Copper Canyon- suggested maps and roads

[tedder]

I've been to Mexico (and all the central american countries) but have missed out on Copper Canyon. Assuming this security map of mexico is up to date, zipping down to CC next week will be fine.

So, the question that remains- what roads/areas are passable by a solo rider with significant dirt experience but who won't be on knobbies? I mean, I'm fine abusing a 'Strom and I'm have taken it on singletrack, not mention over Baja 1000-scarred roads and up on the Alaska gravel.

So the cliche moment is to get to Creel. Then what? Does anyone have recommended GPS tracks, GPS maps that cover there in detail, or know of paper maps that cover the area in detail, or can list cities worth seeing in the canyons?

[stickman1432]

I went to Copper Cayon last year and used the Garmin City Navagator 2011 map and now I have the 2013 edition and they are both excellent maps to use. I used a 60CSX but have just recently upgraded to a Montana. It has a much larger screen and more fetures, but either one will work for your needs.

PM or email me if you need more details.........................

[tedder]

Originally Posted by stickman1432

I went to Copper Cayon last year and used the Garmin City Navagator 2011 map and now I have the 2013 edition and they are both excellent maps to use. I used a 60CSX but have just recently upgraded to a Montana. It has a much larger screen and more fetures, but either one will work for your needs.

PM or email me if you need more details.........................

I have a 60. I didn't know if the more recent maps would help in Mexico. (I've been using the 60 since they came out in 2004)

I'm looking for specific routes/roads that are recommended. Do you have a marked-up file or anything like that? What did you use for the travel planning?

[Johnnydarock]

Check out my ride report from last April...Cirque de Copper Canyon...and send me a PM with your email address if you want my map or have any questions.

Johnnydarock

[tricepilot]

Originally Posted by tedder

I've been to Mexico (and all the central american countries) but have missed out on Copper Canyon. Assuming this security map of mexico is up to date, zipping down to CC next week will be fine.

That map promises nothing, either bad, or good.

Your travel savvy, in Mexico and elsewhere, is your best risk management tool

[Standup Rider]

Why is part of the security map in Yellow?

[tedder]

Originally Posted by Standup Rider

Why is part of the security map in Yellow?

Legend is at the bottom- "defer non-essential travel".

Originally Posted by tricepilot

That map promises nothing, either bad, or good.

Your travel savvy, in Mexico and elsewhere, is your best risk management tool

Nope, it's all about probabilities. Tell me Honduras is as safe as South Dakota.

Originally Posted by Johnnydarock

Check out my ride report from last April...Cirque de Copper Canyon...and send me a PM with your email address if you want my map or have any questions.

Put it on my to-read list. I'll probably PM you soon

[tricepilot]

Originally Posted by tedder

Nope, it's all about probabilities. Tell me Honduras is as safe as South Dakota.

I'll say it again, that map means nothing

[Lone Rider]

I have many maps for the CC area - even the Mex gov topos.
They are all correct, and they are all wrong.
Maybe all of the cartographers enjoy a few cervezas while penning...

If it was all clear and exact, the challenge and adventure (as you chose to bite off) would be much less.

[Sporting Wood]

I heard the switchback section was getting paved...which sorta eliminates much need for a map IMHO.

[tedder]

Originally Posted by Lone Rider

I have many maps for the CC area - even the Mex gov topos.
They are all correct, and they are all wrong.
Maybe all of the cartographers enjoy a few cervezas while penning...

If it was all clear and exact, the challenge and adventure (as you chose to bite off) would be much less.

True. But it's nice to minimize some of the risks.

[cwc]

Originally Posted by tedder

I've been to Mexico (and all the central american countries) but have missed out on Copper Canyon. Assuming this security map of mexico is up to date, zipping down to CC next week will be fine.

So, the question that remains- what roads/areas are passable by a solo rider with significant dirt experience but who won't be on knobbies? I mean, I'm fine abusing a 'Strom and I'm have taken it on singletrack, not mention over Baja 1000-scarred roads and up on the Alaska gravel.

So the cliche moment is to get to Creel. Then what? Does anyone have recommended GPS tracks, GPS maps that cover there in detail, or know of paper maps that cover the area in detail, or can list cities worth seeing in the canyons?

There is a map that will load into your 60. It is made from tracks that I have recorded in the sierras.

If you go to www.ccoons.com and click on "Mexico Info Links" you can download it. It is an .exe and should self install in Mapsource so you can load it to the GPS.

You might also be interested in the mileage chart below the map. The .pdf map above the gps map might be useful, but I see the link for that is broken. If you pm me an email I can send that to you. I'll try to look at the link tomorrow to see if I can fix it.

I spoke to Tury (lives in Chihuahua) recently and apparently the main road to Batopilas is not passable due to construction. The alternates are possibly passable on a strom, but you will work really hard for some of it and if you get in a fix it might be a long time before somebody finds you.

It might be different when you get there.

[tedder]

Originally Posted by cwc

If you go to www.ccoons.com and click on "Mexico Info Links" you can download it. It is an .exe and should self install in Mapsource so you can load it to the GPS.

Thanks- I fetched that already. Saw the PDF was broken but pulled the others. I'll pm my email.

I spoke to Tury (lives in Chihuahua) recently and apparently the main road to Batopilas is not passable due to construction. The alternates are possibly passable on a strom, but you will work really hard for some of it and if you get in a fix it might be a long time before somebody finds you.

Road to Batopilas = from Creel? While I can ride a Strom like it's a DRZ, I have to be more careful because I'm solo and will be out of country.

[cwc]

Originally Posted by tedder

Road to Batopilas = from Creel? While I can ride a Strom like it's a DRZ, I have to be more careful because I'm solo and will be out of country.

Actually the road from Samachique to Batopilas. Samachique is where you turn off the highway south of Creel.

You can go west from Samachique (on the GPS map) and then south to Batopilas (I have a track for that and it will be on the next iteration of the map). Parts of this route would IMO be pretty challenging on a big bike, but then I'm an experienced user of the medicare system so may be a little conservative. I use a DR350.

You can also get there by going farther south on the highway and turning in near Aboreachi or even further and turning near Guachochi, but the locals tend to avoid that if they can because of the nature of some people who live in that area.

[Tury]

Originally Posted by cwc

Actually the road from Samachique to Batopilas. Samachique is where you turn off the highway south of Creel.

You can go west from Samachique (on the GPS map) and then south to Batopilas (I have a track for that and it will be on the next iteration of the map). Parts of this route would IMO be pretty challenging on a big bike, but then I'm an experienced user of the medicare system so may be a little conservative. I use a DR350.

You can also get there by going farther south on the highway and turning in near Aboreachi or even further and turning near Guachochi, but the locals tend to avoid that if they can because of the nature of some people who live in that area.

TEDDER

As Charlie says I live here at Chihuahua city, been riding the area since 1972 ( all the sierra mountains, that includes the BARRANCA DEL COBRE ), Also, for the past 7 years with Charlie and his MINNESOTAN´S amigos, so when you get to Chihuahua state and if you pass through the city give me a call to my Cel. 614 1 42 0640 and i´ll give you an update about the roads . Riding a V Strom with tar tyres can give some work !, can be done, so have a good adventure