The New Spanish arrived in the Copper Canyon area in the 17th century and encountered the indigenous locals throughout Chihuahua.

The alpine climate of the mountainous regions of Copper Canyon has moderate temperatures from October to November and March to April.

During the warmest months, April through June, drought is a chronic problem with little rainfall until July when the rainy season begins.

Mexican Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga lindleyana) trees cover the high plateaus in altitudes over 2,400 metres (8,000 ft), but due to deforestation in the area, many species of wildlife are endangered.

In the fall the forests become brilliant with color from Andean alder (Alnus acuminata) and poplar (Populus spp.)

[2] The government funding to build a "tourist friendly" atmosphere poses threats to the environment and indigenous cultures.

Amapa (Tabebuia chrysantha) trees yield highly prized lumber for building and furniture making.

The government has taken measures to halt or slow down the cultivation of opium poppies and cannabis by spraying crops with herbicides, which threaten the populations of many different species.

An enormous dam is being constructed on the Rio Fuerte, which poses major environmental problems and may lead to massive losses of tropical forest and habitats.

Their survival strategies have been to occupy areas that are too remote for city people, way off-the-beaten-path to remain isolated and independent so as to avoid losing their culture.

Some communities accept government funding for building roads, restaurants and lodging to make the area attractive for tourists.

A popular Rarámuri community race called rarajipari, is played by kicking a wooden ball along the paths of the steep canyons.

The Mexican Revolution, lack of funding, and the overall difficulty of building a railroad over such terrain hindered its completion until 1961.

Mexico established the Parque Nacional Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon National Park) to showcase this remote area.