Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Chihuahua

Chihuahua Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Chihuahua.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Divisadero Canyon Rim Trail, Divisadero to Cascada del Cobre Viewpoint Trail and Cusarare Falls Trail. This guide profiles 17+ hiking trails in Chihuahua, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Chihuahua is Mexico's largest state, a vast expanse of high desert, pine-covered sierra, and one of the world's great canyon systems. It is home to the Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre), a network of gorges deeper and larger than the Grand Canyon, crossed by the legendary El Chepe railway. The state blends Rarámuri indigenous culture, Mennonite farming communities, and the ranching and revolutionary history of Pancho Villa's home city, Chihuahua City.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Divisadero Canyon Rim Trail

    3.5km loop1.5-2 hourseasy150m cumulative gain along the rim

  2. 2

    Divisadero to Cascada del Cobre Viewpoint Trail

    5km round trip2-2.5 hoursmoderate220m cumulative gain and loss

  3. 3

    Cusarare Falls Trail

    3km round trip1-1.5 hourseasy80m descent to the falls and back

  4. 4

    Cusarare Extended Pine Forest Trail

    8km loop3-3.5 hoursmoderate300m cumulative gain

  5. 5

    Batopilas to Satevo Lost Cathedral Trail

    14km round trip along the Rio Batopilas4-5 hoursmoderateMostly flat riverside path, under 100m gain

  6. 6

    Batopilas to Cerro Colorado Trail

    10km round trip3.5-4.5 hoursmoderate500m cumulative gain out of the canyon floor

  7. 7

    Urique Canyon Floor Trail to Guadalupe Coronado

    16km round trip along the Rio Urique5-6 hoursmoderateGentle riverside gradient, under 150m gain

  8. 8

    Urique to Cerro del Cuervo Viewpoint Trail

    7km round trip3-4 hoursmoderate650m cumulative gain

  9. 9

    Basaseachi Falls Main Trail

    6km round trip to the base of the falls3-4 hoursmoderate480m descent to the canyon floor and back

  10. 10

    Piedra Volada Trail

    9km round trip4-5 hoursmoderate350m cumulative gain

  11. 11

    Recowata Hot Springs Trail

    3km descent on foot after a 4x4 approach road1.5-2 hours descent, plus return climbhard600m descent into the canyon to the springs

  12. 12

    Areponapuchi Rim Trail

    4km loop1.5-2 hourseasy180m cumulative gain along the rim

  13. 13

    Areponapuchi to Rio Urique Overlook Trail

    6km round trip2.5-3 hoursmoderate300m cumulative gain and loss

  14. 14

    Sinforosa Canyon Rim Trail

    5km loop2-2.5 hoursmoderate220m cumulative gain

  15. 15

    Sinforosa Canyon Descent Trail

    18km round trip into Mexico's deepest canyon7-9 hours or overnight with campingexpert1700m cumulative descent and ascent

  16. 16

    Valle de los Hongos and Valle de las Ranas Loop

    4km loop connecting both rock-formation valleys1.5-2 hourseasyUnder 60m gain, mostly level pine-forest walking

  17. 17

    Lago Arareko and Cerro El Gallego Loop

    7km loop around the lake with a spur to Cerro El Gallego2.5-3 hoursmoderate150m cumulative gain on the Cerro El Gallego spur

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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