Located in Arizona’s Coronado National Forest, about 30 miles south of Tucson, Madera Canyon is a gorgeous valley of streams, juniper-oak woodlands, and beautiful pine forests. The area is one of Arizona’s premier birding destinations, home to more than 250 species, including hummingbirds, elf owls, red-faced warblers, and painted redstarts. You can find various species in different areas of the park, and one of the best ways to see a wide variety of birds is by hitting one of the many hiking trails. The area offers a wide array of natural paths, giving people of all fitness levels the opportunity to explore. Some of the most popular trails include the Mt. Wrightson Loop and the Madera Canyon Nature Trail. Just outside of the canyon, you can visit the small but thriving artists’ colony of Tubac, located in the remains of an old Spanish fort.

Due to the year-round beauty of the area, there is no bad time to secure your Madera Canyon cabins. However, the weather can be extreme, so it is essential to be prepared. Temperatures get very cold during the winter, and you may even be lucky enough to see snow. From July through August, monsoon-like rains can come suddenly. However, they also leave just as quickly, giving you plenty of time to put some miles in on the trails. The spring and fall generally have more mild and consistent weather, making it easier to plan your outdoor activities. It is important to keep in mind that Madera Canyon is located 3,000 feet higher than the surrounding Sonoran Desert and is generally significantly cooler, so it is a good idea to pack layers before setting out on any trails.

Madera Canyon Nature Trail

This lovely 5.3-mile trail runs alongside Madera Creek, offering sweeping views of the Madera Canyon and the Santa Rita Mountains, including Mt. Wrightson, Arizona’s third tallest mountain. With an elevation gain of only 1,000 feet across two miles, the trail is suitable for all fitness levels and the perfect introduction to the area.

Tubac

Set among the sprawling desert, Tubac was established in the mid-18th century as a Spanish fort, and you can still see remnants of its past in the hidden courtyards and stone buildings. Today, it is a thriving artists’ colony with quiet streets lined with more than 100 boutiques selling handcrafted products.

Mt. Wrightson

Easily recognizable by its pyramid-shaped top, Mt. Wrightson rises more than 9,000 feet above the surrounding savannah and desert. A handful of trailheads located within the Madera Canyon Recreation Area allow visitors to ascend the summit. Although the climb can be challenging,

the trails will take you through canyons and over ridgetops, offering spectacular panoramas along the way.