"GREAT SIERRA MADRE"... CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO

Location: Situated deep in the remote Sierra Madre Mountains and the Copper Canyons of Mexico. Isolated hidden canyon and mountain riding. Elevations rise from 4,000 - 8,300 feet. The northern sierra is magnificent and embraces fifteen major canyon systems within an area of 47,000 square miles - our trip takes in two of these, the Candamena and Oteras- Chinipas. 

History: The area was held under constant siege by the Apache Indians for well over a century. Geronimo later used the Sierra Madre region as a refuge from General George Crook and the U.S. Army until his surrender 1886. Mexican Revolutionary Pancho Villa also his out here. 

Ride: Meet the trail crew and after orientation we pack and head out from Otchique to the mining town of Uruachic (founded 1736). Descending from 7,000 feet through mountains, mesas and canyons to the Charuyvo River following it to the confluence of the Oteros at 4,000 feet. Along the route see ghost mining towns, Indian caves, rock art, traditional Mexican ranchos, gold and silver mines, oak and pine forests, subtropical canyons and  hot springs.

Following rugged trails into great barrancas , explore Mexico's highest waterfall, ride through dusty streets of a seventeenth century village, cross the Great Divide on remote rugged trails and travel through some of the wildest terrain on earth. After a three hour drive into Mexico we overnight at a rancho before exploring trails and viewpoints of the Basaseachic Falls and Barranca de Candamena. Wildlife is abundant, keep watch for black bears, mountain lion, bobcats, small jaguars, macaws, parrots, deer, peccaries, quail, golden eagles and many other species.  A rugged demanding adventure for experienced riders able to spend long hours in the saddle, willing to hike and traverse steep dangerous sections. This is the real deal so expect the unexpected. Indiana Jones eat your heart out!

11days/10 nights. Accommodation: hotel/cabin/tents. Group size: 6-10, Cost $1,795. Departures April 15-23, October 21-29