Madera Canyon

Madera Canyon is a rural area in South Central Arizona. This is an outstanding place for watching birds and wildlife, with over 250 avian species identified so far. Many trails in the Santa Ritas can also be accessed from the picnic site.

Understand
Madera Canyon has campsites, picnic areas, and miles of hiking trails.

Madera Canyon is part of the Coronado National Forest, which costs $5 for a day permit, or $10 for a week permit.

Madera Canyon is located in the Santa Rita Mountains, which is one of the largest of the Madrean Sky Islands.

Flora and fauna
The canyon and its immediate surroundings are therefore home to wide variety of flora and fauna, ranging from cactus covered desert in the lower reaches of the canyon to aspen and fir forest on Mount Wrightson.

With fifteen species of hummingbirds, elegant trogon, sulphur-bellied flycatcher, black-capped gnatcatcher, flame-colored tanager, 36 species of wood warblers, and over 256 species of birds documented in total, Madera Canyon is rated the third best birding destination in the United States. Other animals that can be found in Madera Canyon include black bear, mountain lion, bobcats, white-tailed and mule deer, foxes, coatis, ring-tailed cats, raccoons, wild turkeys, squirrels, and rabbits. Sixteen species of bats have also been recorded in the canyon.



Get in
Take Interstate 19 south of Tucson, leave at the Continental Road exit (Exit 63). Turn east under the highway and follow the signs to Madera Canyon.

Eat
Some of the lodges (listed under ) have restaurants, and those are the only ones in Madera Canyon.