Copper Canyon Road (Barrancas del Cobre)
Mexico, north-america
140 km
2,340 m
hard
October-March (dry season, cooler temperatures at the rim)
The road system through Mexico's Copper Canyon region in the Sierra Madre Occidental of Chihuahua state offers one of North America's most dramatic driving adventures. The canyon system is actually a network of six interconnected canyons that are collectively deeper and larger than the Grand Canyon. The main driving route from Creel to Batopilas descends over 1,800 meters through a series of tight switchbacks.
The Creel-to-Batopilas road is roughly 140 kilometers of winding mountain highway that drops from the cool pine forests of the Sierra Tarahumara at 2,340 meters into the subtropical depths of Batopilas Canyon. The road was only paved in recent years and still features harrowing cliff-edge sections without guardrails. Along the way, drivers pass through indigenous Raramuri (Tarahumara) communities and witness one of the most extreme ecological transitions accessible by road, from alpine conifers to tropical palms in just a few hours.
Where is it?
Copper Canyon Road (Barrancas del Cobre) is located in Chihuahua, Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 27.4981, -108.0647
Driving Tips
A high-clearance vehicle is recommended though the road is increasingly paved. The drive takes 4-6 hours for 140 km due to the winding descent. Carry extra water and fuel. Visit the Divisadero viewpoint for stunning canyon panoramas. The El Chepe railway offers an alternative way to experience the canyon if driving seems too daunting.
Road Surface
Mix of paved and unpaved sections, steep switchbacks, limited guardrails
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Region
- Chihuahua
- Length
- 140 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,340 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Surface
- Mix of paved and unpaved sections, steep switchbacks, limited guardrails
- Best Season
- October-March (dry season, cooler temperatures at the rim)
- Coordinates
- 27.4981, -108.0647
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