This is a wonderful area with lots of nice scenery and the ability to interact with the Raramuri Indians that inhabit the canyon maintianing what scientists have described as the most untouched civilization left in North America. 

The train leaves Los Mochis and stops in El Fuerte and continues on to Chiahuahua taking about 12 hours for the first class train.  You need to appreciate that your traveling to a very remote region of Mexico.  The 'big' city would be El Fuerte or Creel but at the top of the Canyon in Divisadero and at Posada Barrancas there are basiclly one or two big hotels.  These hotels prmarily deal with tour groups who get first pick of rooms and most meals will be served family style.  There are no restaraunts or stores its extremely remote.  For these reasons its highly suggested to make reservations and make this location more difficult for the independent traveler who many times will feel slightly neglected amidst tables full of tour group participants.  Nevertheless its a specataculr trip and well worth the investment in time to get there.  The most scenic portion of the railroad El Chepe,  is from El Fuerte to Posada Barrancas.  Creel is only 44 km from Divisadero and its possible to get there via public transport or tours from Creel who will come pick you up.

If you visit this region you will surely discover the 'real' Mexico.  There isn't a t shirt store in sight so its not your typical Mexico city one might think of.  You can however buy wonderful handmade baskets from the Indians for about $2-6 dollars.  They are a very shy people who speak Raramuri vs spanish but they will gladly take your US Dollars.  Its highly rude to take their pictures without asking and bartering is not polite.  You can easily spot the indians known as Terahumara, by the women dressed in colorful skirts with the normal head scarves. 

Mexican vendors are set up at any tourist overlook and will follow the tour buses from each location.  You may not find anything great to buy and they charge almost US prices.  Wait till you get to Creel and go into a regular store and you'll pay less.  Better yet visit the Mission store next to the church.  Its run to support an indian school and hospital so your money will go to good use.

For those wishing to do independent touring, contact a local firm in Mexico who can help you with at least a portion of your trip or arrange the train tickets.  You can find tour companies to arrange all or part of your trip, and while  independent travelers like to be flexible, it's good to at least get an explaination of the culture of the indians and the history of the area so you will appreciate the whole experience a lot more.  

Please post your questions on the Copper Canyon Forums and come explore a great region of Mexico.