Mesa Colorada, also known as Mesa Larga, is a place in the municipality of Urique with a clear cultural connection: its name is linked to the Rarámuri community of the Basagota group. Ralámuli raicha (Tarahumara), an element of intangible cultural heritage, is also associated with Mesa Colorada. The community and its cultural heritage therefore provide a concrete starting point for understanding the place.
Culture and Landscape in the Municipality of Urique
The region’s scenic destinations are located within the municipality. Notable viewpoints in the Barranca de Urique include Cerro del Gallego, Mesa de Arturo, and El Divisadero. The viewpoints are among pine trees at an elevation of around 2,400 meters. This shared elevation and landscape context connects the three names without conflating them into a single viewpoint.
The Parque Barrancas is also located in the municipality of Urique, next to the Chepe train station in the El Divisadero area. The cable car in the park area crosses the Barrancas del Cobre over a distance of three kilometers. The train station is a separate point of reference here: the park is next to it, while the cable car crosses the Barrancas del Cobre.
Activities and Regional Experiences
The activities described at Parque Barrancas differ considerably in nature. The ZipRider zip line reaches speeds of more than 100 kilometers per hour. The Circuito de 7 Tirolesas features zip lines of varying heights and lengths. On the Vía Ferrata, visitors cross bridges and can jump from a great height; it is described as a rappelling route. The Bosque Aéreo consists of suspension bridges and obstacles among the treetops. This means a fast zip-line ride, routes of varying dimensions, and high-up elements are offered as distinct types of activity.
There are also regional activities outside the park: People with relevant water-sports experience can raft on the Río Urique. Communities around Parque Barrancas offer guided hikes. When choosing, it helps to distinguish these offerings from the park’s specific attractions; they are part of the wider municipality and are not all specifically connected to Mesa Colorada.
Getting Around the Region
For El Divisadero and Posada Barrancas, road directions from Chihuahua are available: the drive is listed as approximately six hours and 304 kilometers. The Chihuahua al Pacífico railway from Chihuahua or Los Mochis is also a traditional way to reach El Divisadero or Posada Barrancas. If you plan to travel by train, check the current schedule.
Travel to Urique is different. From the Bahuichivo or Cerocahui train stations, onward ground transportation by car or taxi is required to reach Urique. The final road section from Bahuichivo to Urique is 54 kilometers long, unpaved, and winding; the drive takes approximately two hours and may vary. These route details refer to Urique or El Divisadero and Posada Barrancas and do not give distances or travel times for Mesa Colorada.
Culture in the Regional Context
The Ultra Maratón Caballo Blanco in Urique is a festival featuring traditional dance, traditional music, and Rarajípari, a Rarámuri ball game. The specific festival program may vary. Another time-specific cultural reference is that in 2014, Rarámuri dolls and Ware baskets (cestas) were offered for sale as handicrafts at Divisadero station in the municipality of Urique.
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