Copper Canyon

Copper Canyon, known in Spanish as Barrancas del Cobre, is a massive group of six distinct canyons. It is located within the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. This mountain range sits in the southwestern part of Chihuahua, in northwestern Mexico.

The canyons were formed by the action of six separate rivers. These rivers drain the western side of the Sierra Tarahumara. All six rivers eventually merge into the Rio Fuerte. From there, the water flows into the Gulf of California. The name of the canyon comes from the color of its walls. The rock faces appear in shades of copper and green.

The climate in this region varies greatly based on elevation. The high alpine mountain regions experience moderate temperatures from October to November and March to April. In contrast, the canyon bottoms are warm and humid throughout the entire year. The weather follows a specific seasonal cycle. During the warmest months from April through June, the area faces chronic drought. There is very little rainfall during this period. The rainy season does not begin until July.

The flora and fauna of the Sierra Tarahumara Occidental are diverse. High plateaus at certain altitudes are covered by Mexican Douglas-fir trees. Large forests also consist of various oak species. In the fall, the landscape changes color. Andean alder and poplar trees turn brilliant colors during this season. At the canyon bottoms, the climate is more tropical. Huge fig trees and palm trees thrive there because water is plentiful. However, many species are now endangered due to deforestation. The Mexican wolf and the imperial woodpecker have already gone extinct in the area. Cougars live in the most remote regions, though they are rarely seen.

Human history in the canyon began with the arrival of the New Spanish in the 17th century. They encountered the indigenous people living in Chihuahua. The Spanish named these locals the Tarahumara. This name comes from Rarámuri, which is what the people call their men. Some scholars believe the word means "the running people." During the 17th century, the Hispanic people discovered silver in Tarahumara lands. This led to the enslavement of some indigenous people for mining. Some Tarahumara people attempted small uprisings, but they were mostly unsuccessful. Eventually, they were forced off desirable lands and into the canyon cliffs.

The Rarámuri people are the traditional inhabitants of the canyon. There is no official census, but their population is likely between 35,000 and 70,000. They use the landscape to maintain their independence. Many Rarámuri live in remote mountainous areas to avoid losing their culture. They often migrate between elevations to stay comfortable. They move to cooler mountains in the summer and deeper canyons in the winter. Their diet is largely agrarian, with corn being the most important staple. They also eat meat from cows, chickens, and goats, along with wild game and fish.

Tourism is a growing industry that brings both money and debate. Some communities accept government funding for roads, restaurants, and lodging. Other groups prefer to stay as far from city life as possible. One of the most famous ways to see the canyon is by train. The Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico, or ChePe, runs along Canyon Urique. Construction began in the late 19th century. However, the Mexican Revolution and difficult terrain delayed its completion until 1961. The railway includes 39 bridges and 86 tunnels. The full trip takes approximately 15 hours.

Today, the ecosystem faces several serious threats. An increasing human population has led to more roads and agriculture. Grazing and the cutting of hardwoods cause significant soil erosion. Many trees, like the Amapa, are cut for highly prized lumber. Other trees, such as Mesquite and desert ironwood, are exported to the U.S. for charcoal. Large-scale damming of rivers also causes fresh water shortages. For example, a massive dam is being built on the Rio Fuerte. This project may lead to the loss of many tropical habitats. Additionally, the use of herbicides to stop crop cultivation threatens species like the Rothschildia cincta moth. Conservation efforts are underway, but they remain slow and informal.