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Formerly know as Roundup Picnic Area, the new Mt. Wrightson Picnic Area is located at the end of Madera Canyon Road, as far into this area of beautiful scenery and plentiful wildlife as you can drive. Tables and fire grills are scattered in the shade of a stand of silverleaf and Arizona white oaks. Views stretch up Mt. Wrightson to the top of the Santa Ritas and down Madera Canyon to the Santa Cruz Valley and the community of Green Valley. Four of the most popular trails in the Santa Ritas start right at the Mt. Wrightson Picnic Area. Two designated National Recreation Trails, Old Baldy National Recreation Trail #372 and the Super Trail #134, both of which lead to the top of Mt. Wrightson, begin their mountain climbing journey from the left of the two parking areas. So does the Very Steep/Vault Mine Trail, which lives up to its name by scaling the north slope of Mt. Hopkins, another of the Santa Rita’s highest peaks. A lot less taxing but no less interesting is the Madera Nature Trail, which leads from the picnic area down Madera Canyon, providing great views and excellent wildlife watching along the way. There is more notable birdwatching and a good place to relax in a shady streamside setting up-canyon from the picnic area, along the higher reaches of sycamore-lined Madera Creek.
Drive south from Tucson on Interstate 19 to the Continental Road/Madera Canyon Exit. Turn east and follow the Madera Canyon signs 13.5 miles to the picnic area at the end of the road. The entire route is paved.
This was our first time going here and it was really nice. The whole area is so beautiful and the weather in the canyon feels cooler than the city. Love the flowing water while we were there. There are plenty of picnic tables with bbq's next to them to choose from and trash cans. There were not a lot of people when we went. It's dog friendly as long as there is a leash on. They also have bathrooms available to use. The parking is easy too.
A green gem in the middle of the desert just a short drive from Tucson. One of the nice features is the cabins you can rent to stay here. Not something you find in National Forest. Great location for Birding. They have a nice feeding area setup for you to watch the birds up close. Lots of parking at different elevations. Off of each parking area is bathrooms and large amounts of picnic areas. Great camping areas also. Making this a great place for day trips or weekend adventures. The drive in has a few locations with one lane bridges, not that I think that needs to be fixed, just wanted you to know that up front. Plenty of nice stores and small communities on your drive to the Canyon. So lot of smiling faces to meet on your way there or on your way home.
Kind of a far drive from tucson, but well worth the drive. The parking lot is at 5400 feet elevation, and u just go up from there. I didnt make it all the way up to agua caliente saddle because the trail became narrow and slippery and it started getting dark. But otherwise, it was a wonderful hike thru fairly difficult terrain. A fantastic workout and plenty of opportunities for the kids to stop and play.
Great day hike in Madera Canyon. Somewhat steep in some areas, but totally worth it! So many deer, birds, and small mammals. Great winter hike, not hot, just on the right side if chilly.
