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Landform in Pima and Santa Cruz Counties
Photo: $1LENCE D00600D, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Madera Canyon is a rural area in South Central Arizona. This is an outstanding place for watching birds and wildlife, with over 250 avian species identified so far. Many trails in the Santa Ritas can also be accessed from the picnic site.
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It has a Visitor and Science Center that showcases astrophysics exhibits, views of the surrounding Santa Rita Mountains and has guided tours of the MMT Observatory. Tours mid-Mar to Nov: M W F begin at 9AM and return at 3PM. $10 for adults and children aged 13+, $5 for children aged 6-12. Advance reservations are required. Tours are suspended due to COVID19 as of Dec 2021.
Ideal for birdwatchers.
A 6-room cabin restored by the National Forest Service and available to rent on a nightly basis. The fully-furnished and equipped cabin is nestled in juniper and oak woodland by a creek, and can accommodate up to 8 people. Reservations can be made online, or by calling the number above.
Another good spot for birdwatchers.
This 80-yr-old lodge has fully equipped cabins and casitas. Small dogs accepted ($25); no smoking in cabins. There is a small gift shop onsite.
This site is managed by the Coronado National Forest, and is in Madera Canyon (listed above). No RV hookups, maximum vehicle length 22 feet, toilets and drinking water available.
Take Interstate 19 50 mi south of Tucson, leave at the Continental Road exit (Exit 63). Turn east under the highway and follow the signs to Madera Canyon.
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Tucson · International · TUS
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