Lienzo Charro to Urique Canyon — Copper Canyon Barrancas Rim Track via Divisadero
Six canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon.
The Sierra Tarahumara is bigger than the Grand Canyon — six separate canyons braided together, dropping nearly 6,000 feet from pine forest to subtropical gorge. The rim track from Creel south through Divisadero and down toward Urique is the roughest overland line through it. You’re threading single-track shelf roads above thousand-foot drops, crossing seasonal creek beds at the bottom of barrancas, and passing Rarámuri ranchos where the only road sign is a hand-painted rock. The descent into Urique itself — switchbacking down volcanic talus on a road that barely qualifies as two tracks — is the kind of driving that makes you grip the wheel with both hands and check your brakes at the top.
This is a difficult route requiring a high-clearance 4WD with low range, recovery gear, and a roof-load of extra fuel — stations thin out hard past Creel. October through March is the window: summer monsoons turn the barranca crossings into rivers. Cell service ends at Creel. The payoff is camping on the canyon rim under Milky Way skies with nobody around, watching the Rarámuri run trails that have existed for 400 years. Permits not required but a respect for the indigenous community goes a long way.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 87 mi / 140 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7800 ft |
| Best season | October-March |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with low range |
| Nearest town | Creel, Chihuahua |
| Land manager | Municipio de Urique / CONANP Sierra Tarahumara |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | CONANP protected areas |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a lifted Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or does it need serious modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD with low range can technically run it, but rock shelves and loose descents toward Urique Canyon punish short-wheelbase rigs with minimal clearance. A modest lift (2-3 inches), all-terrain tires, and functional skid plates are strongly advised — this is not a trail for bone-stock daily drivers.
When is this route passable and what closes it?
October through March is the sweet spot — dry season keeps the dirt sections firm and the canyon crossings manageable. Summer monsoons (July–September) turn the barrancas-rim track into a mudslide and can flood crossings for days with zero warning and zero cell service to call for help.
Do you need a permit to drive through the Sierra Tarahumara and Copper Canyon area?
No dedicated overland trail permit is currently required, but the route passes through CONANP-managed protected land and active Rarámuri (Tarahumara) communities — respect posted boundaries and ask locals before camping near settlements. Always carry your vehicle's Mexican insurance and tourist permit (FMM) as standard cross-border requirements.
What's the hardest section on this route and what makes it dangerous?
The descent toward Urique Canyon near the end of the route is the crux — steep, loose-over-rock switchbacks with zero guardrails and vertical exposure on the canyon side. One bad line or brake fade on a warm day can put you off the edge; engage low range early, go slow, and don't attempt it at night.
How far is the nearest fuel stop, and is there any water on-route?
Creel is your last reliable fuel — fill completely before leaving, as 87 miles of technical terrain with significant elevation change will hit range harder than highway driving. Water crossings exist on the route but treat everything; carry a minimum 5-gallon reserve since settlements are sparse and unpredictable between the rim and Urique.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.