Madera Canyon Hiking

More than a century back, Madera Canyon used to serve as a source of timber for Tucson (it’s even named as such, “madera” is the Spanish word for wood). Nowadays, the area is better known for the respite its forest provides rather than its timber. If you’re looking for a cool location to watch for wildlife and take the edge off a hotter hiking day, then this canyon is for you.

The Madera Canyon Nature Trail is an excellent place to walk that grants all the canyon has to offer. There’s some notable elevation gain to this 5.3 mile out and back hike hike, but the shorter distance and plenty of shade keep it moderate. The trail notably sticks by a stream for one of its mellower portions, at which is a popular destination for birdwatchers April through September in order to catch sight of the hundreds of species that make Madera Canyon home and liven up this desert oasis with their songs.