Copper Canyon educational hiking trips with Adventure Specialists

Cost: $2300 Single supplement $150 (this is only when you choose a single room). Trek Only Six Days $1575 (meet us at the canyon).

It would take one or two lifetimes to fully explore a country as broad and varied as the Copper Canyon. We realize, of course, that few people have that kind of time. For those on a tighter schedule, we’ve put together a ten-day experience that combines an introduction to the Copper Canyon’s history and diverse cultures with some of its most spectacular—and least known—natural features. Beginning in El Fuerte, our adventure takes us by train into the Sierra Madre. Led by some of the country’s most experienced naturalist guides, you’ll set out on an unforgettable six-day burro-supported trek into the very heart of the Copper Canyon wilderness.

What makes the Copper Canyon so special ? Think of the region as both a Wonder-of-Nature and a unique time capsule. The Copper Canyon, deep in the heart of the Sierra Madre, remains virtually unknown and unexplored by both Americans and Mexicans.!" The natural beauty of the region is obvious, but with so little information available, most visitors fail to realize that a long and fascinating human story also lies just below the surface. Starting with the early Mogollon and Basket People, through five centuries of Spanish exploration, Jesuit missions, revolutions, banditry and silver bonanzas, the Sierra Madre’s historical roots are deeply interwoven with its Native American and Mexican cultures.

Isolated from the outside world for centuries with terrain so rugged and undeveloped that even today, it can only be reached on foot by a few narrow roads or along a single cliffhanging railway. Crowned by immense forests of pine and oak, these wild canyon lands crisscrossed with streams, rivers, mountain peaks and remote plateaus remain sparsely populated with only a scattering of Tarahumara Indians, prospectors and Mexican ranch families. The Copper Canyon is one of the earth’s richest and most diverse eco-systems, with a range of climate zones that seems custom made for hikers, explorers.

DAY ONE: Our first day together begins at the airport in Los Mochis, where you will be met by Cathy, your guide. There are convenient flights from Los Mochis to gateway cities in the American West and Southwest. After exchanging greetings and introductions, we’ll load our gear into a suburban and head to the tropical town of El Fuerte, about an hour and a half away. Founded in 1564 by Don Francisco de Ibarra, this charming colonial town is steeped in history. We’ll stay at the unique Rio Vista Hotel, operated by our delightful host, Chal Gamez. This hotel sits atop a knoll above the beautiful Rio Fuerte, and abuts the historic fort and museum.

DAY TWO: After breakfast, we’ll board the famous Copper Canyon train. The trip from the tropical coastal plain to the Sierra Madre mountains is considered one of the most spectacular train rides in the Americas. As the train winds through dozens of tunnels and over countless bridges, you'll be treated to a glimpse of the enormity of the canyon country and the adventure that awaits you the following day. It is also a journey back through time. The sight of horse-drawn carts, cowboys on horseback, and wood smoke curling from mud-chinked cabins makes us doubt our senses. As much as its timeless nature may surprise us, however, the Sierra Madre certainly is real. In fact, it would take volumes to adequately describe the history, ecology and people of this amazing country. In the days to come we'll do our best to share with you some of the information and experiences we've gathered during our years here. We'll arrive at the rim of the canyon sometime in the early afternoon and stay at a rustic lodge where we are treated to traditional Mexican fare and local family friendliness.

DAY THREE> After breakfast we’ll introduce you to our Mexican and Tarahumara crew; Geronimo, Hilo, Teresa,—whichever members of the Mancinas clan are along for your trip, their company will be a real treat. One of our greatest pleasures in doing these Copper Canyon treks has been the opportunity to work with the Mancinas family. They’ve been with us since the Sixties and it definitely shows. Once the burros are packed, we’ll be off! Be aware that this trail is used mainly by the Tarahumara and enters terrain that is both rugged and confusing. Even the most experienced hiker would soon be seriously lost on the complex maze of narrow paths and old Spanish mining trails that crisscross this remote country. To really explore such rugged country, a well-trained pack animal is almost a necessity. We like to brag that our coffee is strong—but so are the burros. In fact, our burros do virtually all of the heavy lifting on this trip—and the crew takes care of the chores. This leaves the rest of us free to set our own pace. By carrying light daypacks with cameras, canteens and basic trail essentials, we can enjoy the canyon experience without breaking our backs. Our descent from the highlands to the bottom of the Urique Canyon will take the better part of two days. We usually hike about 4 to 6 hours a day. Allowing for the ups-and-downs of side canyons, the elevation change on our winding trail is about 6,000 feet. In this country, each view is worth a thousand photographs, so we’ll limit the description to a single word: Awesome!
We arrive at camp after a steep rocky descent and soak our feet while the crew attends to the burros. We sip while awaiting Teresa's near-gourmet campfire dinner.

During the warmer months of spring and fall we operate in the Oteros canyon which is even more remote but not as steep or deep as the Urique. The deeper the canyon the warmer it is and in some months its much more comfortable in the Oteros. Please ask us more about the difference between these two canyons when deciding on your departure date.

DAY FOUR> Continuing our descent, we’ll definitely note the transition from the temperate highlands to the warmer, sub-tropical canyon. Hiking through a series of hanging valleys, our day begins with the clear, chime-like serenade of the Brown backed Solitaire—and will likely end accompanied by frantically squawking parrots. The unique plant life of the Sierra Madre adds to this trail’s interest. In the space of a few hours we might see cactus growing in Tarahumara apple orchards, kapok trees, cypress, organ pipe, wild grape and countless varieties of oak and pine.

Arriving at the Urique River in the afternoon, we’ll camp for the next three nights on a sandbar. As the sun disappears behind the cliffs, we are free to relax or to seek a private nook among the huge, polished boulders. Though the river can be quite cool, someone inevitably finds the warm, sandy beach and turquoise-green pools to be an irresistible invitation to go swimming.

SIDEBAR:
Over the years, I’ve found a lot of fine places in Mexico. Among them, this river camp rates very high on my list of personal favorites. I’m not only attracted by its isolation, but I find a sense of peace and solitude between these sheer, towering walls that is almost tangible. While I’m here, I particularly enjoy reading in Romayne Wheeler’s book, "Life Through The Eyes of a Tarahumara:" Wheeler is a composer and poet who has lived among the Tarahumara for many years. In simple, straightforward language, he offers us samples of Tarahumara wisdom. "There are places that have great strength for one that knows how to understand and feel.
They are places of unique power that comes out of the depths of the earth. It can be a place apart, somewhere in the fields, in the mountains, surrounded by rocks or boulders, at the entrance of a cave, at the high summit or at the rim of a canyon....." Carl Franz, author, The People’s Guide to Mexico

DAYS FIVE AND SIX> You’ll have two full days in which to experience the beauty of this canyon. Although we certainly encourage rest and contemplation, there are at least two especially noteworthy day hikes to lure you away from camp. The river passes through a very narrow gorge on these jaunts, so we’ll be wading, helping each over boulders and dodging deep pools on our way to hot springs and hidden waterfalls. This is more of a scramble than a hike, so the pace can be slow and relaxed. Or we split in two, and allow the hardcore hikers to take the overland route for a truly world class hike. The birding can also be good, so be sure to keep an eye peeled for parrots and trogons.

DAY SEVEN> It takes a while to break camp and load the burros, so we’ll leave the crew to their chores and begin our climb out of the canyon shortly after breakfast. Now that we’re all ‘old hands’ at Copper Canyon trekking, you’ll undoubtedly note many things that were missed on the inbound hike. If you’re lucky, the intricate play of light and shadow on the cliffs above us may even reveal rock paintings or traces of ancient Indian dwellings. Whether you spy a simple shard of pottery beside the trail, or the tumbled stone walls of a shepherd’s hut, there’s always something new to discover. To be truthful, there’s also another reason to sightsee and take it easy: it gives the burros an opportunity to overtake and pass us. In fact, if we plan it right, we’ll roll into camp just about the time the coffee perks.

A few words about the Tarahumara: According to the local people, we are the only outsiders to use this trail in many, many years. Although this particular canyon route passes through country that is very sparsely inhabited, there is always a chance that we’ll meet Tarahumara, especially near our higher camps. It is important to know, however, that many of these people are so shy that they may prefer to observe us from a distance. When meeting on the trail, for example, it is not unusual for Tarahumara women and children to slip away as a stranger approaches, or to firmly turn their backs and refuse to speak. Our crew’s experience and rapport with the Tarahumara is considerable. To maintain relationships of mutual trust and respect, however, we must never impose by taking photographs or approaching occupied dwelling caves and cabins without invitation. As they come to know us better, the Tarahumara women may offer beautifully woven baskets, dolls, drums and other small handicrafts for purchase. We encourage this, as it provides their families a small but very important cash income.

DAY EIGHT> Our final day on the trail takes us back up the winding "staircase" trail to the top of the mesa. An optional side trek takes us to a Mogollon era cliff dwelling with potsherds and human remains. Depending on where we camped the night before, we’ll complete our trek out of the canyon around early afternoon. Back at the lodge after hot showers we’ll gather for cocktails and rehash our adventure together over a celebratory dinner.

DAY NINE: We'll begin by spoiling ourselves with a leisurely breakfast of huevos rancheros, fruit, biscuits and coffee. We'll pack our gear and say our goodbyes. You’ll have some time for shopping before boarding the afternoon train unescorted back to El Fuerte. You needn't worry! You are met at the train station in El Fuerte and delivered to your accommodations for the night.

DAY TEN: The next morning you'll be driven from the hotel to the airport in Los Mochis.

*Note: we may find it necessary to change our route and itinerary due to weather conditions or other unforeseen events.

Trip Options: We offer two standard departures from the canyon rim where you get off the train. The 10 day standard trip starts at the airport in Los Mochis, Sinaloa (airport code LMM), where you'll be met by our guide for an escort to the canyon rim where you depart the train the following day. You have an unescorted return by train at the completion of the hike to El Fuerte, where you'll be met for your transfer to the hotel, and transfer the following day to the airport in Los Mochis.
Alternatively, a group of six or more booking together, can be met at the airport in Chihuahua, Chihuahua (airport code CHH) for escorted van or bus service to the canyon rim. You can then finish your trip with the train ride to the coast for the total trip cost, or strike out on your own.
Yet a third option is to meet us on the canyon rim. This is a seven night package, with a night on the rim on either end of the 5 canyon camping nights. This is a popular choice since Copper Canyon is such a remote area. It allows travelers the option to experience the best of the Urique Canyon while on a more extended tour of Mexico.

All backpacking trips are customized. We'll work with you on the departure dates, difficulty, and duration. We need 90 days advance notice. These hikes are fully SELF supported and generally limited to 6 people. In addition to the "What to Bring" list, you should provide the following gear with which you are comfortable: 30 degree Fahrenheit sleeping bag, pad, tent (optional). A sleeping bag liner is recommended. We provide all the food for meals and snacks, stoves and fuel, and a tarp for cooking in inclement weather. Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions. We always have a local along. Backpacks differ from burro assisted mainly in that we cook for our local guides, and don't have the infrastructure the Mexican crew provides. As always, we appreciate their Point of View and the fact they they're probably related to people we run in to on the trail; and after all, we are the visitors.

Canyoneering is a growing sport, and that's especially true here. Lots of people ask about kayaking, and it's just not feasible in most water. You'd spend most of you time portaging. But it is a great area for canyoneering. There is not much rappelling, but spectacular riverside hiking generously seasoned with a variety of pools, cascades, and boulder fields. We take canyoneers. Our multiday trips are long because put-ins and take-out points are limited. Our standard gear is a drybag lashed to a poolraft. These trips are awesome! Groups size with guides limited to four.

Trip difficulty:
This adventure involves several days of moderate to strenuous hiking over rugged terrain. The trails, some barely more than goat paths, are steep, with loose volcanic scree and fist-sized rocks making the downhills sometimes difficult. However, all gear is carried by burros with the exception of a light day pack with water and items for the day. The first day’s descent is @3500 feet (5-6 miles), with less than @1500 feet remaining to the river the second day. The third day a day hike of over @2000 feet elevation gain with 3 river crossings on the return is optional. The day we leave the river we have a @3000 feet elevation gain. The sixth day we only have a @2000 feet elevation gain back to the canyon rim. We try to allow people to go at their own pace, dividing the guides to allow the fast walkers to be out ahead and the slower, under no pressure, behind. Good health and good physical condition are essential but age is not always a factor.

Weather: These trips are scheduled during the dry, cool winter season in the Sierra Madres. Our fall and spring dates will have the warmest temperatures when the canyon bottom can be in the 80's- 90's and the rim at night in the 60's. November through February dates are cooler with the canyon bottom in the 60's and 70's (nights 50's) and the rim 40's-50's (nights 30's). Winter storm systems periodically affect this area (particularly Dec-Jan) and can cause freezing temperatures and snow on the rim and rain in the canyon bottom with the lowest recorded temperature at 45 degrees.

Documents: Proof of citizenship is needed in the form of a passport to obtain a visa at your point of entry (about $23 US).

Suitability: This adventure involves several days of moderate to strenuous hiking over rugged terrain. A good sense of balance is helpful and comfortable hiking boots are essential for the sustained downhill. The canyon rim is over 7000 feet so those living at sea level may not be aware that they need acclimatization.
.
Trip cost: for our standard 10 day burro assisted trip is $2300 based on double occupancy.The single supplement is $250. All meals, lodging, guiding, and ground transportation are included. The following are not included in the trip price: airfare, items listed on the equipment list; and tips for trip staff/guides and hotel staff. Tips are optional and when given should be directed towards the trip leader for disbursement. Standard in the industry for total tips is 3-5% of the land cost.
The cost for the rim rendezvous (5 camping nights flanked by 2 hotel nights) is $1575 based on double occupancy. The single supplement is $150.

Deposits, Payments, Refunds and Cancellation Policy

A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is due upon registration. The balance in full is due 45 days before trip departure. (If you register less than 45 days before trip departure, the full balance is due at the time of registration.) If we receive written notice of cancellation at least 30 days prior to trip departure, we will return all but the nonrefundable deposit.
Copper Canyon Trails reserves the right to cancel any trip due to inadequate sign-ups to make the trip economically feasible or any other circumstances beyond our control. In such a case, we will give you a full refund of the amount paid to Copper Canyon Trails. We also reserve the right to make reasonable changes to the itinerary where deemed advisable for the safety, comfort and/or well-being of the trip participants. If changes must be made, the trip participant will be responsible for additional costs of changes. Copper Canyon Trails does not give any refunds for unused hotel rooms, meals, transportation, trek arrangements or other unused services.

AIR- Contact Earl Fox, 800-732-3023, 719-473-9800, fax 719-473-9921,
earl@totaltraveltours.com for the best rates on air, hotel or rental car reservations. He can also provide you with travel insurance.

EXCLUSIONS: Air transportation, items listed on the equipment list, tips for staff/guides and hotel staff. Costs resulting from illness or injury and emergency evacuation, program changes and delays beyond our control.
.
ADVENTURE SPECIALISTS/COPPER CANYON TRAILS.ORG– Adventure Specialists are the founders and now previous operators of this trip: Gary Ziegler and Amy Finger combine extensive outdoor experience to make Adventure Specialists a successful and unique operation. Gary's unusual background includes a Ph.D. in archaeology, discovery of important archaeological sites in remote Peru and Mexico, first ascents of seven Andean peaks above 18,000 ft, extensive exploration of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico, and the first person to bicycle the ancient pathways of Peru's Machu Picchu. Amy has led more than one hundred groups into Mexico’s rugged Copper Canyon since 1980 and countless more in Colorado, Spain and Peru. Amy's degrees in geology, climatology and her studies of flora and ecology strongly influence our emphasis on natural history and environmental awareness. The Mancinas family has been with us since Gary’s first programs for Outward Bound and Colorado College in the Canyons in 1970.
Cathy Waterman and Michael Huckaby are taking over the Mexico business after guiding for Adventure Specialists since the 1990’s. Cathy Waterman fell in love with the canyon country and the people who inhabit it on her first trip as a guide for the Sierra Club working through Adventure Specialists. Recognizing her as an exceptional guide, we promptly hired her and she and Mike have led trips for us ever since. Cathy is a voracious reader about the area, and an avid collector of local crafts. She recently started the annual "Warm and Fuzzy" coat drive. The aim is to provide warm coats and jackets, especially for children, during the harsh winters without compromising the traditional clothing. The coats are packed into remote villages during trips. Donations of vitamins, first aid supplies, and used prescription glasses are also appreciated by the locals. Cathy has years of backcounty experience in the Sierra Nevadas, and more recently in the Colorado Plateau. Her hobbies include canyoning, xeriscaping, and reading Spanish novels.
Mike Huckaby started hiking in the Alps with his Austrian grandfather as a child. He first visited the Copper Canyon area in 1993. Like Cathy, he immediately fell in love with the canyons. An avid orienteerer, he has explored many a Tarahumaran footpath and followed as many game trails by mistake. As a result, Mike has discovered many interesting routes in the region. Cathy's home is now in turmoil as Mike indulges in his hobbies including 'appropriate technology', photography, and PV energy systems. They reside with their rescue dog Remolino in Tucson, AZ.

READING LIST:
1) Franz, Carl. People’s Guide to Mexico
2) Lumhotz, Carl. Unknown Mexico
3) Schwatka, Frederick. In the Land of the Cliff Dwellers
4) Bennett & Zing. The Tarahumara
5) Kennedy, John G. Tara humara of the Sierra Madre
6) Fontana, Bernard. Tarahumara: Where Night is the Day of the
7) Fisher, Richard. Mexico’s Copper Canyon
8) Shepard, Grant. The Silver Magnet
9) Villasenor, Victor Rain of Gold.

EQUIPMENT LIST: clothing___Pants.....2 pr. long (loose fitting)___2 pr. shorts__swimsuit___Shirts. 2 lightweight long sleeve 3-4 short sleeve or t-shirts ___Underwear several changes___Socks........some light, some heavy to fit comfortably double in your boots ___Leisure clothes to be worn to restaurants ___sweat pants ___Lightweight hiking boots (i.e. Hi-tek, Nike) __Sneakers or Tevas that can get wet for river crossings __Bandana ___Warm parka or jacket (pile with shell is fine for Oct, Mar,& April. Winter months require a good warm coat) ___poncho or rain suit, lightweight but tough (forget the K-mart cheapies) ___Hat with brim-essential for sun protection ___Wool hat and gloves (winter months) EQUIPMENT ___Sleeping bag (Oct, Mar&Apr-lightweight, winter- medium bag good to freezing) ___Ensolite foam or thermarest pad ___Duffle bag (pack your camping clothes and sleeping bag/pad in if possible. Make sure bag is first lined inside with a garbage bag for waterproofing). If sleeping bag does not fit, line inside of stuff sack with garbage bag.___Suit case or additional bag for other clothes not used on trek.___Day pack to carry water bottle, suncreen, camera, lunch and raingear/jacket ___Toiletries-biodegradable shampoo, sunscreen,towel and personal items-mirror, comb,hand lotion and shaving kit ___Personal medication ___Insect repellent (12%Deet works, 100% not recommended, Skin So Soft does not work) ___Sun glasses ___Pocket knife ___Flashlight ___plastic water bottle. OPTIONAL: ___ Walking stick ___Candy, gum or tobacco items ___Camera and extra film ___Note pad & field glasses ______Cocktail liquor (place in unbreakable containers) ___Book to read DOCUMENTS ___passport (see previous page), credit card, extra cash for meals in El Paso, Chihuahua and Los Mochis as well as gifts, and spending money, tips (average $150)

CAMPS: We make our camps as comfortable as possible with seats, weather tight, roomy four person tents (one or two persons to a tent) and a large kitchen/dinning tarp. A small private tent with indoor seat serves as the camp latrine. A natural shower is available daily for personal cleanup.

HEALTH: We ask that you consult your family doctor concerning what medications, shots or inoculations he or she may recommend. You will probably not be exposed to tropical diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. The occasional case of travelers diarrhea can be rapidly treated with Cipro or other medication that your doctor may suggest. We have a very low incidence of illness on our trips. We eat in only the best restaurants and our own cooks are carefully sanitation trained.

Pack your gear into your duffel and day pack. Your duffel bag will not be available during the day on the burro. Your day pack should hold rain gear, water bottle, and other items you will want during the day. Line the duffel and day bag with a garbage bag. Extra clothes can be left at the rim in the hotel in a bag or garbage sack. Please remember that space is limited so cover all the eventualities but do not bring many different pairs of items. The most important thing to bring is your cheerful acceptance of whatever surprises the wilderness may hold in store!

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

BACK