Kent Springs Cabin

Recreation

Madera Canyon hiking trails are well-known throughout the Southwest, and vary from paved, accessible trails and gentle walking paths to steep, strenuous trails leading to the top of 9,453-foot Mt. Wrightson. Madera Canyon is also touted as one of the country's most revered birding areas. With fifteen species of hummingbirds, the Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, the Flame-colored Tanager, 36 species of wood warblers, and over 256 documented bird species, the area is a birder's paradise.

Facilities

With 1,500 square feet of indoor space, including two bedrooms, one full bathroom, two living rooms, and a fully-equipped kitchen, the Kent Springs Cabin accommodates up to 8 people comfortably. It also has a large deck overlooking a creek, and parking is available on site. Sleeping accommodations include a queen bed, a twin over double bunk bed, a roll-away single bed, and a double futon couch. The kitchen is equipped with an electric range/oven, refrigerator, and microwave. There is a large dining table with benches, and a fireplace in the large living room. The cabin is largely barrier-free to provide access to more visitors.

Although the cabin has several amenities, guests must also provide some of their own supplies, including food, sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. The Forest Service is unable to provide firewood and propane for the outdoor grill at this time, but guests are welcome to bring their own. Please note that the indoor fireplace is not maintained for use.

Natural Features

Kent Springs Cabin is located in the heart of Madera Canyon within the Santa Rita Mountains. Spanning four life zones and several ecosystems between desert and mountain peaks, the area has become a well-known "sky island," supporting abundant and biologically diverse plant and animal communities. The area supports a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed and mule deer, rabbits, wild turkeys, and squirrels. Black bear, Coati, foxes, ring-tailed cats, bobcats, and mountain lion are more elusive. Sixteen species of bats have been recorded in the canyon.

It is recommended that visitors wear appropriate clothing and use insect repellent; July through October is chigger season.

Nearby Attractions

The cabin is located less than a half-hour from Green Valley and within an hour of Tucson and Nogales, Arizona. Attractions within an hour drive include the Mining Museum, Titan Missile Museum, Whipple Observatory, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, San Xavier Mission, historic Tubac, and Tumacacori National Historical Park.