Anyone been to Copper Canyon?

I'm going traveling in Mexico in June, and am trying to plan out a route. Has anyone here gone around copper canyon and chihuahua? I'd like to take the train ride, and do some hiking, but I'm slightly worried about safety in that area. I'm under the impression that drug gangs are present there. Is it safe to visit for a tourist? Or should I not go at all? Should I just have a guide to go hiking? Is it a must see? I do like hiking/climbing if that changes your answer.

I speak some Spanish, but poorly, so I don't think that'll help

Thank you!