Copper Canyon - Basic info for new rider
 

Hello all. A buddy and I want to take a trip from TN to Copper Canyon. We will be towing XR 650L's to the border and are just looking for basic info as far as routes, procedures, what to take or not to take, etc.

We are looking at a 4 day trip. Any help or info would be greatly appreciated!

Hi

I did Creel to Batopillas and back in a day on my GS1150 but you might want to take 2 days. The road is pretty slippery on the bends too. It was fun but I actually enjoyed the dirt road from Divisadero (sp?) to Chiox a lot more.

As to what to take, just make sure you have good tires on. My new TKC80 rear was pretty well scrubbed after those 2 days.

If it's 4 days from the border and back, that will be tight. Presidio/Ojinaga (OJ) would be the closest crossing.

With 5 days and a desire for mucho riding:
Day 1- OJ to Creel (320 miles)
Day 2- Creel to Batopilas (90 miles)
Day 3- Batopilas to Urique (almost 100 miles, all dirt)
Day 4- Urique to Creel (or further) (almost 100 miles)
Day 5- .....Hello Franchise World

Don't rush yourselves too much. Catch the flavor.

Thanks for the couple of responses. To follow up:

If you were on a tight time schedule, what is a MUST see? Can you bring pocket knives, etc across the border? What about insurance? Is fuel and or water/lodging readily available?

Thanks!!

Batopilas would be a top choice. I recommend staying overnight - and drinking a lot of cervezas - to get a feel for the place.

Creel is nothing more than a launching point.

Although there are enough little rides around Creel that can keep you interested for a day.

Fuel isn't a problem. You may be getting it from barrels in some towns, but it's there.
Bottled agua is plentiful.

You can cheap motel it most everywhere.

Everybody in Mexico has a knife. Take yours too.

Insurance isn't required, but IS recommended. Baja Bound Mexican Auto Insurance - Travel Safe in Mexico! and MEXonline.com Mexican Auto Insurance & Legal Services Directory are some sources.

You'll get a tourist card at the border for your person, and you'll get a temporary vehicle importation permit for your ride. Both cost a hair over $20 each. You'll need to use a credit card (Visa, MC, some borders accept Amex)to secure/guarantee the vehicle permit or will be required to post a cash bond of between $200 and $400, depending on the age of the bike. This cash bond is returned when you leave.
Note: It's very important to cancel your vehicle permit when leaving. Don't be all excited when riding back and forget to stop at the border to do this.

Couple more questions...Would it be better to drive the bikes from Ojinaga to Creel and then go from there or would it be better to trailer the bikes into Creel? Whats the drive like from the border to Creel?

Also, it seems like Creel is the major launching point - Do you all advise to Stay in Creel and do day trips to other cities or go and stay overnight in the other cities.

Thanks in advance!

Lots of threads on ADVrider about CC.

Sources of information
 

For planning the trip we took I researched on-line here and found mention of the 3 Amigos in Creel.
http://www.amigos3.com/3amigos_022.htm and their associated business Amigo Trails & Copper Canyon Conexions.
I emailed them and they suggested to where to stay and other information by email.
After we arrived in Creel, we stopped by the 3 Amigos. We discussed what we had for time and the things we were interested in seeing. They gave us maps, with GPS locations, of the local sites. They made suggestions on where we could go in the time we had etc. We went over the information while sitting in a bar and then stopped by again later with a few more questions. I asked, the second time, how we could repay them for their time and information. They told me to not worry about it, just recommend them to others.
So here is the plug - This business will rent you a 4x4 four door Nissan pickup, with a picnic lunch, chairs and table, maps etc for $120 for 24 hours. You can also hire a driver through them if you prefer. They have scooters, bicycles and can arrange horseback and hiking trips if you want. I think they might have dirt bikes too. They will help you plan your own tours or will assist with a guide etc, as much or as little as you want.

Nice people...and the girl is cute. :)
They helped me scavenge a tire from Cheewahwah last year.

Thanks for the replies!