Description:

Madera Canyon Recreation Area in the Santa Rita Mountains is a haven for hiking, bird watching, and other nature activities. It is located just an hour’s drive southeast of Tucson.

The paved road into the canyon crosses several one-lane bridges leading to a visitor information station near the Proctor parking lot. The volunteers running the station can help with directions, offer pamphlets with information, and answer any questions. Further down the road is the Whitehouse Picnic Area which is a starting point for the Whitehouse Accessible Trail and the Madera Canyon Nature Trail.

The Whitehouse Accessible Trail is a 0.7-mile loop starting and ending at the picnic area. This trail is paved although there are some cracks in the pavement and sections are covered with dirt and other debris such as sticks and leaves. Many benches can be found along the hike as well as interpretive signs. The trail narrows to less than 3 feet in sections and some slopes exceed 8 degrees. A side trail leading to a bridge over Madera Creek has several sets of stairs.

The 2.3-mile section of the Madera Canyon Nature Trail stretches from the Whitehouse Picnic Area to the Amphitheatre Parking Area. This section of the hike is an out-and-back hike, but it may also be accessed halfway at the Madera Picnic Area or hiked one-way with two cars. The trail is a rugged natural surface with loose rocks of varying sizes and some exposed roots. Large boulders make the trail extremely narrow in spots and natural erosion creates some steep slopes. Various benches and interpretive signs can be found along the trail and a wooden bridge with no hand railings crosses the Madera Creek.

Parking, restrooms and other day-use amenities can be found at the Whitehouse Picnic Area, the Madera Picnic Area, and the Amphitheater Parking Lot. Standard and accessible spaces are available at all parking areas though lots may fill up on summer holiday weekends. Ramadas with picnic tables can be found at both Whitehouse and Madera Picnic Areas. Madera Canyon Recreation Area allows dogs on leash and a $8 day-use fee is required for parking in all lots.

This well-maintained and well-marked hike offers water, partial shade, stunning views, and plenty of wildlife in the summer, but could be muddy, snowy and icy in the winter. So, check the weather before heading out.