Carrie Nation Trail

Madera Canyon – Mt. Wrightson Wilderness Area

It has been more than a month since my last visit to Madera Canyon so I decided to get up early and return to this enchanted oasis. This famous and very popular canyon is located on the northern slope of the Santa Rita Mountains and is maintained by National Forest Services (NFS). Madera Canyon boasts campgrounds, picnic areas and many hiking trails. It is also legendary for its exceptional birding and is listed by some, as the third best birding destination in the United States. With fifteen species of hummingbirds, Elegant Trogon, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Flame-colored Tanager, 36 species of wood warblers, and over 256 species of birds documented, it is a “required” site for all serious birders.

Hiking

During my previous visits I mostly hiked the riparian area between Proctor Road and the Santa Rita Lodge (awesome place to see hummingbirds), however today my focus was on gaining higher elevation. There are multiple options that lead to the high country, but I settled on the 4.7 mile Carrie Nation Loop. The trial begins at the Old BaldyTrailhead but after a short walk splits and becomes the Carrie Nation Trail.

Birdwatching

The Carrie Nation Trail is a beautiful trail that parallels a small intermittent stream as it works it way up the canyon. On today’s hike I saw 24 different species of birds including the Red-face Warbler, Painted Redstart and my first ever Greater Pewee.

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The Greater Pewee winters in Mexico and summers in Southern Arizona. It is typically heard well before it is seen. Listen for its loud sad song of Ho-say mari-a, Ho-say mari-a. This very distinctive call filled the canyon and remained in my head the rest of the day. Another distinctive and unmistakable call belongs to the star of the canyon, The Elegant Trogon. The Trogon is not your typically North American looking bird it is about the size of a dove and has a bright red breast/belly, a greenish head, reddish-orange eye ring and a white band separating the Green and Red… I guess you could say he is sorta Christmasy.

Trogons typically live in tropical forests, but this species regularly breeds in North America and within the sky island mountain ranges of Southern Arizona. This makes the Trogon one of the most sought-after birds by birdwatchers in the U.S. I was fortunate to have seen 2 males and was treated to their distinctive “bark.”

Mining Remnants

After about 1.2 miles the trail comes to an old mine shaft. The shaft is accessible, but I was unable to see how far into the mountain it extended as it was full of water (shin deep) and I wasn’t prepared to get wet feet.

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Soon after the opening of the mine the Carrie Nation Trail ends, as indicated by the sign in the middle of the trail stating “End of Trail.” I found this comical as most trails I don’t have signs indicating the end of a trail unless the next step is off a cliff. No cliff here so that was good.

Near the sign there is a spur trail that is not maintained by the Forest Services but quite worn from other hikers. The trail in this section is very steep and has multiple unmarked paths. I would not worry too much about what path you follow as long as it keeps climbing. Eventually with some patience and perseverance you will reach the Agua Caliente Trail.

To be honest if birding I would not take this trail beyond the sign. Instead turn around and retrace your steps downhill. If you are not birding yet want to make a loop hike, try hiking the Vault Mine Trail which also connect with the Agua Caliente Trail. I believe it will be a longer but a more gradual trail.

Once reaching the Agua Caliente Trail the trail is well defined and generally downhill. The Agua Caliente section provides awesome views of Madera Canyon below and Mount Wrightson above.

After about 1 mile on the trail I came to Josephine Saddle (7080′). The saddle serves as a major trail junction to continue your adventure into the high country or pick a trail for your return to the parking lot.

Once reaching the saddle, I decided to return to the Jeep. For this option I had to make a decision between the Old Baldy Trail or the Super Trail.

I was beat from the steep climb so I opted for the shorter Old Baldy trail (2.2 miles). I did consider the Super Trail which pretty much parallels the Old Baldy Trail, but it is longer (3.7 miles) and more exposed to the hot sun.

With sore feet I reached the Mount Wrightson parking area and the Jeep which is always a good site after a long day in the woods.

Traveling to Madera Canyon

Madera Canyon is accessed from Interstate I-19 about 30 miles south of Tucson and 30 miles north of Nogales, AZ on the US / Mexico border.

• Exit I-19 at exit 63 that is titled Continental Road and Madera Canyon. 
• Turn east on Continental Road, continue straight ahead through a traffic signal, cross the Santa Cruz River, and turn right at the next four-way stop. You are now on Whitehouse Canyon Road. 
• Cross the railroad tracks and continue up the hill to the southeast. Slow down for the Continental School, cross the cattle guard and you are now in the Santa Rita Experimental Range operated by the University of Arizona for research on grasses, grazing, and range fire. For birders, there are many species along this road as you drive through the grassland bajada towards the canyon.
• After about six miles turn right on the paved Madera Canyon Road. If you continue straight ahead on the gravel road, you can access the headquarters of the Experimental Range or continue through Box Canyon to state route 83. 
• Heading south on Madera Canyon Road you will cross three one-lane bridges then climb towards Madera Canyon between Mt. Wrightson on your left and Mt. Hopkins on the right.

I would recommend losing track of time at Madera Canyon. Whether you stay in the lower portions or take a more adventurous hike to the higher elevations, you will enjoy the sounds of water flowing down the stream, the opportunity to walk among the large firs, and enjoy some awesome views. Hopefully will cross paths with the Elegant Trogon.

~Slow-LEE hiking