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Madera Canyon is one of the best spots for birding in SE Arizona. The entrance to the canyon is in the northern foothills of the Santa Ritas, at 4500 feet elevation, 14 miles, and 27 minutes by car from Green Valley. See the map to the right. The canyon is part of the Coronado National Forest. Check out this link for more information.
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There is hiking and picnicking, and of course, birding, but no overnight camping. However, there are several lodges on private land in the canyon: The Chuparosa Inn, Bed and Breakfast, The Santa Rita Lodge, and The Madera Kubo B and B. There are also hotels in Green Valley, 12-15 miles from the canyon.
In March 2018 we stayed at the Chuparosa Inn, and had a great time. Check out this blog post for that trip. Our host was Luis Calvo, who you can see giving a video tour of the canyon at Visit Tucson, Santa Rita Mountains. Many thanks to Luis, his wife and staff for a wonderful spot to enjoy the canyon.
From Tucson, the usual route is south on I-19 to Green Valley, then Continental Road to White House/Madera Canyon Road to the entrance. However on our trip in 2018, we decided to stick to the "blue highways" and took Kolb south to Valencia west, then south on Wilmot, west on W. Sahuarita Road to S. Nogales Highway to Continental Road. It is a smooth and uncrowded route through beautiful Sonoran desert. And, you get to drive by several federal prisons! One way the trip is 50 miles, and about 1 hour 15 minutes.
In March 2018 we stayed at the Chuparosa Inn, and had a great time. Check out this blog post for that trip. Our host was Luis Calvo, who you can see giving a video tour of the canyon at Visit Tucson, Santa Rita Mountains. Many thanks to Luis, his wife and staff for a wonderful spot to enjoy the canyon.
From Tucson, the usual route is south on I-19 to Green Valley, then Continental Road to White House/Madera Canyon Road to the entrance. However on our trip in 2018, we decided to stick to the "blue highways" and took Kolb south to Valencia west, then south on Wilmot, west on W. Sahuarita Road to S. Nogales Highway to Continental Road. It is a smooth and uncrowded route through beautiful Sonoran desert. And, you get to drive by several federal prisons! One way the trip is 50 miles, and about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Here are summaries and links to blog posts from 2018 and 2019:
Madera Canyon, Early Spring 2018
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Madera Canyon in March of 2018 we saw Broad-billed and Rivoli's Hummingbirds, Mexican Jays, Pine Siskins and a Bridled Titmouse bathing in a spring, a Dark-eyed Junco, and a Painted Redstart "startling" his prey!
Painted Redstart
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Broad-billed Hummingbird
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Madera Canyon, a Rare Sunday in February (2019)
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In February 2019, I caught the elusive Elegant Trogan hanging out just west of the road. And, another Painted Redstart wintering in the canyon, plus an Arizona Woodpecker, and a very rare White-throated Thrush, usually only spotted in Mexico. Also a Ladder-backed Woodpecker and a Whiskered Screech-Owl.
White-throated Thrush
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Elegant Trogan
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