Creel, Chihuahua
The logging village of Creel (creh-EHL) was once the western terminus of the Chihuahua al Pacífico Railway; it is now the approximate midway point. Although the quantity of pine shipped from the vicinity has diminished over the decades, active lumber camps still operate. The concrete statue of Christ gazing down from the cliffs north of town bears testimony to the Jesuit priests who first came to this area in the early 17th century.
Creel retains a raw charm; men ride down López Mateos, the main street, on horseback, and Tarahumara women in native dress sell pottery and baskets from the curbside. Shops also sell Tarahumara arts and crafts like rugs, wood carvings, necklaces, dolls and violins. Indians benefit from all sales at the Tarahumara Mission Store.
Creel functions as a base for trips to other parts of the region; dirt-gravel roads lead to Tarahumara villages at the edges of scenic canyons. Note: If you plan to drive to this area in your own vehicle, fill the gas tank in Chihuahua or the town of La Junta, on Mex. 16. Drive time from Chihuahua to Creel is about 3.5 hours; a sturdy vehicle is recommended.
Basaseáchic Falls National Park is about 5 hours away via a paved road running from Creel north to the Mex. 16 junction, then west on Mex. 16 to the park. The falls plunge some 800 feet into an open cylinder formed by huge rock columns. The spray nourishes pine trees growing at the base of the falls, and a marked footpath allows hikers access to the bottom of the canyon. At the top there are basic camping facilities.