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Basic Copper Canyon
Dual Sport Dirt Adventure in Mexico
8 Days / 7 Nights
Dirt Riding on Single Lane Mountain Roads
INCLUDES: NUEVO CASAS GRANDES,BASASEACHIC, BATOPILAS, CEROCAHUI, CREEL, URIQUE
Rosen's Rides is the moto specialist of Mexico's Sierra Madre canyon chain. If you would like to motorcycle the back roads, see things as they were a century ago, then come with us and experience the magic of old Mexico's Copper Canyon.
Bikes and Riding Experience
Any dual-sport bike will do. KLR-650 style bikes are ideally suited for this type of trip. Many riders take their BMW - GS series bikes, however; heavier bikes do generally require more riding experience. Gas is plentiful and of good quality.
All riding is on paved or single-lane unpaved roads. Some of these dirt roads may be challenging, therefore, better than average riding skill is required. We try and plan each trip so the participants have time to build their skills by tackling the more difficult routes later in the week.
Good health is essential and reasonable physical fitness is an important asset on this type of trip.
Tour Start and End Points
Start and end points are in Douglas, Arizona, southeast of Tucson. 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.
For those wishing to fly in and rent a bike, several options are available. Please inquire for details.
For those wishing to air or ground ship your bike, we will help you coordinate the arrival of 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 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
Spring and fall generally are the best seasons to visit the canyons. Higher elevations at 7,000 feet will see evening temperatures go below freezing, but daytime highs are in the 60's to 70's. The air is low in humidity and resembles that of Colorado. Canyon bottoms at 1,500 feet generally see warm to hot weather. 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
Thursday evening, after meeting at our initial rendezvous point, we prepare our border crossing paperwork. Rosen's Rides helps you smoothly complete this process.
Day 1. Friday - Gomez Farias
Following breakfast, we are off and riding. Heading east on Mexico Highway 2, we take a mountainous stretch thru the Sonoran desert. There will be some truck traffic on this highway that connects the two largest border towns, Ciudad Juarez/El Paso and Tijuana/San Diego. Near the flats of the town of Janos, we will start our descent south on Mexico Highway 10. We pass thru the agriculture area of Nuevo Casa Grandes, a town with one of the highest Mormon populations in Mexico. This is a great winding two-lane road with very little traffic. It winds through the scenic llanos, an area of plains and rolling hills. We pass numerous apple and peach orchards in the heart of the biggest state in Mexico. After a great day of riding, we check into our hotel by 4:00 p.m.
Day 2. Saturday - Basaseachi
We head across the great plains of northern Mexico and enter a more elevated mountainous terrain. The scenery turns to pine forests scattered with massive rock formations. Entering the Basaseachi National Park, we stop to catch a view of the majestic 809 foot waterfall. This park rivals our Yosemite National Park in California; however, it lacks the traffic and hordes of tourists. Through the park we make a small hike to the mouth of the falls, stop for lunch at a local restaurant, and begin the dirt portion of our journey. Via backroads and dirt, we head toward Creel, an old rail and logging town, serving now as the gateway to the canyons. An exquisite log cabin lodge awaits us with great food and modern accommodations.
Day 3. Sunday - 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 twenty miles, it brings you to the famous mining town of Batopilas. Along the way, and weather permitting, any one of several spring-fed swimming holes provides a refreshing swim and siesta. Arriving in town, history 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 4. Monday - Cusarare
After refueling by siphon hoses from a local gasoline vendor, we head vertically upward and toward Creel. On the way we stop at the famous and beautiful Cusarare Falls. Following a short hike into the forest we reach a magical spot that gives us a special pause for appreciating the beauty of nature. We arrive in Creel and back to the lodge, and relax or explore the town.
Day 5. Tuesday - Cerocahui
Heading south and west, we wind around and enjoy mountainous twisting roads and spectacular views. Stopping briefly at the Divisadero overlook for the best view of Copper Canyon proper, the road quickly turns to dirt. Heading up the "high" road we meander along single lane logging roads through spectacular old-growth forests. Refueling at a tiny Pemex in the very remote rail town of Bahuichivo, we head deeper into the Baja Sierra Tarahumara toward our Rosen's Rides base camp, The Lodge at Cerocahui it is located just north of Cerocahui. This is Mexico of a hundred years ago. The air is crisp and cool and the natives love to see the motorcycles ride in. Your room with private bath is ready. The shower is hot and the dining room is busily preparing a dinner of authentic Mexican cuisine. As there is no electricity and outdoor lighting, a full sky of evening stars dazzles you from above. No phones, pagers, computers, or distractions. Life is good. In fact, it is so good, you may not want to ever leave here.
Day 6. Wednesday - Urique
Passing the Mision cathedral, built in 1680, we head up and deeper into the canyons. The view is incredible, possibly the best in the entire region. Cerro Gallego pass and overlook stuns the first time visitor with its panoramic view of the Urique river valley, town and surrounding canyon. You feel as if you are on an airplane. The descent to the mining town of Urique is different, yet no less spectacular than our descent into Batopilas. Again, we see the most remote parts of old Mexico.
Lunch in a home, swimming in the river, and gold mine explorations are to be enjoyed. That afternoon we head back to our lodge in Cerocahui.
Day 7. Thursday - Gomez Farias
Today you will ride some of the most challenging and exciting dual-sport motorcycle riding found in the world. The return home via the "low" road, has us crossing homespun bridges and numerous water crossings, all of which peaks our riding skills and tests our bikes capabilities. Stopping for rest and relaxation, we take in some exceptionally scenic territory. Some of the most amazing rail construction is beside us as we see the famous Copper Canyon train headed toward its next stop. We enjoy a few refreshments and head into Creel. This is a wonderful day of riding. We have a great meal ahead of us and relive 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. Friday - Agua Prieta/Douglas
We pack and head for home. We take a different mountain route out of Creel. Passing once again through La Junta, we head northwest towards Nuevo Casa Grandes into the Chihuahuan desert and twist, climb and cruise our way back to the border. 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 Tour Includes the Following Services:
- Lodging - Eight nights lodging (double occupancy) at the area's best hotels including all tips.
- Meals - Virtually all breakfast and dinner meals and non-alcoholic beverages, with tips. They are excellent in quality and generally offer menu choices.
- Staff and Truck - A well equipped, bilingually staffed support vehicle accompanies us throughout our entire journey. Should a mechanical emergency occur with your bike, we will transport it to the border for you.
- Daily maps and thorough tour preparation package.
- Tow vehicle parking arrangements at entry and departure points.
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. 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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