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Madera Canyon
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 Your travel source with a personal touch! |
| Just south of Tucson off of I-19 are the Santa Rita Mountains. Within the mountains, and just a drive of about 15 minutes off of the interstate, is Madera Canyon. This beautiful area makes a large dent in the northwest face of the Santa Rita Mountains. Because of Its higher elevation, it provides locals and visitors alike with relief from the hot months of summer in the Sonoran Desert, and allows access to snow during the winter. The canyon is a world-renowned location for bird watching as it is a major resting place for migrating species. The extensive trail system of the Santa Rita Mountains is easily accessed from the Canyon's campground and picnic areas. Along with the campground, there are a few other accommodations in Madera Canyon. |
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Madera Canyon is renowned for its outstanding scenic beauty, diverse plant life, and recreation opportunities for hikers, birders, and nature lovers. A spring fed stream and high canyon walls provide Madera Canyon with a moist, cool, and shady environment that is unusual in the desert Southwest. Water loving plants such as sycamores and cottonwoods line the banks of Madera Creek. The lush riparian environment provides the perfect habitat for over 200 species of birds. Commonly seen are five to seven species of hummingbirds including the Broad-billed, Magnificent, Black-chinned, Costa's, Blue-throated, and Broad-tailed. Mexican Jays, Acorn Woodpeckers and Nuthatches are easy to spot. Rarer species including the Elegant Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker, and Yellow-eyed Junco appear at the Inn to draw birders from all over the world. |
| Hiking opportunities range from an easy walk, an invigorating 5 mile round trip hike to Josephine Saddle, or for the adventurous and fit hiker, a 10.8 mile round trip hike to Mt. Wrightson at an elevation of 9453 ft. The Mt. Wrightson trail is a popular hike to one of the most scenic mountain peaks around Tucson. The trail is in good condition the whole way up, the views are great, and you will always meet interesting people on the trail and at the summit. The hike is not very long in terms of horizontal distance, but there is quite a bit of elevation gain making for a bit of more difficult hiking. However, it is worth it as once you get to the top, you are rewarded with a 360 degree view of all of southern Arizona, and into Mexico. In the monsoon season be sure to start out early since you don't want to be on the summit after noon if there is any chance of thunderstorms as there is a real risk of lightning as you are very exposed at the top. There is snow on the upper parts of the trail quite early in the fall and late in the spring. If you go in early spring or late fall be prepared to tromp through lots of snow. There is an alternate route to the top from Madera Canyon using the Super Trail, but it is quite a bit longer than the Old Baldy Trail route. Don't take the Super Trail thinking it will be easier because it is less steep. The extra horizontal miles will wipe out any advantage you get from the gradual grade, and you can always cope with steepness by just going slow and steady. This is about the best "A" hike to do by yourself in the Tucson area since the high traffic guarantees that you will be found promptly if you get hurt on the trail. For additional information, visit www.arizona.sierraclub.org/trail_guide/HIKE20.HTM. |
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Although this is a great place to hike, you want to be sure to
watch the weather,
especially during the rainy season when afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and can cause flooding.
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But the good thing about the rains is the beauty of the flowers that bloom after a few good soakings. You can also see lots of great desert flowers in the early spring after the snow melts. |
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Either way you look, down into the valley below, or up to the mountains; Madera Canyon is surrounded by beauty. |
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Madera Canyon is located about miles south of Tucson and 11 miles east of Green Valley. Take the Continental Road exit, turn east (left), and follow the signs to Whitehouse Canyon Road and on to the forest boundary, a drive of about 11 miles. The area is open year-round.
