no photocopies).
Geography
Located less than 300 miles southwest of the Texas Big Bend National Park, the Sierra Madre mountain range contains 25,000 square miles of remote canyons, many of which are dual-sport and dirt bike accessible. Copper in color, a surprising number of these canyons are both larger and deeper than our own Grand Canyon. Together, they are quite possibly the largest canyon system in the world, including Tibet.
Highly vegetated and filled with wildlife, the canyons are home to Amerindians, known to us as the Tarahumara. These friendly cave dwellers are famous for their hundred-mile runs and their tesquino, or corn beer. You will see them and one of their cave homes on this trip.
Weather
Other than the rainy months of late July and August, this trip may be made available throughout the year. Spring and fall generally are the best seasons to visit the canyons; however, winter trips have been cooler in the river valleys and have been generally delightful. Higher elevations at 7,000 feet will see evening temperatures go below freezing, but daytime highs are in the 60s to 70s. The air is low in humidity and resembles that of Colorado. Canyon bottoms and river valleys at 1,500 feet generally see warm to hot weather and palm trees; subtropical plants and cacti are abundant. Rainfall is under two inches a month for spring and fall; however, it can come on suddenly, so carrying light rain gear is advised.
General Tour Itinerary
Due to the more rugged nature of this trip, weather may play a significant variable in altering each individual expeditions itinerary. For example, swollen rivers may delay or significantly alter the tour's route and progress. Although only one evening of camping is planned, tents and provisions are always at the ready for this style of trip. Keep in mind, it is all part of the adventure!
Day 1. Creel
Our first day’s journey takes us across the northern parts of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. We have a long day but very scenic crossing the high plains and eventually peaking out in the Sierra. All blacktop today but that just warms us up for the excellent adventure we have ahead of us. Our comfortable hotel in Creel will be a welcome as we get in after a 380 mile drive. Welcome drinks and Mexican food will top off our night as we get to know our comrades on the ride.
Day 2. Batopilas
.One of North America's most famous roads leads us over 90 miles of mountainous terrain. Chiseled from the mountain rock in 1975, it vertically descends a mile and a half via dozens of switchbacks and bends. Following the Batopilas river for another fifteen miles, we cross the river and a number of its tributaries and make a mountainous climb to the famous town of Cerro Colorado. From here we backtrack to the Batopilas river, cross and head on our way to the famous mining town of Batopilas. Arriving in town, history again awaits us as we discover this colonial village nestled between the cliffs. Our hotel is charming, and dinner is served to us as guests in a local family's home.
Day 3. Batopilas
Todays journey is one of our favorite loops to ride in the Batopilas Canyon. A seldom used trail will start us off on our climb out of the southeastern side of the canyon, eventually reaching the high Sierras once again. We stop to enjoy the view into the complex canyon maze before heading to the town of Polanco for lunch. After a meal served in a local house we head back to Satevo and our hotel in Batopilas. Those wanting to relax and explore the historic town of Batopilas will have a chance as today is a free day.
Day 4. Urique
Passing to the south we briefly visit the famous "Lost Cathedral" of Satevo. Here a number of routes present themselves. We head steeply into the mountains in an ascent that is seldom experienced anywhere else. The rocky rough-cut road finally crests over the mountains' peak. You scan ahead an endless array of valleys and mountain tops. Eventually descending to almost sea level, cacti and roadrunners become common sights. The dirt road passes by remote ranch houses and sparsely-populated villages. You will likely go all day without seeing another motor vehicle. As the road climbs, you eventually come to an overlook with an expansive view of the Batopilas river valley shortly before it merges with the Rio Fuerte. It is like a scene from the movie "How the West was Won". Soon the river disappears behind mountains and the road intermittently returns to the river basin with many smaller river wash-bed crossings. We come to the Rio Urique and follow it for several miles. We have our first major river crossing, then climb a plateau and eventually come to Casa Colorado. From here we start to climb back into the high country passing 2 large mines that have recently opened. The canyon heat will diminish and the smell of pine will come with the cool air. At our major cross roads we take our last descent for the day into the deepest of all of them, the Urique Canyon. At the Cerro Gallego view point you will feel like you are on top of the world. A charming hotel awaits us in the small canyon town of Urique.
Day 5. Cerocahui
After a good nights rest, we are back on our iron steeds, for a short but fun ride today. We climb out of the Urique canyon and head to the Copper Canyon Moto Lodge in Cerocahui. We will stop off and see the 1680 Mission in the heart of Cerocahui. The Moto Lodge is a place for riders, some may want to spend the day relaxing or reading a book, others may want more riding, which we have. Some local riding will can be done, trails or roads, it is your call and our guides will give you the low down.
Day 6. Cerocahui
Today will do a guided trip to Churro. We take the back way into a remote Indian village where there is a Tarahumara Boarding School. We will be the attraction for the kids as they leave school to check out us and the bikes. Those wanting to relax may hike or horseback ride in Cerocahui.
Day 7. Gomez Farias
We follow and parallel the railroad through river crossings and mountain passes. Eventually we make our way back to Gomez Farias and civilization. We have a great meal ahead of us and a chance to thoroughly retell the great adventures we have experienced on this trip. We know that anyone who has not ridden the canyons as we have will never be able to fully appreciate the magnificent adventure that we have just experienced.
Day 8. Agua Prieta/Douglas
We pack and head for home. Hotel rooms await those who need them in Douglas. We all say adios, although we know that this shared adventure will always bond us in a very special way.
This Expedition Includes the Following Services:
- Six nights lodging (double occupancy) at the area's best hotels including all tips.
- One night of camping - You must bring a sleeping bag and ground mat. These may be carried on our support vehicle throughout the entire trip. This camp site is on secure private ranch land. Drinking water and evening and morning meals are provided. At any time, should weather and travel conditions not permit us to reach our evening's destination, an additional evening of camping may be necessary.
- Meals - Virtually all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, with tips. They are excellent in quality and where possible, offer menu choices.
- Unscheduled Camping - At any time, should weather and travel conditions not permit us to reach our evening's destination, an evening of camping may be necessary.
- Staff and Truck - A well-equipped, bilingually staffed support vehicle accompanies us throughout our entire journey. The vehicle is a Dodge 4X4 turbo-diesel truck with an extended cab and an eight-foot bed. Should a mechanical emergency occur with your bike, we will transport it to the border for you. A loaner bike may be available for hire.
- Daily maps and a thorough tour preparation package.
- Tow vehicle parking arrangements at Creel or at border entry/departure point.
Our support truck provides a complete set of basic metric tools, air compressor, KLR tires and tubes, emergency gas and oil, and can carry both you and your bike at any time during this trip should it ever be necessary. Justin Lopez, our staff supervisor, is an American of Chihuahuan descent. He is a full-time resident in Cerocahui, Urique Canyon and oversees all of the details of our canyon operations. For several years, Justin formerly did custom mechanical work for Evel Knievel. He is an excellent guide and motorcyclist, and specializes in the maintenance and handling of off-road vehicles.
Travel Sickness
No special vaccinations are required to travel in Mexico. See your doctor if special health care requirements are necessary. Bottled water and quality accommodations have eliminated most health issues for our tour participants. The maximum altitude you will experience will be 9,000 feet.
Security
The Mexican and Indian people are very friendly. We have had no problems whatsoever. Bikes and belongings are always parked or stored in secure areas whenever possible.
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