Creel to Hotel

This log describes the roads between Creel and Bahuichivo. Take your time and do look for trains when crossing tracks! Expect heavy, slow moving logging trucks on the roads. A pickup or SUV vehicle is recommended - 4WD is not necessary. We recommend a full gas tank when leaving Creel. Road conditions vary depending upon the weather, this log describes both the high and low road options.

The low road is a turnoff from the high road approximately 38.9 miles from Creel. This is scenic route passes by ruins of Orivo, the old camp where railroad construction workers were housed, and the town of Cuiteco. This route joins the high road just before reaching Bahuichivo. It descends steeply then roughly follows the canyon bottom and the streambed Fifteen bridges have replaced all the fords that once made this route dangerous during the rainy season.

From Bahuichivo it is about 9 miles south to the Paraiso del Oso. Look for blue signs on the right side of the road. From Creel, allow about 3.5 hours driving time without any sightseeing time.

Mile	Description
0.0	Pemex station on south side of Creel
1.0	Right turn marked for San Rafael
17.1	Pass Pitorreal turnoff - continue straight
28.0	Continue straight - left turn goes to Divisadero, the Posada Barrancas train station, and the Tarahumara Mansion Hotel.
31.0	Turn right
34.7	Asphalt pavement ends, concrete pavement continues to railroad crossing.
34.9	Straight across railroad tracks at San Rafael
38.9	Turn right - "low road" continues left here. The low road is more scenic but use caution during the rainy season. Drop down 6 rows for the low road option road log.
39.4	Road stops climbing (~7840' elevation)
42.0	Turn left by a small group of houses
58.8	Turn left - Bahuichivo is visible on the left
59.1	Low road rejoins here - continue straight
59.6	Cross railroad tracks at Bahuichivo train station, continue uphill being careful of speed bumps
60.2	Turn left at T-intersection on top of hill
68.0	Hotel Paraiso del Oso on your right just before bridge. If the gate is closed, open it and drive in, you're always welcome!

	LOW ROAD OPTION ROAD LOG
0.0	At mile 38.9 reset your odometer to zero at the intersection then turn left onto the low road.
1.6	Continue past left turn to La Laja and Hostal Guitayvo
4.1	Railroad crossing
4.5	First bridge over the Arroyo Cuiteco (in this part of the road streams are known as Arroyos) all bridges and fords will be on this same arroyo between here and Bahuichivo
5.4	Manzano bridge
5.8	Enter scenic Canyon
6.1	Cueva de los Dragones (Cave of the Dragons), the black stains on the rock are desert varnish.
7.2	Cueva del Veneno (Venomous Cave)
7.8	Small bridge over a side stream. A trail up this stream leads to a low but beautiful waterfall and is a good place for lunch
8.3	Dramatic view of railroad trestle on right
8.9	Canyon opens
10.0	Ruins of the roalroad camp of Orivo. Remains of many historic buildings were destroyed when a baseball field was built here in spring, 2006.
10.8	School, Church, and a junction with the road to Churo (this road is really rough and may not be passable by full-size vehicles, get local information before taking it).
11.0	Lookout built in 2005 offers a beautiful view of the Cuiteco railroad trestle and a good place to sit and relax
11.3	Cuiteco Hotel, on the left is the only monument to American Albert Kinsey Owens, the founder of the colony at Topolobampo and an early visionary of the railroad.
12.5	Pass under the train tracks (here is a good place for taking photographs of the train coming out of a tunnel and passing over a bridge but getting into position on the far side of the bridge requires some scrambling.)
12.7	Keep to the left at a minor junction where the road splits for a km or so
13.2	The last of three river remaining stream fords, all others have been bridged
16.2	Unigue bridge made out of train rails, if riding a motorcycle, be especially careful on this bridge!
16.2	Junction, turn left to Bahuichivo Train Station.