The little town of Creel (2345 m (7700 ft); population: 25,000) makes its living from the timber industry. Creel makes a good base for exploring not just the immediate vicinity but further afield as well (though these longer excursions will require extra time). Cuzárare, 21km/13mi to the south, boasts an interesting 18th c. Jesuit mission church
decorated with Indian paintings.
Other attractions near by include Indian cave paintings and a delightful waterfall which can be reached either on foot or by 4-wheel drive vehicle. Worthwhile detours can be made to Basíhuare and Humira (52km/32mi) and the mining town of La Bufa, as well as to Batopilas and the San Ignacio mission. Rocheáchic, Norogáchic and Guachóchic are among Tarahumara settlements in the area.