THE GRANDEST CANYON

The road to Batopilas

The Copper Canyon in northern Mexico, is a series of massive canyons in the Sierra Madre mountains. Popular for hiking, it gets its name from the copper-green hue of the canyon walls. Many years ago there were silver mines throughout the area. The famous Chepe train connects the region via over 80 tunnels and nearly 40 bridges.

Did you know that the Copper Canyon is composed of six, interconnected canyons that, when combined, are significantly larger than the Grand Canyon, and in some areas deeper as well?

Batopilas, established in the 1700's.

Indian woman selling baskets.

Several years ago Lloyd took Spanish Bibles to give away in the Copper Canyon area.  He and a fellow traveler drove the Jeep down the long winding road to the bottom of one canyon to a city called Batopilas. It was a difficult and long drive to the city that was established by Spaniards in the 1700's. 

Sitting on a lookout point selling their wares.

While in the Copper Canyon, Lloyd met many Tarahumara Indians who would rather call the area Bachotigori, the place of enclosed waters. He enjoyed visiting with these people and took many pictures of them selling their wares.

Lloyd returned to the Copper Canyon another year, taking gifts along with Bibles with him for the people. Learning that the women loved colorful clothing, he took brightly colored head scarves, coffee and other treats. The Tarahumara Indians are a proud and impressive people. One day we’d like to return to that area.

The long train ride is very scenic. 

A train ride Lloyd took runs through the entire length of the canyons. Dramatic tunnels and bridges take the train all the way to the west coast of Mexico.  This is a popular tourist attraction that is widely known.

Pottery and baskets from the Copper Canyon.

The people in this remote area need the gospel. In centuries past the Indians hid from Spaniards who wanted to enslave them to work in the mines. Now drug cartels are a threat to the area. Because the Indians are skilled runners, they are being threatened and used to run drugs across the border into the United States. God’s word can break the bonds and set these people free.

“In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. Psalm 95:4-6