The rare Northern Beardless-tyrannulet

The south side of the Santa Rita Mountains is less visited because of the long drive from Tucson. A more scenic route to this side is using Box Canyon Road accessed from Madera Canyon Road. This twisting and turning dirt road is fairly well-maintained, and will take you through a dramatic canyon. Trails on the west side of the Santa Ritas are open will little vegetation. These trails make good winter hikes. Try the easy Elephant Head Bike Trail, or take a longer hike to the Quantrell Mine, rich with mining history. The hike to Agua Caliente Saddle from the west side is steep and rocky, but provides great views.View the list »
Hiking on the north side of the Santa Rita Mountains is cooler and usually has patches of snow throughout spring. Snow at the upper elevations often lingers until June. Be aware that trails are often icy and treacherous. Cleats for your hiking boots will make footing more secure, and are worth the investment if you hike during the winter months.

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The Northern Beardless-tyrannulet is a rare species of tyrannulet found in the United States, as most of these birds live in South America. This would make it a special sighting indeed, should you be one of the few people to spot one in the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson.

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This is a flycatcher, with a gray body and pale yellow stomach. The wings are darker gray than the body, with two pale bars and black streaks. Their beak is small and curved. Look for a bit of orange underneath the beak.

Hiking in the Santa Rita Mountains presents many wildlife viewing opportunities. From seeing this unusual bird, you will also have an opportunity to see many hummingbird and bird of prey species.

Each side of the Santa Ritas has different wildlife residents. The north side, and Madera Canyon, attracts birds that prefer riparian areas, while the west side tends to have more in the way of birds of prey and birds preferring wide open spaces.

Reference: The Nature of Madera Canyon by Douglas W. Moore, Friends of Madera, 1999; whatbird.com

View the list
  • Hiking on the north side of the Santa Rita Mountains is cooler and usually has patches of snow throughout spring. Snow at the upper elevations often lingers until June. Be aware that trails are often icy and treacherous. Cleats for your hiking boots will make footing more secure, and are worth the investment if you hike during the winter months.
  • Trails on the west side of the Santa Ritas are open will little vegetation. These trails make good winter hikes. Try the easy Elephant Head Bike Trail, or take a longer hike to the Quantrell Mine, rich with mining history. The hike to Agua Caliente Saddle from the west side is steep and rocky, but provides great views.
  • The south side of the Santa Rita Mountains is less visited because of the long drive from Tucson. A more scenic route to this side is using Box Canyon Road accessed from Madera Canyon Road. This twisting and turning dirt road is fairly well-maintained, and will take you through a dramatic canyon. 
View the list

, Santa Rita Mountains Outdoor Recreation Examiner

Ms. Strader is 40-year resident of Southern Arizona. She began her Forest Service career as a fire fighter in the Santa Rita Mountains which was the beginning of her dedication to learning as much as she could about the mountains she used to protect. ...

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