Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
trails are also recommended for slower hikers who use a cane or don't want to climb.
Bird-watchers and visitors with limited time enjoy the easy hike and the informative
signs along the trails. The Proctor Trailhead has an informative shaded ramada de-
tailing the history and natural history of Madera Canyon, along with a visitor center
that's open most weekends. The Whitehouse Trailhead has a picnic area.
Route Details
I describe the Proctor Loop first. Read further for the shorter Whitehouse Loop.
From the Proctor Parking Area, the paved trail goes south. After 100 yards, a
plaque on the right side of the trail identifies the mountains to the west of you, visible
on a clear day. A couple of hundred yards farther, a 20-yard-long side trail takes you
to a huge Arizona sycamore that provides shade over a bench.
Back on the main trail, you'll cross the unpaved Proctor Road (a brief but not in-
surmountable inconvenience to wheelchair users), soon followed by a signed left turn
to the White House ruin, easily reached on a very short paved trail. A century ago,
these adobe walls were whitewashed, and the house was a major landmark—indeed,
the original name of the canyon was White House Canyon. Today, only a single wall
remains.
According to the topic A History of Madera Canyon, published by the Friends
of Madera Canyon, the White House was built around 1880 and had several owners
and inhabitants until 1940. The last fulltime inhabitants were Alcaro Morales (61),
who moved here in 1911 with his bride, Benita (27). He helped his wife give birth to
four children, but sadly, she and their fifth child died in childbirth in 1921. The family
continued to live here, supporting themselves by selling vegetables, cheese, pine nuts,
and mescal, until Alcaro's death in 1940.
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