Florida Canyon
Walking this narrow riparian canyon just east of Madera Canyon, one can have a great birding experience in a similar habitat but without the crowds. Immediately around the parking area, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Varied Bunting, and Black-chinned Sparrow are commonly found and Elegant Trogons often winter along here. Proceeding up the trail and into the canyon, one can find species both in the narrow riparian area as well as the flanking hillsides, Golden Eagles are often seen soaring high above. Its primary attraction is as a reliable site for Rufous-capped Warbler, found year-round here but it can be productive year round for many other Arizona specialties of oak and grasslands.
Just a few miles from Madera Canyon, with its lodging, picnic areas, and feeders, this area is a convenient break with solitude away from the crowds.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Pima, Santa Cruz
Directions: Where the road to Madera Canyon makes a hard right turn to the south, continue straight on the unpaved SR62, turning off to the right shortly towards the Florida Work Camp. Drive to the end of the road at the gate and park just outside. Do not enter but instead take the trail to the east across the drainage and along the fence. To continue up into this canyon, leave the obvious trail just after the sturdy metal gate, and cross the drainage to the west. Seeing a large painted tank will reassure you that you are on the correct trail.
Latitude: 31.763474
Longitude: -110.846039
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Any time of year can be productive here for many of the target species.
Habitats: Desert, Grassland, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
The trail here is sometimes degraded and requires some balance and minor bush-whacking. Grade increase is very modest.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Rare: Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Elegant Trogon
Speciality: Arizona Woodpecker, Montezuma’s Quail, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Varied Bunting
Charismatic: Cactus Wren
Contact Information
USDA - Forest Service
Coronado National Forest - Nogales Ranger District
303 Old Tucson Rd
Nogales, AZ 85621
Phone: 520-281-2296
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recarea/?recid=25748
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L720787
