Madera Canyon Recreation Area - 1/11/15

Madera Canyon is located in the Santa Rita mountains about 25 miles southeast of Tucson. It is a recreational area in the Coronado National Forest with picnic area, camping, and many hiking trails. Two establishments provide overnight accommodations (Kuba Bed and Breakfast and Santa Rita Lodge) as well. As a resting place for migrating birds, it is rated third in the nation for birdwatching.

To get to Madera Canyon we traveled south on I-19 to exit 63. Turn right on Continental Rd and then right again onto Madera Canyon Road. The entry fee is paid at a kiosk (on Madera Canyon Road) where a map of the area is provided. We elected to drive up the canyon to the end of the road to explore that area first.

Mt. Wrightson Picnic Area: The highest peak (in the background) is Mt. Wrightson at 9,500'.

Many trails original from this parking area. We explored a few trails here getting our first glimpse of Madera Creek (a seasonal stream that runs through the canyon based on the weather).

There are many picnic tables in the area here that are accessible via well-designed paths.

We drove south on Madera Canyon Road and made a quick stop at the Gift Shop at Kuba B&B. What a quaint setting with some very unique items in the small shop.

This is one of the cabins available for lodging.

Continuing south on Madera Canyon Road, we stopped at the next area and explored the Madera Creek. There is also a small amphitheater here used for park programs.

It seems so unlikely to see a yucca plant in the middle of these wooded areas.

This is an Alligator Juniper and they grow in abundance here. What crazy-looking bark!

Continuing south on Madera Canyon Road we stopped at the Santa Rita Lodge. 

There is an area with numerous bird feeders that attracts many birds right next to the lodge.

We spent some time here enjoying the amazing variety of birds we saw in just a short period of time.

Next stop was the Madera Picnic Area. The rock formations were amazing.

Sadie had a blast exploring this canyon!

At the Whitehouse Picnic Area an handicap-accessible Nature Trail (paved) through this area of the canyon.

Bat houses.

We continued onto the lower loop of the Nature Trail (not handicap-accessible) to check out the Madera Creek at this location.

View of Mt. Wrightson from here (see the snow)?

Our final stop of the day was at the Proctor Parking Area.  There is also a .8 mile paved trail here as well.

Elephant Head.

Loved this last view of the Madera Canyon Recreation Area in the afternoon light.

Admission to the Madera Canyon Recreation Area for a day is $5. John's Senior Pass gets us in for free. You can pay at the kiosk or one of the parking areas along Madera Canyon Road. This is the type of place that you can return again and again to hike the many miles of trails. We very much enjoyed exploring the terrain and different zones from the Sonoran Desert to the mountainous woodlands. Check out their website for additional information about the area.

Website: www.friendsofmaderacanyon.org