Creel Overview

By Richard Arghiris

Creel is a charming little town in the northern state of Chihuahua which lives off of tourism and lumber. By far the largest visitor attraction in Creel is the Copper Canyon, a magnificent natural wonder that has been compared to the Grand Canyon, which is larger, but not as deep.

Surrounded by pine forests, this rugged settlement of log cabins and lumber mills serves as the most convenient jumping off point for canyon excursions. Guides, maps, mountain bikes and four-wheel-drive vehicles are widely available in Creel, served by buses, the Chihauaha-Pacific railway and numerous lodgings.

Close to Creel lies the Complejo Ecoturistico Arareko, an indigenous land-owning co-operative or eidejo owned by the Tarahumara. There are fifty thousand Tarahumara Indians that populate the region with sparse farms and cabins. They are considered the spiritual and legal custodians of copper canyon country. Their name in their own language is Raramuri, meaning “those who run fast.” As accomplished long-distance runners, they can cover wild stretches of hundreds of miles barefoot without stopping.

The Tarahumara can be seen in and around Creel in their traditional clothing. The men wear loin-cloths and puffy-sleeved shirts, the women don bright skirts and headscarves.

See our Copper Canyon V!VA list piece for more information.