Madera Canyon Recreation Area

Trail Facts at a Glance

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

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

Trail length plus more: Madera Canyon Nature Trail from Whitehouse Picnic Area: 2.3 miles roundtrip, Gain 364’, Elevation 4800’

Whitehouse Accessible Trail: 0.7 miles loop, Gain 85’, Elevation 4600’, some sections 3 feet wide, Slopes > 8%

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

Whitehouse Accessible Trail: paved, sections are covered with dirt and other debris such as sticks and leaves, cracks in pavement, stairs

Parks agency: Nogales Ranger District, Coronado National Forest

Contact: 520-761-6000

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

Date of last visit: May 2, 2025

Disclaimer:

The information provided is for general guidance only and may not reflect current conditions. Users must assess trails for themselves, consider their own abilities, and assume all risks associated with trail use. Tucson AccessTrails, a nonprofit corporation, is not responsible for any injuries or incidents that may occur. Always use caution and prepare appropriately when visiting trails.

Description:

Overview

Madera Canyon Recreation Area is located in the Santa Rita Mountains, about one hour southeast of Tucson
Popular for hiking, bird watching, and nature activities

Parking, Restrooms & Amenities

Parking, restrooms, and day-use amenities available at: White house Picnic Area, Madera Picnic Area, and Amphitheater Parking Lot
Visitor information station near the Proctor parking lot
Volunteers at the station offer maps, pamphlets, directions, and assistance Ramada shelters with picnic tables at Whitehouse and Madera Picnic Areas
Many benches and interpretive signs along the trail
Partial shade, stunning mountain views, and abundant wildlife
Dogs allowed on leash

Trail Route

Whitehouse Picnic Area serves as the starting point for The Whitehouse Accessible Trail and The Madera Canyon Nature Trail
Can be hiked out-and-back or one-way (with two cars).
Midpoint access available at the Madera Picnic Area