Discover Mesa Colorada

Mesa Colorada, also known as Mesa Larga, is classified in the municipality of Urique as a Rarámuri community belonging to the Basagota group. The place is also associated with Ralámuli raicha (Tarahumara) in the intangible cultural heritage. Two perspectives can help you get your bearings: the area's cultural connections and the landscape and recreational destinations in the municipality of Urique.

Cultural connections and regional examples

The Ultra Maratón Caballo Blanco in Urique is a festival featuring traditional dance, traditional music, and Rarajípari, a Rarámuri ball game. The specific program may vary. In 2014, Rarámuri dolls and Ware baskets (cestas) were offered for sale as handicrafts at the Divisadero station.

Landscape in the municipality of Urique

Parque Barrancas is located in the municipality of Urique in the Sierra Tarahumara, next to the Chepe railway station in the El Divisadero area. The Parque Barrancas cable car crosses the Barrancas del Cobre over a distance of 3 kilometers. Notable viewpoints of the Barranca de Urique include Cerro del Gallego, Mesa de Arturo, and El Divisadero. They are situated among pine trees at an altitude of about 2,400 meters.

Activities and places to visit

The ZipRider zip line at Parque Barrancas reaches speeds of more than 100 kilometers per hour. The Circuito de 7 Tirolesas includes zip lines of varying heights and lengths. The Vía Ferrata is a rappelling course where visitors can cross bridges and jump from great heights. The Bosque Aéreo features suspension bridges and obstacles in the treetops. Climbing is also offered in the Parque Barrancas area; communities along the park boundaries offer guided hikes.

People with relevant water sports experience can raft on the Río Urique. From Cerocahui, Cerro del Gallego and the town of Urique at the bottom of the barranca are destinations for guided excursions; check availability in advance. Information dated July 21, 2024, names Restaurante Barranco in Parque Barrancas as a place serving regional cuisine from Chihuahua. Check current availability before visiting.

Getting to destinations in the region

El Divisadero and Posada Barrancas are accessible by road from Chihuahua; the route is 304 kilometers long and takes approximately six hours. Traditionally, these two destinations can also be reached by rail on the Chihuahua al Pacífico train from Chihuahua or Los Mochis.

To get to Urique, land transportation by car or taxi is required from the Bahuichivo or Cerocahui railway stations. The final road section from Bahuichivo to Urique is 54 kilometers long, unpaved, and winding. The drive takes approximately two hours, although actual travel time may vary. When planning, keep the travel times for each destination separate: approximately six hours refers to El Divisadero or Posada Barrancas from Chihuahua, while approximately two hours refers to the Bahuichivo–Urique road section. Check current schedules and road conditions in advance.

Discover more destinations: Concepción, El Gallego, El Divisadero, Parral, Urique, Ojinaga, Meoqui, Juan Aldama

For the broader travel overview: Chihuahua.