Madera Canyon Recreation Area - Nature Trail and Whitehouse Trail

Trail Information:

Name: Madera Canyon Nature Trail and Whitehouse Accessible Trail in Madera Canyon Recreation Area

Park’s agency: Nogales Ranger District, Coronado National Forest

Contact: 520-761-6000

Location: I-19 to exit 63, 35 miles on Continental Road to Madera Canyon Road, 11 miles to the entrance of the Madera Canyon Recreation Area.

Parking fee: Daily: $8 per vehicle, Weekly: $10 per vehicle, Federal passes accepted

Trail hours: Day use only, 6 am-10 pm

Information Station hours: Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April-September 8 am-12 pm, October-March 10 am-2 pm

Transit: None

Trail length plus more:

Madera Canyon Nature Trail from Whitehouse Picnic Area: 2.3 miles roundtrip, Gain 364′, Loss 371′, Elevation 4800′

Whitehouse Accessible Trail: 0.7 miles loop, Gain 85′, Loss 92′, Elevation 4600′

Trail surface: Madera Canyon Nature Trail: rugged natural surface with rocks, roots, and ruts

Whitehouse Accessible Trail: Paved

Dogs: Allowed.

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 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.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance only and may not reflect current conditions. Users must assess trails, consider their abilities, and assume all risks in the trail. We accept no responsibility for any injuries or incidents that may occur. Always use caution and prepare appropriately when visiting trails.