Climbing Near Polanco (Ranchería Mineral Polanco), Chihuahua

Currently have zero historical information but I climbed this formation in December 2016 and can relate what I found. This is the prominent summit (if this were the Grand Canyon would probably be called a temple) 1 km southeast of the lower gondola station. It is visible from the canyon rim at Divisadero, the adventure park, and the hotels to the south. Get to the lower gondola station, either by hiking down to it or riding down. From here there is a trail that goes underneath the gondola cables and then runs south below the mesa where the gondola station is situated. Follow this path along the ridgeline, passing a few smaller pinnacles, until you're below the formation. The trail circles the formation.

Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre) is a scenic area known for its rugged canyons. It is located deep in the Sierra Madre in Northern Mexico. There are many established climbs in the area, and several lifetimes worth of potential just waiting to be climbed. There is also some great canyoneering, as well as hiking & backpacking. The rock is primarily volcanic, and the terrain in generally rugged. Either drive in from Chihuahua or Hermosillo, or take the 'El Chepe' train that passes through Copper Canyon as it travels between Chihuahua and Los Mochis.

Creel is a small town in the Copper Canyon area of Mexico's Sierra Madre. It it a major stop on the 'El Chepe' train. Tourism is a big part of the local economy, so a few years ago the town bolted a small crag in town. There are about 10 fun, well-bolted sport routes a short walk from any guesthouse or hotel. The routes are often equipped with rap anchors, but all are an easy walk-off. The rock is volcanic, and the climbing is pocket pulling on steep faces. While the Creel Crag is probably not worth planning a climbing trip around, if you are in the area it makes for a fun day of climbing. Also, if new routes are your thing, there is a ton of potential for new routes & boulder problems all around town and in the entire copper canyon area. I have not listed specific routes b/c I don't know enough info about names/ratings/fa party, etc... However, the routes I climbed seemed to be in the 5.7 thru 5.11- range. Supposedly there is a local that works at the hostel that can provide more info if you are in town. Many people access Creel by way of the 'El Chepe' train that travels between Chihuahua & Los Mochis. You can also get there by driving west on highway 16 from Chihuahua, then south on 25 to Creel. From the main town square, take the main road (I think it is called Adolfo Lopez Mateos) south for 2 blocks, turn left (east) on Elfido Batista Rd (Calle Elfido Batista) and walk a few blocks to the end of the road. The crag is easily visible most of the way.