Creel Travel Forum

Is the road between Creel and Botapilas paved or dirt? Any comments are greatly appreciated.

Marc

I drove that route in spring of 2002 in a 1983 Olds Delta 88, I don't think the road would have changed much since. The road is paved as far as the turn off at Samachique which is about 75K (46M) south of Creel, then the last 60K (37M) is gravel. The drive down was one of the hairiest driving experiences I have ever had (I worked pipeline construction all over Canada and have done some pretty hairy off road driving -although in a 4x4). However, it was also very scenic and exhilerating. When we got down to the river level, we got a flat tire right after we saw some local Indian kids beside the road. We found what looked like a little homemade booby trap which probably gave use the flat. I only had a donut for a spare, fortunately, we were near the end and there was a tire shop in town. There is a spot were there are 17 switchbacks in a row. We were there in early spring (March) and it had snowed a week before we got there, so I figured we better get out before it snowed again. I was worried about spinning out negotiating the switchbacks with the big Olds. It was much easier getting up hill than down. Botapilas was much bigger than I would have expected, a number of places to stay and eat. There was a tour operator in Creel who had a Suburban with 2 bucket seats on top, who would take you down to Batopilas - I think I say a roll of toilet paper between the seats!! Make sure you have good brakes and tires!! Good luck!! We also took the train down to El Fuerte and back up the next day - a very nice trip!

Thanks for the info.

I'm planning a motorcycle trip down there from Central Texas. Do you know of any scenic routes in the area that are paved? We will be on big street bikes, not dirt bikes or enduros.

Try to get a hold of a Sandborn's travel guide for Mexico's Central Route and Copper Canyon, they describe the various roads is the area and rate them for scenery www.sanborninsurance.com .They recommend coming down Hwy #2 out of Juarez, then down #10 thru N. Casas Grandes, then if you get onto the #28, you'll go thru some interesting Mennonite country. From there it's fairy scenic to Creel. From Creel you can go S/W to Bahuichivo, which will give you some good views of the canyon. If you're heading farther south, I would recommend a stop at an old gold mining site north of Gomez Palacio/Torreon. The mine is off Hwy#30 near Mapini. The mine is called Ojuela, the road in is paved but" not for RV's or people squemish about heights". There is the world's third longest suspension bridge - it's quit the place. We stayed at a decent motel in Bermejillo. Have a good trip!

I covered much of this on a motorcycle just returning last week. You can read my stories and see some photos at the link below. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have other questions I can answer.

http://www.jaytreat.com/Other_Travels/Mexico_05/index.htm