Trail Rides and Hikes in the Copper Canyon from Rancho del Oso, Cherocahui, Chihuahua (first-time riders through experts)
Rancho del Oso is the place for adventure-oriented activities in the Copper Canyon area of the Sierra Madre mountains.

The Rancho offers high-quality, challenging horse packing and trekking trips deep into the Canyons. Riding and packing stock is selected and trained to provide the safest possible experience in backcountry riding and transport of camping gear and supplies.
Western saddles are used for riders and both Decker and sawbuck packsaddles are used with hard sided PVC and soft-sided nylon panniers for transporting gear.

Backcountry trips are accompanied by a horse wrangler and a bilingual guide. The guide interprets both human and natural history. More importantly, he is known and respected by mountain mestizos and by shy Tarahumara Indians who frequently welcome him (and you) into their homes. Your guide's knowledge and experience ensures your safety and enjoyment on the trail.

One vehicle-accessible campground and several backcountry campgrounds offer secure camping with year-round water while minimizing environmental impact.
The following may be taken as either rides or hikes:

La Tortuga (2 hours, ALL)
The most popular ride for casual visitors, this ride has a rich variety of riding experiences. Leaving the Oso, the ride follows Arroyo de la Tortuga on easy stream-side trails that allow riders to relax, learn, and gain confidence before climbing a rocky section of trail that demonstrates the capabilities of our mountain horses
A short break is taken below a dramatic series of rocks in an area where parrots are frequently spotted during the summer months. Back on the trail you will follow a series of old logging roads high into the mountains then descend again to the arroyo crossing between a series of pools (good swimming holes). Return to the ranch is along the arroyo on sections of El Camino Real (ALL), 2 hours.

El Cajon (2 hours, ALL)
This dramatic ride follows the Cerocahui road to Tascate then enters El Cajon (The Box), a beautiful canyon with high rock walls terminating in a stream-filled narrows only a few meters wide. Exit the narrows into a wide-open mountain valley then climb high into the mountains following Indian trails for a dramatic overviews of El Cajon and the mountains beyond. Descend through a heavily forested mountain valley with, time permitting, a visit to Luis, a Tarahumara friend who ranches in the area.

Cave of the Crosses (2 hours, ALL)
Fifty three Indians lived in this cave, farming the peaceful Huetoiba Valley until an epidemic wiped them out during the time of the Mexican Revolution. Even though they were not Christians, someone painted white crosses on the wall and laid them to rest in the smoke-stained cave where they lived. Humans lived in this cave for centuries as witnessed by stone implements found there, shell beads indicate that these ancient people also traded with coastal groups or traveled to the coast. Return from the cave over a high mountain plateau with a view of the Oso nestled in the valley below.

Cerocahui Waterfall (2 hours, ALL)
Ride along the tree-shaded Cerocahui Arroyo then visit the 66-ft Cerocahui Waterfall. Water plunges through a narrow slot falling along rock face before splashing into an impressive plunge pool rimed by Arizona Cyprus and huge pines.

Approximate time for the ride immediately follows the difficulty rating

ALL: ride suitable for first-time riders through experts
MID: ride suitable for a mid-level rider who knows how to control a horse and has some experience
EXP: ride suitable for experienced riders only