The Silver Trail cross-canyon route is truly a world class ride. No matter where you have ridden before, this will be the experience of a lifetime - not only for the scenery but the cross-cultural experience as well. We offer this trip for horseback riders and a separate trip for hikers.

The adventure descends the deepest canyon in Northern Mexico, the Urique Canyon at its deepest point (over 1400 feet deeper than the Grand Canyon of Arizona) then climbs high into the High Sierra following El Camino Real. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Alexander (Boss) Shepherd used this same trail to haul tons of silver from Batopilas to the outside world on heavily laden mule trains. The old time muleskinners probably did not appreciate the magnificent vistas. To them these rugged terrains were simply an obstacle to be overcome. Our riders feel differently.

Riders from all over the world have marveled at the vistas while getting to know local Tarahumara and mestizo cultures and the surefootedness of our sturdy mountain horses.

Your adventure begins at our ranch with a familiarization and checkout ride lasting 3-4 hours. This ride acquaints riders with their horses and equipment and allows us to make sure riders are qualified for the rugged trails ahead of them. That afternoon we pack our gear, relax a bit, get to know each other while spinning a few yarns and enjoying a hearty cookout before retiring.

Your first day on the trail takes you past plunging mountain streams, through the El Cajón box canyon, and by indigenous ranchitos. Next you climb 1500 feet through a high mountain pass at La Cruz and down the other side to the Tarahumara Indian pueblo of Huicorachi. There we spend the night camped next to the house of Doña Natividad, one of our special Tarahumara friends and share a meal by a campfire. Your second day offers spectacular vistas as you descend to the very bottom of the Urique Canyon to the comfort of a cozy hotel and a welcome hot shower in the historic gold mining town of Urique. Urique is the county seat, a busy small town, and the last town on our route. This is our last chance for a restaurant meal and a cold beer.

Your next two days are spent on steep mountain trails climbing and descending over two miles as you follow Shepherd’s trails to the colonial silver mining town of Batopilas. One night is spent in the ghost town of Los Alisos (place of “the sycamore trees”). With high canyon walls around us, abundant water, and a campfire, the stars seem unusually brilliant and the rest of the world is easily forgotten. Climbing out of Los Alisos the next day, you stop at the most beautiful of all Canyon overlooks. Discovered by us, this overlook is still unused by other groups. Above there we pass by a site where lechuguilla (the local agave moonshine) is grown and distilled. That night, we camp at El Trigo, a small Tarahumara ranchito with fantastic views. The next day, we pass through first-growth forest as we approach Batopilas Canyon. We are treated to more wonderful vistas as we cross over to Batopilas Canyon and then down to Batopilas. There is the possibility of seeing rare birds such as the Eared Quetzal on the way.

The Batopilas mines produced tons of silver starting in the late 1800s and established Alexander Shepherd’s reputation as the king of silver. For some more history, look for a copy of "The Silver Magnet" by Grant Shepherd and grab it if you are lucky enough to find a copy. The Mexican Revolution and the general economic depression of the times shut down the mines. Today the mines are silent but the charm and culture of the area remain intact. Occasional bits of smaller mining activity occur today, such as an occasional water-powered ore mill run by optimistic locals. With two nights in Batopilas, you have a day on your own for exploring the ruins of Shepherd’s Hacienda and mining headquarters, the town of Batopilas, just relaxing, or doing an excursion from Batopilas to Satevó to visit the "Lost Cathedral.’’

This ride features two nights at the Hotel Paraiso del Oso, three nights camping, one hotel night in Urique and two hotel nights in Batopilas. While in Batopilas, optional tours include the ruins of Shepherd's hacienda on the east end of Batopilas and the Mission at Satevo, located a few miles downstream from Batopilas. We can arrange for a good local guide to take you to and interpret either or both locations.

On the Silver Trail, total horizontal distances covered exceed forty miles with about four miles(!) of total vertical relief. Personal gear is carried on our pack stock. On the trail, we use known good water sources, treat it as well, and have never had any problems. In Urique and Batopilas, the food is safe and free from “Montezuma’s revenge”. At the end of the trip, riders will be taken to Creel by vehicle where they may continue on their own to Chihuahua or Los Mochis by train, bus, or van. Riders may return to Cerocahui by horse for an additional $500 USD.

River water levels and inner canyon summer temperatures dictate when we can offer this trip. Don’t apply for this trip unless you are comfortable in the saddle, know how to handle a horse and trust it with your life, can handle the roughest of country and have a decent outlook on life. No wimps, whiners, or grouches permitted! We are truly in the country and unplanned events can alter our schedule and plans. Expect to spend 3-8 hours in the saddle per day. Additional departures may be available on request from October 1 through May 30.

Our photo gallery includes some pictures from this trip. This is one you will not forget!