Speaking of the history of Copper Canyon is really speaking of the geological formation of the twenty canyons that make up the area.

            The formation of Copper Canyon (or Barranca del Cobre as it is known in Mexico) was a result of intense volcanic activity that occurred in the area over 30 million years ago.  These violent and massive eruptions created what is today known as the Barrancas.  Over the following millions of years, six rivers (the Urique, the Tararecua, the Batopilas, the Verdes, the Chinipas, and the Candamena) ensued to carve out the twenty canyons that make up the Copper Canyon today.             

            At times overshadowed by the Grand Canyon in the United States, the Copper Canyon is actually much larger.  No single canyon is larger than the Grand, but the area that the 20 canyons of the Copper Canyon cover is more than seven times larger.

            Today, the area is a popular destination for active tourists, as there are miles of hiking and biking trails that explore much of the area. 

            Opened to the public in 1961, the Copper Canyon Railroad has been providing scenic transportation for over 45 years.