Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
makes its way through mixed oak-juniper woodlands, with impressive yucca plants
embellishing the trailside.
Past the first of several wooden benches, after about 0.6 mile, the Madera Creek
Valley opens below. Occasional plaques at ground level identify trees growing along-
side the trail. I like to stop at the second bench, a little over a mile from the trailhead,
where there's a particularly impressive view of the Santa Ritas and a nearby plaque
shows the peaks and landmarks neatly named for you, stretching from McCleary Peak
to Mount Wrightson. The greener area surrounding Dutch John Spring is easy to make
out and, with binoculars, Audrey and I were able to pick out our little blue-and-silver
tent nestled in Bog Springs Campground. Fun stuff!
Shortly beyond the second bench, the trail hairpins and begins zigzagging down
the hills toward the creek, with continuing great views. You pass a third bench. More
signs interpret the geology and natural history of the canyon. Eventually, 1.8 miles
from the trailhead, the route flattens and passes a small outdoor amphitheater used for
ranger-led presentations and talks. Just before the amphitheater, to the right, a foot-
bridge crosses Madera Creek and leads to the Nature Trail and Amphitheater Parking
Area on Madera Canyon Road.
At this point, the Nature Trail becomes the Madera Creek Trail. With Santa Rita
Lodge a short walk from the parking area, this segment of the trail is especially busy
with walkers and bird-watchers. Water flows in this part of Madera Creek for much of
the year, and frequent benches along the trail allow you to rest and enjoy the riparian
scenery or listen to the sounds of birds and water. If you wish, you could return back
to the trailhead the way you came, for a 3.6-mile out-and-back hike.
