Cuarenta Casas is a cluster of pre-Hispanic cliff dwellings built into a sheltering rock overhang in Huapoca Canyon, Chihuahua, Mexico, related to the same Casas Grandes culture that built Paquimé and dated to roughly the 13th-14th centuries. Despite the name ("forty houses"), around a dozen multi-room adobe and stone structures survive, stacked into the canyon wall above the Huapoca River, reachable by a 3.6 km round-trip trail that descends through pine-oak forest before climbing to the dwellings themselves. A full visit, including the drive in on unpaved roads and the walk, takes a half day. The best vantage point is the trail's final approach, where the dwellings appear framed inside the natural rock alcove against the canyon backdrop; a short scramble up wooden ladders reaches the structures directly. The site is remote enough that crowds are rarely an issue, but the walk should begin in the morning to finish the round trip before the canyon heat peaks in early afternoon.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 9:00AM-3:00PM
- Best time
- Morning start to complete the round-trip hike before the afternoon heat
Location
Huapoca Canyon, Vallecito, Casas Grandes Municipality, 31850 Chihuahua, Mexico
29.5535, -108.1692 View on map
Highlights
- Pre-Hispanic cliff dwellings built into a natural rock overhang
- Roughly a dozen surviving multi-room adobe and stone structures
- 3.6 km round-trip trail through pine-oak forest in Huapoca Canyon
- Wooden ladder access up to the dwellings for a close-up view
Tips for visiting
- Start the hike in the morning to complete the round trip before the afternoon heat
- Arrange a high-clearance vehicle or local guide for the unpaved final approach road
- Bring water and sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail includes moderate elevation change
- Visit outside the summer rainy season, when the unpaved access road can become difficult to pass
When to visit
Morning departure allows the full round-trip hike to finish before the afternoon heat; the dry season (November-April) keeps the unpaved access road passable.
Accessibility
The site is not wheelchair-accessible; the trail involves an unpaved descent, moderate elevation change, and wooden ladders to reach the dwellings themselves.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Cuarenta Casas take?
Plan on a half day including the drive on unpaved roads and the 3.6 km round-trip walk to the dwellings.
Is it worth it for kids?
Older, active children can manage the moderate hike and enjoy climbing the ladders to the dwellings, but the remote access and terrain make it less suited to young children or strollers.
Is photography allowed at the site?
Yes, photography is permitted throughout the site for personal use.