Outdoor Science and Learning

Birdwatching, nature-viewing, interpretive sites, and more. 

Viewing Wildlife

Over 400 species of birds can be found in the sky islands of the Coronado National Forest including species found nowhere else in the United States.  Cave Creek Canyon, Madera Canyon, and Ramsey Canyon are renowned bird watching areas.  Tucson Audubon Society provides additional information about birds in Southeastern Arizona.

There are also nature viewing opportunities at Sabino Canyon.

Viewing Plants

The Coronado National Forest’s sky island mountain ranges feature diverse plant communities from deserts and grasslands to conifer forests and mountain meadows. For visitors who would like to learn more about the plants, the Coronado offers interpretive trails in both Madera Canyon and Sabino Canyon.

Viewing Scenery

The Coronado National Forest’s sky island mountain ranges offer dramatic scenery including towering saguaro cacti, shady pine forests, picturesque historic sites, and panoramic vistas. 

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Recreation Opportunities

Cultural Sites/Exhibits (1)

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits (9)

Viewing Plants (4)

Viewing Scenery (19)

Viewing Wildlife (16)

Visitor Centers (5)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 37 results

Arcadia #328

Because of the notable views it offers, Arcadia Trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail, placing it among the most outstanding trails in the nation. Most people travel this popular…

Arizona Highway #83 to Montezuma Pass Scenic Drive

The drive from Sonoita to Montezuma Pass passes through an area of rolling hills and shallow canyons where distant mountain ranges mark the horizons. About midway through the drive, Parker Canyon…

Babad Do’ag Vista

The Babad Do'ag Vista (Observation Site) provides a view across Tucson to all the major mountain ranges. The name Babad Do'ag is Tohono O'odham for "frog mountain." From the Tucson valley, the Santa…

Bog Springs #156

This is a very pleasant .9 mile one-way moderate hike along a rocky uphill trail through green grasses, big trees, and long-distance views. It is located conveniently close to Bog Springs…

Brown Canyon #115

Brown Canyon Trail leads into a scenic little canyon with good views and high desert vegetation. A spur trail, the Pomona Mine Trail, leads to the site of an old tungsten mine while the Brown Canyon…

Brown Canyon Ranch

Brown Canyon Ranch offers a glimpse back in time and ample opportunities for an enjoyable day with the family.  Located on the northeastern flanks of the Huachuca Mountains just outside Sierra…

Carr Canyon Perimeter Trailhead

The Carr Canyon Perimeter Trailhead provides access to the Perimeter Trail #138 and the Carr Nature Trail #139. There is no fee or pass required to park at this location. Trash bins are available at…

Carr House

  The historic Carr House, which now operates as an information center on weekends from early spring through late fall, offers exhibits and information relating to the local area in its lovely…

Cave Creek Canyon

Cave Creek Nature #603

Access this easy trail from the Cave Creek Visitor Information Center, Silver Peak Parking Area, or Sunny Flat Campground. Spur trails connect to the road and other campgrounds. The trail winds 1.25…