- Why take a trip to Madera Canyon? Driving up the road
from Continental to Round-up picnic grounds you will pass through
changes in climate similar to those you would encounter driving from
here to Canada. Looking up from the valley it is easy to note where
desert changes to grassland and then to forest, indicating more moisture
and lower temperatures as the altitude increases.
- Madera Canyon in the
Coronado National Forest is one of the outstanding areas in the country
for birding. Commonly seen are five to seven species of hummingbirds
including the Broad-billed, Magnificent, Black-chinned, Costa's and
Broad-tailed. Mexican Jays, Acorn Woodpeckers, and nuthatches are easy
to spot. Rarer species, including the Elegant Trogon, draw birders from
as far away as Europe and Australia. A volunteer in a Forest Service
Green Vest will be able to supply you with a bird list of more than 200
species that have been see in the canyon.
- The trees on the lower slopes are mostly mesquite, growing so
regularly that they resemble an orchard, but this is a case of natural
distribution according to available moisture. Far up are several
varieties of evergreen oaks with small oval leaves, Alligator
Junipers name for their bark, cottonwoods and white-limbed
sycamores along the stream.
- Some grasslands on the lower slopes are owned by the State and
administered by the University of Arizona for research purposes.
Wildflowers along the roadside include white lily-like datura,
white pricklepoppy, the daisy-like Tackstem, blue lupine, and the small white
fleabane.
- As for animals, most of them are shy and nocturnal. You may see the
Ground Squirrel, perhaps some deer, and you might glimpse
a coatimundi. Mountain lions and bear are present but
hidden from view except in extraordinary circumstances. It is
advisable to keep your children near you and your dog must be on a
leash.
- There are several parking area with nearby picnic tables and grills
and other amenites as shown on the accompanying map. Handicapped loop
trails are accessible from Proctor Parking and Whitehouse. These are
paved for wheel chairs and are nice walks for anyone. Benches are placed
where there are beautiful views.
- From Whitehouse an easy trail follows the stream upward and connects
with the Nature Trail. At Whitehouse there are picnic tables in a large
ramada and also small picnic facilities, Farther up the road are other
parking areas with tree-shaded picnic tables and access to trails. Fires
may be built only in the grills provided and must be extinguished before
you leave.
- More difficult climbing trails start from the East parking lot at
Round-up. Take a left where the little sign says "TRAILS". If you decide
to try Super Trail or Old Baldy Trail wear hiking boots. as loose gravel
and erosion are hazards, Trail maps are available. Bring drinking
water or purification tables, as the water in the stream and springs is
not safe unless strained and boiled or purified. Provide yourself with
layered clothing. Temperatures can be very chilly at these high
altitudes, especially after the sun goes down. You may leave your car in
any of the parking areas, though you may not camp in it. A camping area
si provided at Bog Springs, where a small fee is charged.
- The Lodge, a private concession with rental cabins, maintains bird
feeders where many species may be observed. Often you will find
experienced birders who will share information with you. Rental
information is available at the Lodge office.
- And a final word from volunteers who clean up the Canyon: plastic
takes years to disintegrate and plastic foam never does.
- Please, if you pack it in - pack it out!
- For further information see the new book, The Nature of Mdera Canyon
available at The Lodge and at bookstores.
Friends of Madera Canyon
P.O. Box 1203
Green Valley, Arizona 85622
FACILITIES
Proctor Road Parking Area
Handicapped Rest Rooms
Start of Handicapped Trail
Whitehouse Picnic Area Parking
Ramada
Picnic Tables - Grills
Water
Handicapped Rest Rooms
Upper Handicapped Loop
Madera Picnic Area & Trail Head
Parking
Picnic Tables - Grills
Rest Rooms
Water
Santa Rita Lodge
Cabins for Rent
Bird Feeders
Pay Telephone for Public by Driveway
Bog Springs Campground - Fee
Camp Sites
Water
Rest Rooms
Nature Trail Parking
Trail
Amphitheatre
Upper Round-up
Trail Heads
2 Parking Lots East of Road
Rest Rooms
Lower Round-up
Picnic Area
3 Parking lots West of Road
Rest Rooms
Map
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