Ramsey Canyon, located within the Upper San Pedro River Basin in southeastern Arizona, is renowned for its outstanding scenic beauty and the diversity of its plant and animal life. This diversity—including such highlights as the occurrence of up to 14 species of hummingbirds—is the result of a unique interplay of geology, biogeography, topography, and climate.
Southeastern Arizona is an ecological crossroads, where the Sierra Madre of Mexico, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts all come together. The abrupt rise of mountains like the Huachucas from the surrounding arid grasslands creates “sky islands” harboring rare species and communities of plants and animals. This combination of factors gives Ramsey Canyon Preserve its tremendous variety of plant and animal life, including such southwestern specialties as the lemon lily, ridge-nosed rattlesnake, lesser long-nosed bat, elegant trogon, and berylline and white-eared hummingbirds.
A spring-fed stream, northeast orientation, and high canyon walls provide Ramsey Canyon with a moist, cool environment unusual in the desert Southwest. Water-loving plants such as sycamores, maples, and columbines line the banks of Ramsey Creek, often growing within a few feet of cacti, yucca, and agaves. Communities ranging from semi-desert grassland to pine-fir forest are found within the vicinity of Ramsey Canyon Preserve.
Ramsey Canyon and the Upper San Pedro River Basin are situated within the Apache Highlands ecoregion, which encompasses central and southeastern Arizona, southwest New Mexico, and the northern Sierra Madre of Mexico. These programs are part of a science-based ecoregional approach to conservation in which the Conservancy works across broad landscapes with many private and public partners, sharing resources and knowledge to expedite the protection of species and habitats throughout the state.
Together, The Nature Conservancy works with partners to achieve much greater success than any one entity working independently. Multiple partners also ensure a broader perspective and more enduring
conservation solutions.
Planning Your Visit
The best months for birding at the preserve are April through September. Spring weather is unpredictable, though usually cool and dry. Early summer is generally dry and warm. In July and August, brief afternoon rainstorms can be a daily occurrence. Fall days are cool and bright. Occasional snows from late November through late March bring a dramatic change in the scenery. On average, temperatures at the preserve are 10-15 degrees cooler than those in Tucson.
The diverse wildlife and habitats of Ramsey Canyon may be viewed from the Hamburg Trail. This open-ended route parallels Ramsey Creek through the preserve before climbing 500 feet in a half-mile series of steep switchbacks. These lead to a scenic overlook in the Coronado National Forest one mile from the preserve headquarters. From the overlook, the trail continues upstream and enters the Miller Peak Wilderness Area where it joins other trails.
Please note, in consideration of our sensitive wildlife habitats, pets are prohibited in the preserve. See additional guidelines under the “Preserve Regulations” heading below.
Hours
February - October: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week.
November - January: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday - Monday.
Preserve is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's days.
Fees
$5.00 per person. Conservancy members and Cochise County residents, $3.00 per person. Children under 16 - FREE. There is no admission charge the first Saturday of every month. During November, December and January, a paid preserve admission will be good for two rather than the usual one week. Annual passes available. Group visits require prior arrangements. Please call (520) 378-2785.
Parking
Preserve parking is limited to 23 spaces. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no parking along the road below the preserve.
Facilities
The preserve headquarters include visitor parking, a nature center with bookstore and a hummingbird observation area located at the preserve entrance. Here, visitors may learn about the preserve and its wild residents, the Upper San Pedro River Program, and The Nature Conservancy by viewing interpretive exhibits, shopping in the bookstore, or simply enjoying the beauty of the lower canyon.
Please note, in consideration of our sensitive wildlife habitats, pets are prohibited in the preserve. See additional guidelines under the “Preserve Regulations” heading below.
The Ramsey Canyon bookstore features an outstanding selection of books, cards, clothing, and gifts for nature lovers of all ages. Field guides from throughout the world are available, along with binoculars, video and audio tapes, bird feeders, and other items for enjoying nature. Proceeds from the bookstore provide a portion of the funds needed to continue the protection and restoration of Ramsey Canyon.
Nature Walks
Visitors from all over the world come to see the more than 170 species of birds found in the preserve and surrounding national forest. Southwestern specialties such as painted redstarts and magnificent hummingbirds share the canyon with many other animals, including mountain lions, canyon treefrogs, rattlesnakes, and dozens of species of butterflies. The canyon is also home to more than 400 species of plants, from tiny mosses to towering firs. Guided nature walks are conducted Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM, March through October. Additional birding and natural history programs for adults and children are conducted on a seasonal basis.
Please note, in consideration of our sensitive wildlife habitats, pets are prohibited in the preserve. See additional guidelines under the “Preserve Regulations” heading below.
Calendar of Nature Events
Wildlife is the number-one attraction at Arizona's six nature preserves open to the public. Visitors from all over the world come to see hundreds of species. See our Calendar of Nature Events.
Preserve History
Conservancy preserves in Arizona share much of the colorful history of the state itself including indians and cowboys, the cavalry, prospectors and Eastern dudes even a Civil War skirmish. Where was that?
Gear
Sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen, binoculars and plenty of water.
Getting There
Need help finding our preserves? Download directions (.pdf, 143 kb) to the six Arizona preserves open to the public. (Get the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader).
Preserve Regulations
In consideration of our sensitive wildlife habitats, and staffing and space limitations, we ask all visitors and guests to observe the following regulations:
Please ask about policies governing photography before setting up equipment. No buses, trailers, or large RV’s (over 18 feet) can be accommodated in the narrow canyon. Keep children near you and under control at all times.
Smoking, pets, picnicking, camping, fires, hunting, radios or tape players, collecting, feeding wildlife, motorized vehicles and bicycles are prohibited.
Give Nature a Hand
Volunteers offer the Conservancy a way to complete more critically important work. We also develop lasting friendships and have a lot of fun together. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Ramsey Canyon Preserve.
Places to Visit
Want to know about other Arizona preserves open to the public? Download a flyer (.pdf, 246 kb) with the details. (Get the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Questions?
Call (520) 378-2785 or e-mail Brooke Gebow at bgebow@tnc.org
Gift Shop inquiries, call (520) 378-2785 or e-mail lsockness@tnc.org
Photos
Top to bottom
Ramsey Canyon © Mark Skalny
Baby coatimundi © The Nature Conservancy
Ramsey Creek © Mark Skalny
Deer at Ramsey Canyon Preserve © Mark Skalny
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