Scenic Drives
Madera Canyon/ Madera Nature Trail
#88
This canyon was named “Madera” (which means lumber or wood
in Spanish) because it served as a major source of timber for the city
of Tucson over a century ago. It wasn’t long, however, before
this accessible haven was better known for the diverse wildlife it
sheltered
and the cool relief it offered from the desert heat. Today, Madera
Canyon continues to be a popular destination for wildlife watchers
and nature
lovers who come to see the more than 240 species of birds (including
more than a dozen species of hummingbirds) that live in its nurturing
environment. April and May are the best months for most species, June
and September are best for hummingbirds. Birdwatching is at its best
up-canyon.
One of the best ways to get to know this unique environment is by visiting
the Madera Nature Trail. The trail is accessible from a roadside
trailhead, four picnic areas, one campground and a private resort,
all located in
the canyon. This streamside route provides an excellent introduction
to the fascinating diversity of plant and animal life that mark this
canyon as a true desert oasis. Portions of the lower reaches of the
trail are barrier-free. Along higher reaches the gradient steepens.
Up-canyon
of the Santa Rita Lodge, an outdoor amphitheater hosts nature programs
presented throughout the summer under the coordination of the Friends
of Madera Canyon. Beyond the amphitheater, the trail continues to
the Roundup Picnic Area and offers good views of Mt. Wrightson, lower
Madera
Canyon and the Santa Cruz Valley. For those seeking deeper access
to the Santa Rita Range, a number of Forest trails lead to the top
of Mt.
Wrightson and through the Santa Ritas from the Roundup Picnic Area
and Bog Springs Campground.
Attractions:
World class birdwatching/great scenery
Streamside nature trail (portions barrier-free)
3 picnic areas, 1 campground, cabins for rent
Interpretive programs (in season)
Hiking and horseback trails
Location: South of Tucson via paved roads in the scenic Santa Rita
Mountains.
Access: Fifty miles south of Tucson, leave Interstate 19 at the
Continental Road exit. Turn east under the highway and follow
the signs to Madera
Canyon.
Mileage/Driving Time: 1 hour round trip from Interstate 19, but
plan to spend at least half a day.
Season: Year-round.
Road Conditions: The road to Madera Canyon is a narrow, curving,
2-lane paved road with steep grades in places. In winter,
there is often snow
or patches of ice on the road in the canyon.
Notes:
No trailers are permitted at Roundup Picnic Area at the
end of the road. RV’s are discouraged, but can, however, drive to the end
of the road and turn around.
Two loops of the Madera Nature Trail are barrier-free,
one from the Proctor Road Trailhead and one from the
Whitehouse Picnic
Area.
A Madera Canyon bird checklist is available at the
Santa Rita Lodge.
For further information contact: Nogales Ranger
District
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