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Parque Nacional Cascada de Basaseachi
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Sport climbing at Cascada Basaseachi National Park in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Sport climbing on volcanic tuffs, one canyon is well developed with over 52 well bolted routes that are one to two pitch climbs, all difficulty levels.
- 2007-08-07 - Getting There (5 photos)
- 2007-08-13 - Info (0 photos)
- 2007-08-14 - Slippery When Wet (4 photos)
Getting There (5 photos)
Rock Climbing
Spent about 7 days camping and climbing in the small canyon here at what I think translates to Basaseachi Falls National Park (Parque Nacional Cascada de Basaseachi). This is in the heart of some of the most amazing country I have ever had the privilege to explore - the Sierra Tarahumara and the whole Copper Canyon region of the Sierra Madre Occidental in the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
To get here: starting in El Paso, Texas, drove almost due south along Mex 45 to the city of Chihuahua (the state capitol) at which point made a sharp turn almost due west along Mex 16. Pass Cuauhtemoc and keep going west. The turn off for the park is actually hard to find as its largely unmarked. If you actually hit the community of Basaseachi, you've gone too far by 2, maybe 2.5 miles. We found it only because there was a large military road stop right before the turn and they directed us in. Which reminds me, as a side note, don't be intimidated by these military stops! I swear, they can smell fear. If you are calm and normal, you'll be fine. If you are nervous you are going to have a lot more trouble. Also, its good if someone in your group speaks spanish. If not, you'd better learn some phrases :)
Also make sure to get a Visa. Just south of Ciudad Juarez is where I picked mine up. I got one good for 6 months, which was $30. There is a immigration (aduana) on Mex 45 as you are leaving the city (just pass a giant yellow gate-like sculpture at the edge of town).
Info (0 photos)
Rock Climbing
Additional Information
Awesome sport climbing on juggy volcanic tuffs at 2030 m elevation. Most of the climbing is in one canyon not even 1/2 mile from the famous falls and has over 52 well bolted routes that are one to two pitches. The routes are fairly close to each other and range from 5.6 to 5.hard (didn't pay much attention to higher ratings as I can't climb them, but I noticed some where there!) The canyon is on private property, but the property owner has it set-up for climbers, you pay a daily fee and camping is also nearby. The same property owner also has cabins to rent with showers and a dining hall. He provides a climbing guide with the fee payment if you ask.
My spanish is rusty, but from what I can figure out, the National Park was made official on Feb. 2nd 1981 by el gobierno de José López Portillo (I'm not sure which "gobierno" level that is - local, state, national?). Basaseachi Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Mexico. They are 312 meters (1,023 ft) tall, second in Mexico only to the Cascada de Piedra Volada (Flying Stone Fall). The fall is made by two streams, Rio del Durazno (Durazno River) and Rio de Basaseachic (Basaseachic River), which merge in the high mountain and then fall down the canyon. Past the fall, the stream is called Río Candameña (Candamena River), as well as the canyon it flows through, the Candamena River contributes to the formation of Río Mayo (Mayo River).
Basaseachi was deemed for a certain time period as the tallest fall in México, until the discovery in September, 1994 of the Cascada de Piedra Volada. However, Piedra Volada flows only during the rainy season, while Basaseachi is permanent.
Also note, Mexican National Parks are not like US National Parks! There are still private property owners so talk to locals before wandering off - you might be trespassing.
P.S. Americans: Don't drink the water and don't flush toilet paper!
Slippery When Wet (4 photos)
Rock Climbing
Just a sad reminder to bring a first-aid kit. When caught in an afternoon thunderstorm and while rushing for the dry overhang, I totally slipped and scraped-up my ankle. First aid kit was back at camp :(
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