Nestled in the middle of the Santa Rita mountains in southeast Arizona, Madera Canyon is renowned for its outstanding scenic beauty, diverse plant life, and recreation opportunities for hikers, birders, and nature lovers.
Photographs by Al Tozier
Elegant Trogon
A spring fed stream and high canyon walls provide Madera Canyon with a moist, cool, and shady environment unusual in the desert Southwest. Water loving plants such as sycamores and cottonwoods line the banks of Madera Creek. The lush riparian environment provides the perfect habitat for over 200 species of birds. Commonly seen are five to seven species of hummingbirds including the Broad-billed, Magnificent, Black-chinned, Costa's, Blue-throated, and Broad-tailed. Mexican Jays, Acorn Woodpeckers and Nuthatches are easy to spot. Rarer species including the Elegant Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker, and Yellow-eyed Junco appear at the Inn to draw birders from all over the world.
Hiking opportunities range from an easy walk, an invigorating 5 mile round trip hike to Josephine Saddle, or for the adventurous and fit hiker, a 10.8 mile round trip hike to Mt. Wrightson at an elevation of 9453 ft. We will be happy to suggest a hike that will meet your needs.
Other Things to See and Do:
Old Tucson Studios: This movie studio location is also a theme park with gunfights and stunt shows.
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum: Learn more about the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert.
Saguaro National Park: Bike or drive the scenic 9 mile drive through 100's of acres of magnificent saguaro cactus.
Nogales - Old Mexico: Park on the US side and walk across for a shopping and dining adventure in old Mexico.
Tubac: The oldest European settlement in Arizona is now a thriving arts and crafts community of shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Spanish Missions: Tumacacori is a 1795 Spanish mission and museum. San Xavier is one of the finest examples of mission architecture in the US.
Titan II Missile Museum: travel 100 ft underground to see a decommissioned Titan II ICBM in its underground silo and tour the war room.
Fishing and Boating: Patagonia Lake and Pena Blanca Lake.
Vineyards: the nearby Sonoita/Elgin area has over 250 acres of vineyards. Some of the local wineries are open to visitors who wish to sample the local varieties.
Stargazing: Visit world class astronomical observatories including the Whipple Observatory and Kitt Peak.
Website created by Terri Hensen
Please email me for comments, suggestions or need assistance with creating a website.
