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Some towns just feel disappointing before you even get there. Guachochi–the gateway to the Sinforosa Canyon, one of the deepest in the entire Copper Canyon system at over 6,000 feet at it’s most dramatic point–definitely gave us that vibe.

Luckily, we spotted a sign marking the turn off for the canyon while we were still on the outskirts of town and we quickly made a right, crossing our fingers that we’d miraculously be able to camp out by the canyon instead of settling on what was sure to be a lackluster (at best) guest room in Guachochi.

After about 12 miles of dirt road which was practically destroyed in places by the steady convoy of logging truck driving in and out of the area we finally reached the gate to the Sinforosa viewpoint. The old man at the gate told us he locks it up at five and if we’re not out by then we’re in for the night. He also said our ten pesos per person entitled us to camp out at the veiwpoint if we wanted to. We hurried down the final mile of dirt road to check out the canyon and the camping.

Sinforosa Canyon with the Rio Verde far below as seen from the Sinforosa viewpoint.

The Sinforosa Canyon seemed more jagged than the chasms and slopes we’d been seeing for the past 10 days or so as we traveled through the Sierra Madre. From where we were standing the canyon walls were even too sheer for cactus, scrub trees or brush to cling to. This meant the underlying rock–with all it’s color, shape and striation variations–was much more visible than in other parts of the Copper Canyon that we’d visited. Here more than anywhere else, it felt like looking at the Grand Canyon as the evening light created contrast and surprisingly vibrant colors on the world of rock below us.

Sinforosa Canyon in the evening.

Opportunities to camp are not routine in Mexico and they can sometimes mean nothing more than a sort-of flat spot to pitch a tent. Out at the Sinforosa viewpoint, however, a range of flat spots had been cleared and a covered pavilion with a huge brick fireplace in the center had been constructed along with bathrooms with running water and ample trash cans.

As the sun sets we set up house in the pavilion, happy that we always travel with enough food and water for at least one night of unplanned camping so we can take advantage of opportunities just like this.

A dirt road leading down from the main overlook and camping area brought us to this bridge over a deep and narrow side canyon cut by the Rosalinda Waterfall. The red-roofed pavilion makes a spectacular camp site.

After crossing the bridge the trail heads deeper into the Sinforosa Canyon, eventually reaching the bottom.

The next morning we walked a mile or so down a dirt road beyond the rim-top viewpoint and camping area. As we headed toward the spring-fed Rosalind Waterfall we discovered two more covered camping pavilions–one of which is right on the lip of a side gorge cut by the cascada. There’s no bathroom or running water down at this pavilion, but if we had it to do over again we’d drive the extra mile to this stunning location. Next time…

One of three covered camping pavilions with fireplaces along the rim of the Sinforosa Canyon. Pity about the view...

A panorama of the Sinforosa Canyon from the Sinforosa viewpoint. (click image for full size panorama)

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