Mexico Copper Canyon Creel to Batopilas?
 

I'm planning a trip to Mexico with a stop in Creel and would like to make it down to Batopilas. Is anyone aware of any security/safety problems along this route? I've travelled solo throughtout Mex on previous trips with no problems but this would be my first "off-road" excursion in Mexico and I would like to have some idea of what I am getting myself into. Thanks

My Wife and I have just been travelling that area on a BMW F650GS Dakar and left Creel four days ago. Although we did not go down to Batopilas friends of ours went down in a four wheel drive vehicle recently (it is a little touristy). You are looking at 60km (takes 4-5 hours) on gravel / dirt road (6 hours total from Creel), so it is very rough. I would take spare tubes and a puncture repair kit. You can also get Gas in Batopilas but it is a little expensive.

The whole area around creel is awesome and safe I think. I would suggest a hike into the canyons from near Creel, we did it from El Divisadero.

If you want more information of the area let me know

Cheers Geoff



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In mexico heading south to central and south america until Jan 06

Hi, take it easy, the Copper canyon is pretty safe if u do not carry any drugs around. There is some military hanging out near the Basaseachi Falls from Hermosillo to Creel, but thats it. The road to Batopilas is great, it is dirt, but if u did ride dirt, it should not be a problem. although it is a little touristy it is 100 % worth it. Talk to 3Amigos in Creel, they show u pics, they offer u their 4wheeler, but even they will suggest that u go down there with the bike.

Have fun, its great down there

Martin

Thanks Martin and Geoff for the latest info. Sounds like it should be fine and I'm going to go for it. Happy travels.


Jim

I rode an old Harley with a suicide shift down there last spring and had a great time. Stay at Mary's Hotel in Botapilas, clean and reasonable.

The only reason Batopilas has any reputation to be careful of is that the area was/is notorious for growing marijuana. If you just hang around the town it is not an issue. I think they have chased most of the dope growers out as there wasn't nearly as much military presence last fall as there was the first time I went there in '98. The road from Creel is really not that rough, last time I saw a step van delivering Sabritas (potato chips)It's a great ride, have fun.

The road is Batopilas is amazing and not to be missed. It took me the best part of 8 hours though!

I managed to get down there with no off road experience, only coming off the once, when it was dark - there was a landslide which held up the (very little) traffic.

Another option is the annual meeting in Creel. There's more info on this site under the HU Travellers Meetings. There's enough people headed down that hooking up with others is quite easy. This will be my third trip down and I'll probably take the scenic route from AZ through Big Bend/Persido area.

It's a great time and you'll meet some real 'world-class travelers'.

I am also planning my first motorcycle trip into Mexico. I plan on going to Batopilas also. My plan is to go down baja, take the ferry to Mazatlan, wander a little farther south, and then head north hitting Batopilas and Creel on the way back to the USA. When are you planning on heading shouth? I am set to leave on July 1.
hasta la vista,
Dave

Dave,

I am already in Mexico and made the trip to Batopilas about 2 days ago. It was a smooth trip- thanks to all that gave advice. I never fell and was only run off the road by a bus once. One bit of advice- the main road through town in Batopilas itself is blocked about halfway by construction and that prevents access to a lot of the hotels. Locals suggested that I cross the river and bypass the blockage but after watching 2 4x4 trucks struggle through fast moving 2-3 feet deep water i decided against it. I ended up getting a room in a nice guesthouse across the river but it was kinda expensive, about 500 pesos. I´ve done that trip solo down Baja and across on the ferry (17 hours)to Mazatlan 3 years ago on a ST1100. It was a great trip, have fun.

Jim

Thanks for the reply. I will watch out for buses. Enjoy your travels.
Dave

coming from the south, Guadlujara...what is the best route into the area of the Copper canyon?

hi rob and danielle,
go to hidalgo del parral take the mex 24 direction chihuahua.then on the mex 16 at nuevo palomas towards hermosillo. after 130 km. go left to creel.
from creel to diversario is the off-road part( the last 30km).
the road stops there so you have to go back up the canyon again.
have a good ride,
Mark

hi mark, in Hgo del parral as i write....leaving to hit the canyon tomorrow...gonna try a cross country route into samachique...find some digs and drop down into Batopilas the day after.

thanx for the info, will email you later, say hi to all

Hi Goggs, I´m in Creel right now and want to follow the same route back to Hidalgo. Was it fun?
Grant