Darkness comes quickly to the rugged canyon lands of the Sierra Madre where stars twinkle exuberantly against the blackness of a night sky unencumbered by ambient light. As the moon makes her journey across the heavens, the sounds of distant drumbeats race across the high sierras echoing their message throughout the canyons.

The Copper Canyon, in the uppermost reaches of the Urique river, shares the river's name from the point where it joins the Tararecua canyon. This depression reaches its greatest depth —1,879 meters — ten kilometers south of Urique Village.

Its peaks — surrounded by pine and oak — are 2,370 meters above sea level, while at the canyon's base, the Urique River runs at 500 meters above sea level and is surrounded by semitropical vegetation.

The highway route leading into the region of the Copper and Urique canyon runs through the beautiful community of Creel, a village which is considered the doorway to the Sierra Tarahumara. The first area of vantage points, 50 km. from Creel, is at the Divisadero railroad station and in the neighboring village, Areponápuchi.

Another zone of vantage points is in the vicinity of the small village of Cerocahui, and can be reached safely only by train, since the 105 km. of paved road which separate it from Creel are not always in good condition. Creel, Divisadero, Areponápuchi and Cerocahui, are some of the communities with the best infrastructure in all the Sierra Tarahumara, and regular train services leave Los Mochis for Creel and Chihuahua City.

The Copper Canyon’s best vantage point is close to the exclusive Balderrama's lodgings Hotel Rancho and Hotel Mirador.

There are beautiful thermal springs in this region. The two best known thermal springs are "La Huerta" and the spring at the canyon's base which are in the Urique Canyon and can be reached by way of the Areponápuchi path.

There are many, very large natural caves in this region. As well as being the Tarahumara's habitat since time immemorial, they also provide shelter for their cattle and storerooms for their harvests. Some are considered sacred and ceremonial places where rites and festivals are still held.

For those who enjoy walking, the many trails of the Copper and Urique Canyons would be one of the most exciting experiences that the Sierra Tarahumara has to offer. An interesting walk is the descent on the tourist path from Areponápuchi to the river Urique, which should be covered in two days, camping at the bottom of the canyon.

From Tararecua Canyon to the Copper Canyon, coming out by Divisadero or Areponápuchi, takes four days walking, and could include a visit to the Rukíraso falls, the Recowata and Ecalí-Iné springs and the head of the Urique Canyon.

A moderate to difficult hike on a new trail takes you to the Tarahumara Ranch of Wakajípare. Approximately 5 miles round trip, or 4 hours.

For the more adventurous, a difficult hike will take you to the Urique River, at the bottom of Copper Canyon. Arrive at Wakajípare village first and then go on to the river. Approximately 12 miles round trip —it takes about 16 hours with overnight camping.

Visit the church and school at the nearby village of Areponapuchic. Visitors are welcome. A one hour easy walk on a gravel road.

One hour of easy switch-back walking takes you to a Trahumara Home called "Cueva del Chino".

Trek to El Puerto Overlook of Cooper Canyon and Tararecua Canyon for Tarahumara rancho sites and spectacular views of he canyon —3 miles round trip, about 2 hours. Adding 2 and a half hours more to this, you may arrive at a superb view of the Urique River —A moderate hike, approximately 5 miles round trip to the river view.

There are also interesting short walks around the Barrancas Mirador and the Rancho Hotel.

Take a 3 hours bus tour to the Tarahumara Indian Village of San Alonso, with spectacular views of the canyon.

Drive to the Oteros River at the bottom of the Oteros Canyon. You can enjoy swimming, bird watching or just walking — 36 miles round trip, 4-6 hours. On the same trip, see the 1740 Tarahumara mission of San Luis Majimachic.

Visit the "Divisadero Overlook" of the Tararecua and Copper Canyons. Crafts from all over Mexico are sold here. The village of Areponapuchic is included in the 2 hours tour. Divisadero is also a 4.8 mile round trip walk on the road — 2 and a half hours, moderate hike.

Ride to the town of Creel and the valley of the Mushroom Rocks, Arareco Lake, Cusárare Mission, Cusárare Falls and Tarahumara cave homes. Six hours on all pave roads, 29 miles round trip.