Copper Canyon-Topolobampo route
 

Planning an Ohio-CiudadChihuahua-Topolobampo-LaPaz-LA-Ohio circuit for this November. Anybody know the roads well between Creel/La Divisadero/LosMochis/Topolobampo? I'll be on my Honda 1100 ACE, quite reliable for the last 50k, but pavement's preferred. Any feedback appreciated...

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I had a go at riding up to Creel from Topolobampo earlier this year and failed dismally - could not find the right dirt road and my map suggested that Divisidero was not linked up to the west. There is some info on a thread on the South America board I think. In the end I put my bike on the train at El Fuerte for the ride to Creel(the second class one has a goods car).

Having got to Creel by train I found that there are a few routes through the canyon to other spots but will all require a fair bit of off road action. The road from Creel to Divisidero is now paved but onwards there is a reasonably good track that follows the railway. You can also continue from Batopilas out to the coast on a different route. I apologise for not being too specific as I have given my maps away.

There is a german guy (Frederico) who lives down in La Bufa close to Batopilas. He has a whole load of inofrmation and could probably guide you through. He is a absolute bike maniac. I am sure someone else has some contact details for him.

Security is something of an issue in the canyon. It is a bit lawless in places but it can be done according to Frederico. He has some pretty good contacts there that should see you through.

Hope this helps.

Matt

Thanks, Matt. Any idea where I'd best go on HU to find Frederico's contact info?(I'm kind of a newbie, here) When you say "road paralleling the railroad tracks from Creel to Divisadero and onward," do you mean that you've seen the parallel roadway southwest of Divisadero? I had heard that it goes beyond Cuiteco, at least to Bahuichivo, but I'd like to verify that, somehow. Finding a connection to Ruta 32 in Choix looks like about 30 or 40 miles from Bahuichivo or Cercahui and not terribly lengthy, but I'd like to know what the prospects might be before bushwhacking...

Was down there last November as a pedestrian and felt quite comfortable, but I certainly agree that one wouldn't want to willy-nilly wander around way down in one of the canyons and inadvertently stumble into some serious trafficking situation. Otherwise, I imagine common sense travel skills and the friendly locals should prevail.