Barranca El Cobre National Park Adventures
Barranca El Cobre National Park encompasses the spectacular Copper Canyon system in Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental, offering rugged canyons, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers.
About Barranca El Cobre National Park
Barranca El Cobre National Park is located in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua and protects portions of the Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre), a system of six canyons that are deeper and in some cases larger than the Grand Canyon. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve encompasses rugged mountainous terrain within the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, featuring steep cliffs, narrow river gorges, and vast pine-oak forests. The park provides habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna, including pine forests, oak groves, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife such as black bears, golden eagles, and tarantulas. The region is also home to the indigenous Rarámuri (Tarahumara) people, renowned for their long-distance running abilities and traditional lifestyle. Recreational activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and scenic train rides aboard the historic Chihuahua al Pacífico Railway, which passes through numerous tunnels and bridges within the canyon system. Notable landmarks include the Copper Canyon Railway, the Basaseachic Falls near the park, and viewpoints overlooking the vast canyon vistas. Visitors are drawn to the dramatic landscapes, opportunities for cultural immersion, and adventurous trails exploring the extensive canyon systems. The park serves as an important area for conservation and sustainable tourism, highlighting natural beauty and indigenous heritage combined with rugged outdoor recreation.
Highlights
Copper Canyon Railway — scenic train crossing bridges and through tunnels within the canyon
Basaseachic Falls — Mexico’s second highest waterfall, located near the park boundaries
Rarámuri indigenous villages — cultural insights and traditional crafts
Mirador La Sinforosa — panoramic overlook with sweeping canyon views
Notable Natural Features
Copper Canyon
A massive system of six canyons with depths exceeding the Grand Canyon’s in places, featuring dramatic rock formations and diverse ecosystems.
Basaseachic Falls
A stunning 807-foot waterfall near the park, the second highest in Mexico, surrounded by hiking trails and observation points.
Sierra Tarahumara
Mountainous region forming the park's backbone, covered with pine-oak forests and home to unique wildlife and indigenous cultures.