Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre) is a region in Northwest Mexico providing some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Mexico. The Copper Canyon area is a series of 20 canyons, formed over the years by six rivers. Mexico established the Parque Nacional Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon National Park) to showcase this remote area. The majestic Copper Canyon, a nature park in the state of Chihuahua, spans more than 600 km (372 mi) in length and 250 km (155 mi) in width. This enormous canyon system is deeper than the Grand Canyon at certain points; the average depth is between 1520 to 1879 meters (5,017 to 6,200 feet). The canyon is the traditional home of the indigenous Raramuri (Tarahumara) people. The Copper Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world with more than 500 flora species, including 15 pine and 25 oak varieties. It is also the habitat of 300 bird species, 87 reptile varieties, 20 types of amphibians and 50 kinds of freshwater fish. The canyons below are some of the major Canyons of the Copper Canyon system, Mexico.

Sierra Tarahumara Canyons

Name	Depth	River Level	Community
Batopilas	5905 feet	2290 feet	Batopilas
Candamena	5380 feet	2952 feet	Ocampo, Uruachi
Chinipas	5249 feet	1312 feet	Chinipas
Del Cobre	4265 feet	3280 feet	Boycoyna, Urique, Guachochi
Oteros	4986 feet	2296 feet	Maguarichi, Uruachi
Sinforosa	6003 feet	2290 feet	Guachochi, Batopilas
Urique	6135 feet	1640 feet	Urique, Batopilas

 

Barranca del Cobre
Located between the towns of Urique and Creel, in the central part of the Parque Natural Barrancas del Cobre. This canyon has a depth of 1300 meters (4,265 feet) and it gets its name from the copper that was mined in the area. From the top of the Mogotabo lookout you’ll see an amazing steep and a beautiful pine and oak forest

Batopilas Canyon
Founded in 1709 as San Pedro de Batopilas. Batopilas is more than 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) deep and is considered the "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" because of it's historic past. Batopilas is the canyon with the greatest history of silver mining. This area is identified by several mines including La Bufa, Batopilas and Cerro Colorado.

Candameña Canyon
Candamena Canyon also know as the "Canyon of the Cascades" is more than 1,737 meters (5,380 feet) deep. Part of the Mayo basin, it was formed by the Candameña River and is accessible from Creel or Chihuahua. Candamena Canyon is the widest canyon and has sheer rock walls. Main attractions are the Basaseachi and Piedra Volada Falls.

Huapoca Canyon
Huapoca Canyon is more than 1,620 meters (5,314 feet) deep. It is known for its impressive ruins of past cultures. Their are several ancient cave dwellings to explore such as Cuarenta Casas or Cueva de las Ventanas. These areas are a gathering of 15 adobe dwellings constructed about 1000 years ago, protected by a looming overhang of rock.

Oteros and Chinipas Canyons
One of the least explored areas, the Oteros and Chinipas Canyons form one of the longest canyon systems in the region. Chinipas Canyon 1,600 meters (5,249 feet) deep and Oteros Canyon is 1,520 meters (4,986 feet) deep. The Oteros and Chinipas Canyons are known for there unusual rock formations and a number of caves.

Sinforosa Canyon
2nd deepest in the Copper Canyon, at 1830 meters (6,003 feet). It is also the most narrow and because of this it is extremely difficult to hike so if you are looking for a challenge then this is your canyon. Referred to as the "Queen of the Canyons", offering breathtaking natural scenery from several vantage points. This canyon is 120 km (74 mi) in length.

Urique Canyon
Urique Canyon is the deepest canyon in the Sierra Tarahumara at 1,879 meters (6,135 feet). It is the deepest canyon in North America, and home to a Tarahumara settlement. Founded in 1690 along the banks of the meandering river, Urique was totally isolated until connected by a switchback mountain road in 1975. The view points called "Mirador de la Mesa de Arturo" and the Cerro del Gallego peak are outstanding for their panoramic views and horizons full of ravines.

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