Packages and Options

Take the train from Los Mochis or Chihuahua to Bahuichivo train station. We will pick you up from there. At the end of the trip we will drop you off at the Creel train station for your trip back.

Dates Note:

Friday night: Overnight in Chihuhua or Cuauthemoc. Overnight is not included, but can be arranged - room rate ~ $120.
Day 1: Your adventure begins when you board the world-famous ChePe train in Chihuahua, Cuauhtemoc or Los Mochis on your way to the remote country inn (train ticket not included - see below).  Our staff will meet you at the Bahuichivo train station for a short 8 mile transfer to the ranch. Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Tarahumara, the staff meets you with a hearty greeting, potent Margaritas, a traditional Chihuahua cookout and true Norteño hospitality. An evening fiesta brings riders together for tall tales and yarns around a roaring campfire, go easy on the drinks, you have a full day tomorrow.
Day 2: Ringing of the chow bell awakens everyone to a vibrant mountain morning. Your day at the beautiful Oso is spent picking your horse and saddle, learning or renewing mountain riding techniques, packing and resting in preparation for your challenging ride. An afternoon visit takes you to jewel of the mountains, the centuries-old Mision de San Francisco in Cerocahui. A quick stop at the Trahumara Indian girls boarding school then back for final preparations.
Day 3: Your first day on the trail takes you through a dramatic box canyon into a mountain valley populated by only indigenous people. Topping out you begin steep descents down mountain trails to an oasis-like camp below fruit-laden citrus trees.
Day 4: Today’s ride takes you to the tropical paradise of Urique in time for lunch, exploration and swimming in the very bottom of the Urique Canyon, deepest of all canyons in the region. Rest well in a fine hotel before beginning your next day’s ride along the Rio Urique and a climb to the ghost town of Los Alisos. Tonight’s steak cookout features fine Chihuahua beef. Help pick fresh grapefruit from our trees and help prepare the finest Margaritas you have ever tasted.
Day 5: Leaving Alisos the next morning, you climb completly out of the Urique Canyon to a dramatic viewpoint at the very crest. A gentle ride covers the San Fernando Plateau then down steeply to Los Terros where we camp on the edge of the Munerachi Canyon overlooking the historic silver mining pueblo of Cerro Colorado.
Day 6: Downhill to Cerro Colorado the next day where Doña Jula welcomes us with snacks from her charming country store. The rough descent over, you ride along cobble-stone paved trails to the famous silver-mining town of Batopilas, a crown jewel in the bottom of the canyon.
Unsaddle your horses one last time then off for a quick shower, a stop in a local cantina, and a T-bone steak or rainbow trout to celebrate!
Day 7: Leaving Los Terreros descend 1,000 feet to the pueblo of Cerro Colorado for cold soft drinks before continuing along historic aqueducts to the famous silver mining town of Batopilas. Who can resist the call of a local cantina as our dusty riders enter Batopilas. After washing down the dust, we continue to our hotel for a hot shower and well-deserved break.
Day 8: Day free for optional activities such as a visit to the famed "Lost Cathedral" or to the Hacienda where the Shepherds directed mining activities and held gala social events during the late 1800s.  
Day 9: Transfer to Creel train station.  From here you can continue your journey to the coast or back to Chihuahua (train ticket not included).
                             Itinerary subject to change

Be prepared to cheerfully accept the unplanned and unexpected. Although the guides and Mexican staff are the best, remote travel in the Sierra Madre has risk. This is the real thing ... comparable to traveling through the Rocky Mountains in the 1880s. Only the adventurous should consider this trip.
PLEASE COME PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED AND CHANGES IN THE ITINERARY.

This ride begins with two nights at a small hotel followed by a night camping then another hotel night in Urique, two more nights camping than to Batopilas for two more hotel nights with free time for exploration or tours on your own.
Your ride covers approximately 75 miles with about 4 miles of elevation changes. At the end of the ride, everyone is transferred to the mountain-town of Creel where they may continue their vacation or travel to Los Mochis or Chihuahua.

Route of the Railway - from Chihuhua to Los Mochis

Route Height:

Sleeping bags -  Large bulky bags are not acceptable. We have rental bags available for about  $25 US to be paid on arrival. However, we require advance notification for these rentals.

One-liter plastic water bottle: Buy a decent one, preferably at a backpacking store and check to make sure it doesn't leak when you squeeze it. Lately, we have had many clients bring the newer hydration bays and they seem most happy with them.

Suncreen: Altitudes range from 1900 to 7800 feet on this trip. There is not much atmosphere to protect you in the higher elevations so be prepared.

Flashlight: We suggest a lightweight LED light or a small 2-cell that uses AA batteries and a halogen bulb. Bring along an extra set of batteries and bulb.

Clothing: Rugged outer clothing suitable for layering. Weather varies up to 60 degrees F. in one day. Nightime winter temperatures can drop to 15 degrees at higher elevations during winter months. Lows during summer months, spring and fall are generally well above freezing. Blue jeans are suggested for pants, Wrangler makes a "Brush Popper" shirt that is difficult to find but resists tearing branches and spines commont at lower elevations. Some riders (even men) swear by pantihose or silk long johns to protect the legs from chaffing.

Boots: Smooth soled riding boots that give ankle support are best. Personally we prefer the packer style. Boots should be well broken in and suitable for long hikes as well as rides. You might bring along some moleskin if you have any doubts about getting blisters.

Hat: Forget style, we like wide brimmed cloth hats that snap up at the sides and have a chinstrap. These hats protect against sun, can be wet to cool off or bath, can be used for a pillow and even serve to get a reluctant horse moving. Stiff cowboy hats are constantly being blown off or knocked off by low limbs, etc.

Toothbrush, shaving gear, shampoo, etc. should be travel-size and in a light-weight nylon bag.

 
We provide saddle bags for day needs and compressible stuff sacks for clothing and other gear.

Extra clothes can be left at the rim in the hotel in a bag or garbage sack. Please remember that space is limited so cover all the eventualities, but do not bring many different pairs of items. The most important thing to bring is your cheerful acceptance of whatever surprises the wilderness may hold in store!

Optional Items

Riding Helmet: Could save your life; if you want to wear one, bring your own.

Trail Snacks: We provide trail food but suggest everyone bring some favorite snacks; if you do, be nice and bring enough to pass around, sharing makes rides more enjoyable.

Camera: Unless you are in to serious photography, the newer lightweight cameras are best, a zoom lens adds to flexibility. Be sure to bring enough film or storage for digital cameral and a spare battery or two.

Binoculars: These are generally not necessary but if you want to bring them, we suggest a small lightweight pair; if you are a birder you may want something a bit larger.

Things from Home: Bring a small tourist book with photos, photos of where you live, etc. so you can share with your hosts where we camp. It adds to the fun, if you want to bring along a few candies or other goodies from your area it can also add to your experience.

Small pebble on stone: Bring this from where you live and carry it in your daypack to deposit in a special place on your first day’s ride.

Medical Considerations

We suggest you consult with your doctor prior to the trip for a checkup and to obtain any needed vaccinations, etc.  You should have a current tetanus booster; vaccinations against hepatitis may be suggested as well as a prophylaxis against malaria. Be advised that there is no trauma care in the region where you will be riding.

We Supply

Tents, food on the trail (advise us if you need a special diet), water purification, cooking and eating supplies.