RideMexico

(Note: Half-hour and full-hour massage is available by appointment following rides)

The Grand Rides are offered to riders who are in for the long haul; those who have wilderness experience and/or calloused seats from years of riding. These rides are also perfect fare for those who are young in spirit or body or both. We have had guests on such rides as these with no former riding experience; and we have had riders with many, many years-around-the-sun; all expressed positive and memorable experiences.

Waterfalls, hiking, deep canyons, high sierras, river crossings, mission, Tarahumara settlements.

Day 1 - Arrive Creel mid-afternoon; check into Cabaña Del Aventurero; meet with guide and horseman Norberto Padilla. Dinner at Cabaña Del Aventurero.

Day 2 - After breakfast, we travel by van to Cusárare Waterfalls for a pleasant day of hiking to the waterfalls and the small village of Cusárare; visit the pictographs, and hike other lovely trails made by the Tarahumara amid the high alpine forest surrounding the river. Dinner and lodging tonight in the beautiful Copper Canyon Lodge at river's edge. Meet in the lounge for a margarita, stand by the huge rock fireplace, and later dine on hand-hewn furniture in a memorably quiet and charming place. Walk about the grounds after dinner or along the river below. Sleep well in a room warmed by the small woodstove, lighted by kerosene lanterns. Know, though, that the showers are hot and the beds are comfortable.

Day 3 - Horses arrive by trailer and we pack up for the ride to Tejabán. Here we may be traversing high water, depending on the season; horses delight in splashing their riders with laughter. We arrive at majestic Tejabán where the vista is breathtaking. Lodging and meals tonight are at El Tejabán, a glorious hotel with all the appointments of the loveliest of homes. Food is great here, as are the very comfortable rooms. This is a place for photos before the sun sets.

Day 4 - We leave Tejabán for the daylong ride to Pamachi. A beautiful trail, grand vistas, and good horses with a singing guide: what else can life give us! We camp between Tejabán and Pamachi.

Day 5 - After a filling breakfast, we saddle up and ride out to Pamachi where again we make a comfortable camp, build a campfire, eat dinner and turn in for the night.

Day 6 - Break camp after breakfast and ride along the mesa to the village of Guagueyvo (we'll even help you pronounce it!), terraced along the canyon's wall. We camp here or along the river bottom, depending on the season. Both are lovely.

Day 7 - Break camp and ride out to Churro, a high plateau village with 17th Century mission. Camp near Tarahumara home on the plateau.

Day 8 - Break camp and ride out through high sierra forest to San Raphaél where horse trailer will meet us mid-afternoon. Arrive back at Creel and Cabaña Del Aventurero for dinner.

Day 9 - Rest, recover, restore. Free time to visit museum, mission store, and other lovely shops. Lunch on one's own. Farewell dinner at Cabaña Del Aventurero.

Tremendous waterfalls, two of the Copper Canyons, mission, rock paintings, forests, valleys, rivers, gold mine, swimming pool, hot springs,mountaintop village, giant rock peak, Tarahumara settlements, town exploring.

Day 1 - Arrive Creel and Hotel Cabaña Del Aventurero late afternoon. Meet guide, Norberto Padilla at El Aventurero stables. Group meeting with Norberto after dinner in Cabaña Del Aventurero Lodge.

Day 2 - Shake-down ride along Rio Ignacio and Tararecua Canyon to Rukiráso Waterfall. Return to Creel to prepare for pack trip.

Day 3 - Early departure for pack trip. All gear needs to be at stable by 7:00 a.m. Ride out past Repechique, Bellavista, and Sapareachic. Ride takes us into Canyon Oteros, home to isolated Tarahumara settlements. Stop at Tarahumara cabin for a drink of "tepache" at San José de Guacayvo; camp near Aguaje where a small spring and a few Tarahumara dwellings provide the landscape for our first night out on trail.

Day 4 - Ride out from Aguaje, pass through Guitaborachi, El Trigo and Erojaviachi, camping at Jallepuchi.

Day 5 - Ride trough San Isidro, tighten our cinches, and climb up out of the canyon to Maguaríchi, old mining village perched on canyon's edge, and quiet as a ghost town. Take up lodging at cabins or guesthouse, visit church and old mine, swim in town pool (season permitting), then eat at Senora Rosa's kitchen.

Day 6 - Explore the old gold mines and caves along the river; soak in the Piedra de la Lumbre hot springs, and listen to the delightfully entertaining and informative stories from a venerable prospector still panning successfully for gold.

Day 7 - Saddle up and ride out of Maguaríchi for what is held by many formidable hikers and explorers to be the most spectacular scenery in the environs of Copper Canyon. Enough said. One's own sense of awe and appreciation for the spectacular, the sublime and the very miracle of creation is often galvanized by the experience of riding through this magical place. We begin to ride now toward Rancho Miguel and Cajuriechi. Camp tonight will be along the Rio Guirichivo at a campsite near one of the valley ranches, along the route through Tejogorochi, Yoquiro, Rancho Miguel and Cajuriechi.

Day 8 - Awaken to the crow of roosters, the splashing of water racing over the rocks of the Rio Guirichivo, and eat heartily. Break camp, saddle up and begin ride along ranches and valleys straddling Rio Hurvachi. Another fabulous evening in verdant surroundings, high granite walls echoing the sweet song of the river.

Day 9 - - Break camp, ride along valley floor, eyes turned upwards to the formidably high rock formations as we glide towards Pierdra Volade and the most famous of them all - "El Gigante," where we pitch camp for the night.

Day 10 - Break camp and ride out to lovely Rancho San Lorenzo. Here we race to our log cabins, each equipped with warm showers, comfortable beds and small woodstoves. Our host, a spirited and good-hearted man, has pioneered historical and ecological interest in his heartland both in Mexico and throughout the world. You will delight in his stories and his hospitality. Meals for humans and horses given lavishly.

Day 11 - Breathe in the vapors, worship all that is before you. You're hiking the short distance from your cabin to world renowned Basaseachi Waterfalls. The thunderous roar of the falls will be heard long before we approach them. Gaze light-heartedly down the 300-meter drop. Brave the swinging bridge a few meters above the falls and explore the other side. Sit, contemplate, and take photos. Take the trail up this side of the river to the small settlement of shops above. Climb rocks. Return to Rancho San Lorenzo for meals and a great night's sleep.

Day 12 - After breakfast, we load the horses and gear into the horse trailer; load ourselves into the van; and drive back to Creel via San Juanito. Farewell dinner at Cabaña Del Aventurero.

Day 13 - Breakfast, pack up, and say good-bye for our respective train and auto trip home.

Spectacular rock formations, missions, painted cave, waterfalls, mountain villages, grand vistas, forests, plateaus, river crossings, river swimming, alpine to tropical stay-overs, museum, town exploring and shopping.

Day 1 - Arrive in Creel mid-afternoon. Check into Cabaña Del Aventurero, relax, meet guide and horseman Norberto Padilla. Dinner at Cabaña Del Aventurero and evening group meeting.

Day 3 - Travel by van to Cusárare, hike to famous waterfalls, Cusárare village, and ancient pictographs. Explore trails along the river. Check into beautiful and rustic Copper Canyon Lodge. Experience luxury amidst the wilderness. Sip a margarita by the massive stone fireplace; dine on hand-hewn furniture while enjoying the view of the river. Sleep tonight in comfortable beds.

Day 4 - Horses arrive by trailer. Make acquaintance with your favorite mount, saddle up and ride to Tejabán, a point of grand vision. Don't hold back; the Taj Mahal pales in comparison. Lodging tonight will be in the fabulous El Tejabán Hotel from where you'll watch the sun set over a panorama too spectacular to be of this world. Dine in the hotel and sleep well.

Day 5 - Today we ride to the other side of the canyon and make camp at Cebollin. Campfire, camp chow, and a deep sleep in our sleeping bags should prepare us for tomorrow's ride to Cieneguita.

Day 6 - Breakfast, coffee, and saddle up for the ride to Cieneguita. Campsite tonight is on the far side of Cieneguita.

Day 8 - Break camp after breakfast and ride down to canyon bottom and the tropical village of Urique. Cross the river and ride along the main avenida of town to our hotel. Comfortable beds, hot showers, restaurant food, casual strolling about the village or sitting along the banks of the river to read or swim…ah.

Day 10 - Casually have breakfast, saddle up and ride up along the river to the village of Naranjo where we'll camp in the balmy fragrance of the Mancinas family's orchards.

Day 12 - Hearty breakfast will be followed by breaking camp, saddling up and riding the alpine trail to San Raphael where we meet the horse trailer and truck for the drive back to Creel. Dinner and lodging tonight at Cabaña Del Aventurero.

Day 13 - Rest, relax and rejoice. Visit Tarahumara Mission store and other fine shops. Visit archaeological museum. Farewell dinner tonight at Cabaña Del Aventurero.

Day 14 - This is it, folks. Breakfast, packing and final good-byes before we leave Creel by Chepe or auto.

THE TEJEBÁN - BATOPILAS (R-C) - 14 Days

Spectacular rock formations, mission, Tarahumara ejido, painted cave, giant waterfalls, endless and panoramic vistas, canyons, river crossings, swimming, tropical colonial town, old hacienda, lost mission, Indian settlements, pine forests, plateaus.

8 nights in hotels, 4 nights camping; 9 days riding, 1 day hiking.

Day 1 - Arrive Creel mid-afternoon. Check into Cabaña Del Aventurero's cozy and beautifully appointed cabins or rooms; meet guide and horseman Norberto Padilla. Group meeting at dinner tonight.

Day 2 - Pack personal gear in saddle packs. Check side bags for equal distribution of weight. Take a shakedown ride into Ejido Araréko. Regroup of horse/rider matches. Make friends with your mount. He'll be your very best friend for the duration. Treat him well.

Day 3 - Travel by van to Cusárare Waterfall. Hike out to the falls; hike to village of Cusárare and the painted cave; explore alpine trails and wander along the river to our lodging tonight at luxury in the wilderness: Copper Canyon Lodge. Slip into the complimentary thick terrycloth robe; enjoy a hot shower, followed by a complimentary margarita in the lodge dining room. Gaze into the fires of the enormous stone fireplace, dine sumptuously and sleep deeply tonight to the lullaby of the music of the river below your lodge.

Day 4 - Ride down one canyon wall and up the other to high peak of Tejabán. Drop your socks on this one! A truly magnificent place in Nature where the panorama seems endless, unfolding before your eyes colors and shapes, dimensions becoming fluid, and reality redefined. Enjoy. We sleep tonight in the famous El Tejabán Hotel, taking our meals in the delightful dining room serviced by friendly staff.

Day 5 - Begin our ride down to the canyon bottom and up the other side to Cebollin from where we head along the upper trail today. This is rough terrain. Our horses will appreciate our best riding skills, weight balance and personal fitness. We camp tonight between Cebollin and Cieneguita.

Day 6 - Breakfast, break camp and ride to Cieneguita, an old gold mining village which, today, is reopening many of the old mines. The spirit is frontier-like in enthusiasm. We camp tonight on the far side of Cieneguita as we make our way towards Munerachi, tomorrow's destination.

Day 8 - Free day in Batopilas for exploring Shepherd Hacienda and the shops in town. Meals on your own. (We will always be available to help translate, make recommendations, and give directions)

Day 9 - Free day. Suggested hike to Satevo, village of the "lost mission." Meals on your own.

Day 11 - Break camp after breakfast, saddle up and ride towards Samachique. Camp tonight will be between Munerachi and Samachique, in tall pines and rivulets of sweet water. Campfire, songs, and promises of a restful night's sleep.

Day 12- Break camp, eat a hearty breakfast, and ride out to Samachique where we meet up with our truck and horse trailer. Unsaddle our mounts, pack gear into the truck, and drive back to Creel. Hot showers and a filling dinner at Cabaña Del Aventurero tonight.

Day 13 - Free day for decompression. Farewell dinner tonight at Cabaña Del Aventurero.

Day 14 - After breakfast, pack up for departure. Leave Creel by Chepe or auto.

Alpine forests, river crossings, sub-tropical canyon with river, old missions, villages and open spaces.

Day 1 - Check into Hotel Cabaña Del Aventurero in Creel; meet guide and horseman, Norberto Padilla. Group meeting after dinner in the lodge of Cabaña Del Aventurero.

Day 2 - Shake-down ride along Rio Ignacio to Tararecua Canyon. View Rukiraso Waterfalls from the rim where we will picnic. Hike to pictographs optional.

Day 3 - Ride into Araréko Parque to old San Ignacio Mission. Loosen limbs and joints for tomorrow's ride. Return to pack gear for the pack trip.

Day 4 - Depart by van to trailhead at San Raphael. Pack remaining personal gear and ride out. Trail follows old Tarahumara mountain trails that descend over 6,000 feet to the bottom of Urique Canyon. Camp tonight near the home of a Tarahumara family in Churro, a high-plateau village and home to a 17th Century mission.

Day 5 - After breakfast, break camp to visit old mission and begin ride down steep and winding trail to Naranjo. Ride into Naranjo from the rim to our orchard camp under the fruit trees at Ambrosia & Meliton Mancinas' lovely adobe home, perched on the ridge of the canyon leading down to Urique. Here we begin to feel the balmy warmth of Urique's tropical air. Following a relaxing dinner and sleep, we saddle up next day for the ride down to Urique.

Day 6 - After casual breakfast and conversation with the Mancinas family and other campers, we saddle up and ride the uncommonly beautiful trail down to Urique, generally following the river as it meanders over rocks, through small farms and orchards, and widens as it reaches the town of Urique. Here we ride into town along the main avenida, dogs barking at our horses' heels, friendly townspeople waving from their storefronts, and children following our trail to what will be a delightful headquarters for the next three nights - hotel, hot showers, and plenty of great chow.

Day 7 - Travel by truck to the Tarahumara settlement of Guadelupe Coronado by driving across the river and up the steep, dirt road to the lovely village, which is host to one of the many Semana Santa ceremonies held throughout the Sierra Tarahumaras. We recross Rio Urique to campsites and cabanas of Keith and Violetta Ramsey, 25-year homesteaders of Urique. (Guests may opt instead for R&R in the peaceful setting of the homestead).

Day 8- Ride the horses bareback to nearby village of Guapalayna, hike about and down to the river, and return to our favorite swimming hole where horse and rider become dolphins! Don't forget your cameras!

Day 9 - Fill up on a big breakfast, grab our lunch bag of burritos from Tita at the Plaza Restaurant, and ride out of town by way of the trail to Cerro Gallego. More opportunities for panoramic photos looking back onto Urique Canyon from along the trail. Camp early at Porochi.

Day 10 - Ride out of Porochito along a different trail leading us back to Churo for last night's camping. Hike into the village, load up on snacks for the ride back to San Raphael, visit Tarahumara family or hike out to the cross on the rim.

Day 11 - Break camp and ride leisurely to San Raphael where our truck and horse trailer will meet us for breaking down of gear and equipment, cold drinks at the local tienda and lots of back-slapping kudus for one another on a ride well executed. Arrive back in Creel by late afternoon. Dinner and sleep at Cabaña Del Aventurero.

Day 12 - Hang out, hang laundry, hang back and do a little shopping in town. Give particular attention to the Mission Store whose proceeds go to Father Luis Verplanken's Tarahumara Mission Clinic. Visit other lovely shops and the museum. Farewell dinner back at Cabaña Del Aventurero.

Day 13 - Depart for home after breakfast for those traveling by auto. Mid-afternoon departure for those taking the train.