WELCOME TO SANTA RITA LODGE, in Madera Canyon

Located in the heart of Madera Canyon, in the beautiful Coronado National Forest, we invite you to visit for world-renowned bird watching, a rejuvenating hike, or a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life at Santa Rita Lodge.

Just a short 13 miles southeast of Green Valley, Arizona, at an elevation of 5,000 feet, Santa Rita Lodge is more than 10 degrees cooler than Tucson on any given day—a treasured getaway that attracts visitors year after year.

Join us and experience all that Madera Canyon, Arizona has to offer.

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Yoga & wellness

The doorway to the Santa Rita Mountains, in the heart of Madera Canyon, the Santa Rita Lodge is now offering professional massage and private yoga services on-site.

In addition to hiking, birding, and restoration, you can now fully unwind with therapeutic bodywork in the beauty of the Coronado National Forest.

Relax and enjoy a unique ashiatsu massage, or try our therapeutic massage, which uses a blend of Swedish massage and deep tissue techniques. You can also take part in a customized yoga session geared to your specific, individual needs.

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Hiking

The Santa Rita Lodge is the gateway to Madera Canyon, nestled on the northwestern side of the Santa Rita Mountains. A part of the Coronado National Forest, the Santa Rita Mountains boast the highest peak in the entire Tucson region: Mount Wrightson at 9,456 ft. Madera Canyon hosts over 100 miles of hiking trails, not only leading to the top of Mount Wrightson, but to many other must-see routes in the canyon.

Trails vary in difficulty, from easy trails like Madera Creek Trail, to difficult trails like Baldy Saddle or Mount Wrightson. Regardless of your skill level, you can find beautiful scenic trails, just right for you.

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BIRDING

Madera Canyon is one of the most renowned birding destinations in the United States. With more than 250 species of birds identified in the canyon, the area is a mecca for anyone interested in bird watching. And the Santa Rita Lodge is one of the best locations in the Madera Canyon for birding. Here you can view up to 15 species of hummingbirds, including Broad-billed, Anna's, Black-chinned, Rufous, Broad-tailed, and Magnificent. (You'll have a pleasant location to watch from in our shaded seating are.) You can also go night birding to bring variety to your experience of Madera Canyon. And, don't forget to take advantage of our bird guide services.

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Birding & Wildlife

Madera Canyon is one of the most renowned birding destinations in the United States. The desert grasslands of the lower canyon blend into Arizona Sycamores, Freemont Cottonwoods, and Alligator Junipers around 4500', and give way to maples, Box Elders, and several varieties of pine and oak at higher elevations. This, and the many active springs and seasonal creek, creates an avian Utopia!

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Landscape photo of the Santa Rita Mountain Range

Photography

With no shortage of scenic overlooks, wildlife, and, of course, birds, Madera Canyon and the surrounding areas are a popular destination for both amateur and professional photographers. The Santa Rita Lodge is an ideal location to capture treasured shots of native and migrating species of birds such as Broad Billed, Black-chinned, Magnificent, and Blue-throated hummingbirds, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Cassin's Finches, Bronzed Cowbirds, and the spectacular Elegant Trogon.

You won't have to leave the lodge to get great photographs of our feathered guests. Our Wildlife Area is equipped with various seed feeders, platform feeders, nectar, and suet to attract numerous and various birds.

For the most up-to-date information on birding and photography in Madera canyon check out our Santa Rita Lodge Gift Shop, where we maintain a current bird checklist and seasonal information. Or, give us a call. We'll be happy to share our knowledge of the area with you!

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Not only a great place to view birds, but also a great place to stay!!
-ANNIE MCGINNIS

Love the rustic cabins and clean rooms. This is the birdwatching mecca for migrating birds from Mexico.
-LORENCE ZACPAL

Nice and beautiful place, my kids loved it! Going back in the summer.
-KATARINA LLAMAS