The Copper Canyon (Spanish: Barranca del Cobre) is a group of canyons consisting of 6 distinct canyons in the Sierra Tarahumara in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. The overall canyon system is larger and portions are deeper than the Grand Canyon in the neighboring United States although the Grand Canyon is larger than any of the individual canyons.[1]
The system is transversed by the Chihuahua al Pacífico railroad, known by the nickname “Chepe.” It is both an important transportation system for locals and a draw for tourists.
Mexico established the Parque Nacional Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon National Park) to showcase this remote area.
The canyon is the traditional home of the indigenousRaramuri (Tarahumara) people.
Divisadero, situated between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean watersheds on the ChePe railroad route; a key vista point with amazing views down into three of the canyons (del Cobre, Urique, Tararecua). The ChePe train allows a 15-20 minute stop for visitors to enjoy the view.
Popular culture
This canyon was featured on Season 2 Episode 3, of Man Vs Wild on the Discovery Channel. It is also featured in Raramuri Tale[1], a short film about a Raramuri boy, his mother and the timeless teachings of the Tarahumaras. Copper Canyon was also featured in the Film The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. Copper Canyon was also a destination in Motorcycle Mania 3, a feature that aired on the Discovery Channel, which featured Jesse James of West Coast Choppers riding with singer Kid Rock, on two custom-built motorcycles. "In the Sierra Madre", a book by Jeff Biggers, looks at a Tarahumara village in the Copper Canyon[2].
