Madera Canyon Recreation Area · Joinue

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Madera Canyon Recreation Area

Madera Canyon Rd, Santa Rita Mountains, Green Valley, AZ

A world-famous birding canyon in the Santa Ritas south of Tucson: elegant trogons in spring, shaded creekside walks, and the big climb to Mt. Wrightson. Coronado National Forest (day-use fee).

Plan a hike here

Trails here

Madera Creek Trail (Proctor Loop)

Easy

1.1 mi100 ft gainLoop40m

The gentle creekside walk that made the canyon famous. In spring, birders fly in from around the world for the elegant trogon.

BirdingCreekPavedAccessible

Dogs OK (leashed)Fee: $8 per vehicleYear-round; spring for trogons

Madera Canyon Nature Trail

Moderate

5.3 miOut & back2h 30m

The canyon's gentle spine, climbing from the Proctor lot to the Mt. Wrightson picnic area with wildlife and creek crossings the whole way. Hike any stretch, or the full 5.3 miles out and back.

BirdingCreekShadeWildlife

Dogs OK (leashed)Fee: $8 per vehicleYear-round; spring for birding

Old Baldy to Josephine Saddle

Moderate

4.2 mi1,600 ft gainOut & back3h

A steady, shaded climb to the saddle below Mt. Wrightson. A satisfying half-day with big views south.

Pine forestShadeViews

Dogs OK (leashed)Fee: $8 per vehicleSpring to fall; snow possible in winter

Mt. Wrightson via Old Baldy

Strenuous

10.8 mi4,000 ft gainOut & back7h

The big one south of Tucson: 9,453 feet, with a summit view from Mexico to the Catalinas. Start early and carry plenty of water.

Summit360 viewsPine forestHigh elevation

Dogs OK (leashed)Fee: $8 per vehicleLate spring to fall

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