The Sierra Lodge was built by American Skip McWilliams 40 years ago, when it was a primitive location without electric power. Skip made a lot of the lack of power adding to the ambiance, and that he could get more for the rooms without power than with. This lodge is still a nice, quiet, rustic place to stay in the Creel vicinity, out in the forest away from the tacky, poor-man’s resort town . Today, in 2007, though, I would argue with the lack of power, since the road is paved and the power poles stand immediately in front of the building. Even the primitive Tarahumara cabins surrounding it are lit with electric light.
Despite the white walls, the log ceilings and the floors are extremely dark, and there is an excessively low-hanging roof over the veranda, which keeps the rooms very dark even at noon. . At night, the kerosene lamps provide just pinpoints of light to follow. The light doesn’t even reach the floor. I never put anything down in the room except on the windowsill, where I could find them in the gloom. I stayed at more remote locations than this by far, and they had either electricity (with real kerosene lamps for the not-infrequent power outages) or solar lights. It is my understanding that Skip sold this place because civilization was encroaching too close (pavement a quarter of a mile away). I really don’t think it would hurt the ambiance of the place to add some electric lights. The fireplace in our room kept us cosy even though it froze very hard overnight (late March). There are large showers but I chose not to shower in the dark. The dining room is intimate and rustic, and the fireplace, margaritas and authentic Tarahumara music group playing on genuine home-made, unvarnished violins, made for a wonderful, genuine experience. I do think, though, that the name Sierra Madre Hiking Lodge is a little grandiose, considering the hiking opportunities are basically two: a 1 km walk through Tarahumara huts in a dusty bowl to a cliff-dwelling alcove with granary, goat shed and both ancient petroglyphs and modern graffiti; or a 3 km walk down the river, with discarded scraps of cloth and plastic garbage littering every step of the way, to Cusarare Falls (just a trickle in March).
Overall I would recommend this lodge as a superior choice compared with the unattractive town of Creel, but I definitely would vote for bringing in the electricity.

We stayed at Sierra Madre lodge,
another lovely spot. We hiked to the Waterfall to search for the Eared
Quetzal, but had no luck. It’s a great walk and the bird had been seen two days before,
but our luck finally gave out. We had the best meal of the week here by the light of
kerosene lamps. The biggest problem of the trip was that we ate so well that we all gained
weight.

We avoid "touristy" and crowded places. This facility is older, but well maintained and truly rustic (no electricity, no phones) with kerosene lamps and a woodburning fireplace in each room. Roberto (the manager) and the staff were always helpful, never in the way. Since I couldn't walk significant distances, Roberto drove us closer to the falls, and on the way to the train in Creel, drove us into Cusarare Village to see the mission and the Loyola Art Museum (magnificent religious art). Exceptional stop, with good chance to observe the Tarahamara natives (there were numerous houses surrounding the lodge.

The Sierra Lodge was used by our party only as a stop-over going to/from Batopilas at the bottom of the canyon.
No electricity made me know we were not in KS anymore. We loved the novelty. Also resulted in my leaving my best tweezers in the dimmly lit room. Oh, well.
Staff were friendly and helpful. Colorfully dressed Tarahumara women along with their children gathered on the steps to the veranda every evening spreading out their handicrafts.
Margaritas with the other guests was a highlight of the evening. Food was good. One of the few places where fresh fruit was available.
Murals on walls of rooms were attractive. Terry bathrobes appreciated.
Rooms for 3 where spacious.