Upper Urique
Chihuahua – MX
- Class
- IV+ to V+
- Length
- 42 Kilometer(s)
- Gradient
- 16 MPK
- Put-in elevation
- 5,463 Feet
- Take-out elevation
- 4,139 Feet
- Typical season
- March to September
Current Flow
Visual or unknown
No gauge reading is available for this run — check it on site.
- Primary gauge
- VISUAL Gauge detail & alternatives
Recommended levels
| Minimum | — |
| Average | — |
| Maximum | — |
Recommended use
- Kayaking
- Rafting
- Canoeing
- SUP
- Packrafting
- Fishing
Struck-through craft are not recommended for this run.
Flow history — last 6 days
No gauge history recorded in the last 6 days.
Photos
No photos added for this run yet.
Description
The upper Urique is an advanced kayaking run that flows through a canyon a little over a Kilometer deep. This run is challenging in multiple ways. The first problem you will have to overcome is hitting the river at the right water level. This is still a desert region and low flows are problematic. Other times of the year the water level is cranking in here and makes for a very dangerous run level. The remote nature of this run adds its own consequences when mixed with the class V features in the canyon. The last problem is this run is fairly long for a day run (over 40 KM). This means either running the canyon fast and furious or planning on an overnight self support.
For expert paddlers looking to add to their resumes or create an adventure this river is a good candidate. Look for Spring runoff or Fall rain for best times to hit this river.
Most paddlers will choose to run the Middle Urique rather than haul out the trail at the takeout. Since the Middle Urique is an easier section of river than the upper just pack extra supplies and make the trip another day or 2 rather than slog out of Copper Canyon. See the Middle Urique description for more info on that run.
Rapids
No rapids added yet.
Access
| Type | Name | Elevation | Camping | Water | Boat ramp | Vehicle access | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Put-In | Carmen Bridge | 5,463 Feet | No | No | No | All Vehicles | Getting to the putin can be as much as an adventure as actually running the river. From the small town of Creel follow the 2 lane paved road south for about 57 to 60 Km. This road winds around the hills and canyons and eventually crosses the Urique. This is your putin. |
| Take-Out | Divisadero Trail | 4,139 Feet | No | No | No | All Vehicles | The take out for the upper Urique requires a haul of you and your gear up the Divisadero Trail. About halfway up you can meet the cable car that can transport you the rest of the way to the top of the canyon. You can access the trailhead at the top by road or by train. The Divisadero ia about halfway between Creel and Urique high at the top of the canyons. There is a hotel and some services here. |
Camps
No river camps added yet.
Permit
No permit is required, or permit info hasn't been added yet.
Fishing
No fish species have been associated with this run yet.
External Links & Resources
No external links or resources added yet.
Sign in to add a link.
Community Run Notes
No community notes added yet.
Sign in to add a community note.