Nature reserve 19 km east of Álamos
A huge protected area east of Álamos: dry tropical forest, pine-oak peaks, and the clear, cypress-lined Cuchujaqui River.
The mountains and river valleys around Álamos are protected as the Sierra de Álamos–Río Cuchujaqui Flora and Fauna Protection Area, created in 1996 and covering almost 93,000 hectares. It is also a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and three of its streams are a Ramsar wetland of international importance. This is the northernmost tropical dry forest in the Americas, so in a short drive you go from cactus and leafless trees in the dry season to green jungle after the summer rains, and up to pine and oak on the high ridges.
The variety is remarkable: well over a thousand plant species and more than 350 kinds of birds, including military macaws and trogons, plus jaguars, ocelots, otters, Gila monsters, and the Álamos mud turtle. The Cuchujaqui River, also called the Arroyo de Álamos, runs clear between tall sabino (cypress) trees, fig trees, and willows, and its pools at spots like El Mentidero and El Tanque are where local families go to swim and camp.
Inside the protected area, the private Monte Mojino Reserve protects the Cuchujaqui watershed, which supplies most of Álamos's water, and its dirt roads are popular for hiking and mountain biking.
What to see and do
Swim in the clear pools of the Cuchujaqui River under the sabino trees.
Go birdwatching for military macaws, trogons, and dozens of migratory species.
Hike or mountain bike the dirt roads through the dry forest with a local guide.
Camp by the river at one of the spots local families use, such as El Mentidero or El Tanque.
Visit after the summer rains, when the whole forest turns green.
Getting there
The protected area begins on the edge of Álamos and stretches east and south toward the Sinaloa and Chihuahua borders. The river spots are reached by dirt roads that can be rough or cut off after heavy summer rain, so ask in Álamos about conditions first. The easiest way in is with a local outfitter such as Álamos Adventure, which runs hiking, kayaking, camping, and cycling trips.
19 km east of Álamos
Directions from Álamos on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather warm
Sierra de Álamos–Río Cuchujaqui shares the climate of Álamos, 19 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov.
Make Álamos your base
Sierra de Álamos–Río Cuchujaqui is an easy trip from Álamos, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Álamos
-
Parque La Colorada
· Nature reserve · 2 km away
A residents' nature reserve on the edge of Álamos, with marked trails through dry forest and a short climb to El Tecolote lookout. -
La Aduana
· Town · 7 km away
A half-empty silver-mining village west of Álamos, with the Balvanera church and a cactus growing out of its wall. -
Minas Nuevas
· Town · 8 km away
La Aduana's sister mining village, once a municipality of its own, with ruins of the old silver mines on the hills around it.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.