Basaseachi

The Basaseachi fall drops 246 metres in a single plume off the rim of the Candamena canyon, in the pine highlands of the Sierra Tarahumara - the second-tallest waterfall in Mexico after Piedra Volada, which stands in the same canyon system and runs only in the rains. Two experiences share the park. The easy one takes the rim path from the entrance through pine forest to the Mirador Ventana, where the water leaves the cliff a few metres away and the gorge opens below, and to the higher La Cruz lookout with the whole fall in frame. The harder one descends: a steep, rocky three-kilometre trail switchbacks to the pool at the base, where the plume lands in spray and the return climb takes the afternoon. The Rarámuri (Tarahumara) live throughout this sierra, and their settlements, crafts and long-distance running tradition are part of any journey here. Water volume swings hard with season - full and thunderous after summer rains, a thin ribbon by late spring.

What you actually see

• The 246-metre plume - the fall leaving the rim in one drop.
• The rim lookouts - Ventana at the lip, La Cruz for the full view.
• The base trail - the steep descent to the landing pool.
• The pine sierra - Tarahumara highlands around the canyon.

When to go

July to October for maximum water after the summer rains; November to March for cool, clear hiking with a slimmer fall. Winter mornings can freeze.

Honest expectations

The descent is steep, loose in places and much harder coming back - start early with water. In dry spring months the fall can be disappointingly thin. Facilities at the park are basic; the nearest full services are in the village.

Nearby

Creel and the Copper Canyon railway lie east; the Candamena canyon holds Piedra Volada and big-wall climbing routes.