Copper Canyon with a Man Called Horse
MEXICO'S COPPER CANYON
CUSTOM TRIPS FOR ADVENTURE TRAVELERS
Pack animals optional
Walk in the land of the Tarahumara
With a man called Horse.
Read about "Caballo Blanco" - your Race Director and Guide - in this article by Christopher McDougall The Men Who Live Forever
Want to know more about your guide? See this Boulder Weekly article
And this article by Huw Davies - Crazy for the Copper Canyon
and this, by Christopher McDougall Kick Off Your Shoes and Run Awhile
You can also see pictures by Luis Escobar from the Spring 2006 Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon - Spring 2006 Directory
Welcome to Cabro Colorado's Guide to the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon
2007 Copper Canyon Ultramarathon on YouTube
Now running winter trips from November thru April. You and your group of one to six adventurous travelers can arrange a trip with me at your times, your dates, your pace, and your distance. Trips consist of a large loop of the Sierra Madre and magnificent canyon country traveling by bus, train, and foot. Explore the real, OLD Mexico, stay in inexpensive, yet comfortable and clean hotels, camp while in the back country, and interact with the local people and families along the way. Meals will be taken at the houses of favorite Grandmas!
Korima: Tarahumara word meaning "a gift", "the circle of sharing".
Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon Race Donations may be made through PayPal, using this link: PayPal Donations.
New Stuff
Copper Canyon Ultramarathon Poster for the March 1, 2009 Race
Copper Canyon Ultramarathon training camps.
Explore the deep canyons and mountain trails, covering much more distance in
a day than any other standard trips! Your group...Your
dates.....Running/hiking in the Batopilas and Urique canyons, visiting the
homes of our Raramuri friends, running parts of the CCUM course and beyond!
.....Eat at favorite grandma's kitchens......Comfortable, beautiful, and
inexpensive lodging options.
For more information on the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon, runners blogs, reports and articles, videos, Google: Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon
March 1, 2009 Copper Canyon Run and Ultra Marathon - Message From the RDMarch 1, 2009 Copper Canyon Run--Preliminary
March 1, 2009 Copper Canyon Run and Ultra Marathon: Program Info
March 1, 2009 Copper Canyon Run and Ultra Marathon: Course Description
Entry/Application -- *Important Information*
WAIVER and Entry Form: March 1, 2009 Copper Canyon Run and Ultra Marathon
Historic Notes
2008 CCUM - A Celebration of LifePhotos from the 2008 Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon
2008 Copper Canyon Run and Ultra Marathon--Results!
March 4, 2007 Copper Canyon Run and Ultra Marathon: Photos!
March 4, 2007 Copper Canyon Run and Ultra Marathon: Results
Urique canyon report: November 19--2007
Update: November 22, 2007
March 5, 2006 Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon: Photos and runner`s reports
Canyon of dreams--March 5, 2006 Copper Canyon Run: Results
Mas Locos and aspiring locos--News from the Canyons
Corn! A note from the Race Director
December 4 Copper Canyon Run: Results
2005 Spring Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon: Report and Results
2004 Spring Copper Canyon to Canyon run: Report and results
2003 Fall Tarahumara Marathon "Running The Marathon!"
Report on the Nov. 23, 2003, Copper Canyon to Canyon Trail Marathon+ Batopilas to Urique
Report: March 23, 2003 - First Copper Canyon-to-Canyon Trail Marathon
Articles by Micah True
Geronimo: Nuclear Test Site
Los Alisos
Meeting the Tarahumara at the Leadville 100
Humbled by La Sierra Madre
Mas Korima
Running Copper Canyon
Tarahumara Racers
*****
Sample Itinerary: Seven Day Trip, Creel - to - Creel.
Day One: We will meet in railroad tourist town of Creel (altitude: 7600 feet).
Day Two: Take local bus from Creel over the mountains, then down, down, down, to the old mining town of Batopilas (altitude: 1600 feet).
Day Three: Breakfast at Clarita's. Day hike in and around
Batopilas while preparing for canyon - to - canyon hike. There are nice
swimming holes which we can enjoy in this sub-tropical climate.
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Mission Satevo in Batopilas Canyon |
Day Four: Fuel up at Clarita's, then leave on canyon - to - canyon hike. We will make camp just before the big climb out of Batopilas canyon. (Easy day).
Day Five: Hike 4000 feet out of Batoplias canyon, crossing five miles of pine-covered mountains. There is an amazing diversity of flora on this hike, with pines and yucca growing together at high altitudes, changing to oak trees at lower altitudes. Today's hike climaxes with an overlook of the great Urique Canyon. Say a prayer and begin the descent. Camp that evening on a family's property in a lush, bird-filled arroyo called "Los Alisos" (The Alders). (Challenging day)
Day Six: Down-hill walk to the Urique River, following the river upstream to the town of Urique. Take a meal at Grandma Tita's. Drink cerveza and relax.
Day Seven: Take the local bus up to western rim to meet the famous Copper Canyon train back to the town of Creel with the feeling that you've done something very special.
Adios y que le vaya muy bien!
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Church in Plaza Batopilas |
This is a basic one-week itinerary that can be modified to suit your individual wishes. A longer "double canyon" trip can be arranged (more challenging), or shorter day hikes out of Batopilas (easier). Long-distance trail runs are also available.
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Variations in canyon-to-canyon hike:
The standard hike described in the sample itinerary is from Batopilas to Urique. These are the variations that I offer:
1] Reverse- Urique to Batopilas[about 30 miles]
2] Batopilas to Urique then out above the west rim of Urique canyon to the charming ranch hotel "Rancho del oso"[about 50 miles]
3] Reverse of #2- Rancho del Oso down to Urique then over the mountains down to Batopilas.[50 miles] - Horseback trips optional with horse support for runners.
4] Batopilas to Urique then loop return on another route [about 100km.]
5] Double canyon return. This would be combining all of the above trips. (100 miles)
--Any of these trips can be done in reverse.
--The standard three day trip can be done easily enough in two days by better hikers -or even one long day by those who are "loco" enough and athletic hikers/runners. I would recommend taking at least two days.
--Running and fast hike trips are also offered for any variation of the canyon to canyon format. See coppercanyonrunner.com.
The hike out of Batopilas Canyon
More information
Pack animals: If you are travelling with more gear than you can comfortably carry over the course of a tough multi day hike with 4,000 foot climbs and descents, then I would advise either stashing some extra items in Creel or hiring pack animals. I always advise traveling light while hiking and would be happy to arrange for pack animals to carry your gear. If you would like pack animals then I will negotiate on your behalf a fee that is modest yet fair to you and the animals' handler. It is always good to include local people on our trips and the work is very much appreciated by them.
Along the river in Urique Canyon
Communications[or lack of!]
Communications from the deep canyons are rather primitive at best! While in the canyons I have limited access to a telephone and virtually[ha!] none to the internet. It is best to call my Colorado voice mail [303 584-3076] to leave a message that you would like to join me on a trip. The message should include: your name and phone number--The number of people in your group--the dates that you would like to join me--whether or not you would like pack animals--what trip or variation you would like to take. Then E-mail truecaballoblanco@yahoo.com
I check my messages when I am around a phone or have internet access, and I will return your messages. Please, only serious inquiries should call as communications from the canyons are very expensive
I hope to answer most of your questions on this web site and will be happy to answer all other questions at our orientation meeting in Creel [more on this to come] Please check the web for general information on Copper Canyon land such as geographical location etc.
Payment:
A $500 deposit will reserve my guide services for this 7 day trip. Longer or shorter trips can be accommodated [according to your needs]. For longer trips my fee will be $100/day for 1 or 2 people, plus an additional $50/day for any additional person that you bring along. [Example: Your group of 3 people will be $150 a day plus expenses such as your meals, ground transportation, and lodging].
Checks should be made out to Micah True and be sent to my bank at the following address:
Mutual of Omaha
26 South Highway 119
Nederland, Colorado 80466
On the back side of the check where I would endorse, you should write:
To Micah True For deposit only.
You may also pay for services through PayPal, using this link: PayPal Payments.
Meeting: In the railroad tourist town of Creel, we will meet at
either "Casa Margaritas" or "Casa Perez". Both of these
establishments offer really good values and are completely different from each
other. "Margaritas" is world famous and a gathering spot for
international backpackers and travelers "Casa Perez" has a real,
local family run flavor with few tourists and inexpensive rooms. The evening of
the day that you arrive in Creel we will have an orientation meeting at one of
these establishments. We will discuss our agenda and what our itinerary will be
during the course of your visit. At this meeting the balance of payment will be
made in the form of money order, travelers check or cash. No personal checks
will be accepted while I am in Mexico. To make full payment by check, please
send your check to my bank at least three weeks in advance of your visit.
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Rancho del Oso Mountain Lodge |
Note: My trips are for more adventurous self-contained hikers. I am not an outfitter. You will need to bring your own packs, sleeping bags, light tents etc. If you would like a full service guide that supplies all of the above as well as food, lodging, and transportation then I would be happy to refer you to a few good ones: Arturo "expeditionsumarike"--Diego Rhodes "ranchodeloso" or "mexicohorse"--Les Mahoney "coppercanyonadventures". All of these of course are dot coms. You can check the web for other full service outfitters. While I am giving referrals to good people, the most experienced guide that I know of, who has the most knowledge of all of the Sierra Madre and canyon country, would have to be James "Santiago" Barnaby "coppercanyonguide". The most diverse guide would be Arturo of Umarike Expedicions. This intelligent young man has years of experience offering many options with the outdoor sport format. He offers climbing trips, mountain bike trips, hiking trips and just about any kind of trip you would like to make. He speaks perfect English as well as Spanish and he really knows the country and its people.
Also, deep within the mighty Urique canyon, very near to the town of Urique, exists a wonderful campground that offers inexpensive camp sites with a hot shower as well as very nice guest house. This special place is called "Casa de Keith"
When travelling the copper canyon country with "El Caballo Blanco", you can expect adventure. This is no club Med! This is the real, old Mexico with very real people.
Happy trails y Que le vaya muy bien!
P.S. In closing on a personal note: The deep canyons and La Sierra Madre between Batopilas and Urique is where I graze. I feel very connected to the people that live here and to the land herself. I would encourage any adventure traveler to experience this unique and beautiful place with or without me. By coming here you will be treating yourself to something very special as well as helping the local economy. Come here and let these wonderfully interesting people share with you their life experience. From the oldest of the elders to the youngest "towi"[baby] This place is full of life and character.
There are several experienced local animal handler-guides living in ranches near to Batopilas. To name and recommend a few: Navor--Librado--Trini--Polo--Manuelito--Canuto. These men really know the ropes [ha!] and are very reasonable in price. They supply and handle burros [donkeys]-mules-and horses and carry with them a lifetime of experience in la sierra. If you would like to just "show up" and travel on your own with or without my guide service, then just ask anybody in Batopilas where lives the man named "Caballo Blanco" and I would be happy to run down one of these animal handler-guides for you. I would help make arrangements for them and their animals on your behalf. I would negotiate with them a price that is fair for both you and the animal guide. My fee for this should you take a trip with me is gratis. It is included. Otherwise my fee for this service will be $50. Then do not be surprised to see my goofy face running over the mountains to say hello and check on you sometime during the course of your journey! So......you can call me and make a reservation for a trip or just show up in Batopilas and see what's available at that time. Either way,
Bienvenidos a las Barrancas!
Welcome to the Big Canyons
Tu amigo,
Micah True -- El Caballo Blanco.
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Contacts:
Micah True, "El Caballo Blanco," your experienced trail companion. Phone: 303-584-3076 e-mail: truecaballoblanco@yahoo.comReferences:
Brett Dufur: End of year 2008. 3 day Canyon to canyon hike with group of 15 University of Missouri students and instructors.mailto:pebblepublishing@gmail.com Andrew Yim--November, 2008: 5 day program, Including daily runs and 2 1/2 day back-packer from Rancho Del Oso to Urique to Batopilas, then beyond, running/hiking to Satevo mission and Puerto Blanco
mailto:Yimerrr@yahoo.com Alison Gannett: Independent explorer and Green activist
http://www.alisongannett.com
http://www.chasingglaciers.com Liz Harvey--Jan. 2007: Batopilas canyon backpacker and camper in Tarahumara country.
mailto:meharvey03@yahoo.com Patrick, Meg and Mauricio--Feb. 2007: two day canyon to canyon back-packers.
mailto:981patrick_mcelwee@hotmail.com
mailto:Mauriciodelvillar@hotmail.com Kisten Hofso: 3 day canyon to canyon Back-packer and 5 day hiker. [New year, 2007]
mailto:khofso@hotmail.com Maura and Todd: 5 day Urique canyon trail-running training camp. [Jan. 2007]
mailto:ande5204@msn.com
mailto:mgonsior@tnc.org
Doug "Diego" Rhodes Hotel Paraiso Del Oso Cerocahui, Chihuahua, Mexico email: mailto:doug@mexicohorse.com Web Site: Rancho Del Oso Mountain Lodge
Max Scoular (Canyon-to-Canyon Back-packer) mailto:max_scoular@yahoo.com
William Scoular (Canyon-to-Canyon Back-packer) mailto:william_scoular@yahoo.com
mailto:senoralexander@yahoo.com Mel Downs: 2 day hiker, then 1 day return Canyon to canyon runner:
mailto:megamel@megamel.com Rodney and Tanya: 2 day Canyon to canyon Hikers:
mailto:rodneyanyan@hotmail.com Renee Despres: Ultra trail runner:
mailto:RTDespres@aol.com Dean, Jane, and the infamous Bruemmer boys!: canyon to canyon backpackers [2005]
mailto:wildernesslodge@gila.net Shawn Callahan: canyon to canyon and beyond fast-pack/runner [Dec. 2004]
mailto:shawncal71@yahoo.com Atina Diffley: double canyon to canyon and well beyond 18 day backpacker [2005]
mailto:atinagoe@frontiernet.net Esther Ouray: double canyon to canyon and well beyond 18 day backpacker [2005]
mailto:Runningwoman5457@yahoo.com David Ryan: 3 day canyon to canyon backpacker [2005]
mailto:Davidryan@msn.com David Boyle: 5 day Urique rim to rim and canyon to canyon backpacker--about 47 miles [Dec. 2004]
mailto:Davidboyle@clinic.net Christine Mitchell and Ron Bartell: 3 day Uriquecanyon rim to rim backpackers [Dec. 20004]
mailto:christinemitchell@yahoo.com Jay Keith: Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon runner [March 6--005]
mailto:jay@redback.com Jennifer Burtner: Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon runner [March 6--005]
mailto:jjburtner@hawaii.rr.com Ivan and Cindy: canyon to canyon hikers--November, 2005
See Ivan's photos from the Copper Canyon trip!
mailto:ivan.levac@lafarge-na.com Tim and Doone: 7 day hikers/runners, including 5 day canyon to canyon--Batopilas to Urique-- and up out of Urique canyon. November, 2005
mailto:doonew@hotmail.com Fred and Deb Maas--7 day program, 3 day canyon to canyon hikers [March,2006]
mailto: kt5x@cybermesa.com
2006 Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon Dream Team
Christopher McDougall (Contact Micah for contact info) Eric Orton mailto: eric@trainwitheric.com Jenn Shelton mailto: jennjennjennjennjenn@gmail.com Billy Barnett mailto: barnettwa@vcu.edu Scott Jurek mailto: scott@scottjurek.com Ted Mcdonald mailto: Ted@barefooted.com Luis Escobar mailto: luis@reflectionsphotographystudio.comLinks:
"Running volcanos in Nicaragua: Corre como loco, Cambia tu mundo [Run like crazy, change your world] "
"Josue Stephens [Trail Runner/Mas Loco] "
"RunFlux - your daily dose of running - Latest News"
"The RunFlux blog is a companion to RunFlux.com."
"Nice hostel by the train station in Chihuahua"
"Very nice hostel, camping and guest house on beautiful land in Urique"
"Trekking with Cathy and Mike"
"The3Amigos Canyon Expeditions"
"Mondo Monkey - Time Traveler"
" Photo essay by James Rexroad"
"Apoyo Tarahumara (Support the Tarahumara)"
Carl Franz "peoples guide"
Ultra Running Magazine "ultra running"
Arturo "umarike expediciones"
Diego Rhodes "mexicohorse"
Les Mahoney "coppercanyonadventures"
James "Santiago" Barnaby "coppercanyonguide"
Ray Molina "Remolino Adventure Works"
Amy and Gary "Adventure Specialists Inc"
Best Western in Creel "The Lodge"
KOA Campground "Creel/Copper Canyon"
AATRA - All American Trail Running Association "trailrunner.com"
Sierra Madre Alliance "sierramadrealliance.org"