Recreation Region: Santa Rita Mountains

Madera Picnic Area and Trailhead

The Madera Canyon Picnic Area, with 11 individual sites, sprawls along the bank of Madera Creek and offers an excellent place for wildlife viewing and for families to enjoy the beauty of the canyon. The Madera Nature Trail #88 passes through the picnic area, allowing easy access to this creekside trail. This trailhead can also be used to access the Dutch John Trail #91 and Bog Springs Trail #156 on the east side of the road.

A variety of wildlife frequents this picnic area. Always observe wildlife from a distance, for their safety and yours, and never feed wild animals. Please pick up all trash, including food scraps, and dispose of it properly in the bear-proof trash bins.

General Information

Weapons may not be discharged within the boundaries. Day-use area from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. No overnight camping.

Day-use: $8 per vehicle Weekly: $10 per vehicle Buy a pass online, or purchase a pass on-site with cash or check. Proof of payment, or a valid Coronado National Forest Annual Pass or Interagency (America the Beautiful) Pass, including the Annual, Senior, Access, or Military Pass, must be displayed on the driver's side of the vehicle dashboard. Learn more about accepted passes.

Getting There

Elevation

5,500 feet

Directions

From Tucson, Arizona, travel south on I-19 for approximately 35 miles to the Continental Road exit (Exit 63) in Green Valley, Arizona. Turn left (east) on Continental Road and go approximately 1 mile to the junction with the Madera Canyon/White House Canyon Road. Turn right (southwest) and travel
approximately 13 miles to the Madera Picnic Area.