The new building is painted, electricity is in, and inspections should be done by Christmas!! The projected moving is the first week in January and the long anticipated opening will be mid-January (we are keeping our fingers crossed). We will also relocate our Wi-Fi so that all guest should be able to access the internet from the casitas and cabins by opening day mid-January. For now, we have just installed Wi-Fi connections for our guests. Cabin guests have access in their places and our casita guests can access wi-fi within the vicinity of our office/gift shop. You can hang out on the front porch and enjoy the outdoors while surfing the web.
In case you are just "tuning-in", we are building a new office/giftshop in the footprint of the old lodge and restaurant. It is twice as big and the location promises to be much easier to access for our customers and guests. There is a nice viewing deck attached to the side for our bird-watchers. This means that the current office/gift shop will be converted back to a large rental cabin with a separate bedroom in the near future. Our bird watching area is still open to all of our local bird-watchers and fans.
We have had some moisture, a dusting of snow, and some crisp nights so far. The winter birds are here, including a nice flock of Gould's Turkeys. Our regular birds seen daily are the Mexican Jays, Tufted Titmice, Nuthatches, Lesser Goldfinches, Acorn Woodpeckers, and Painted Redstarts. Check out our local bird expert Laurens Halsey's website: www.desertharrier.com for updates on recent bird sightings.
Remember to keep in mind that the cabins go first on the weekends and holidays (FYI-All the cabins are booked for New Year's Eve - we do have a few casitas left). Just give us a call or email us to see what is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your office hours?
The office/gift shop is open Monday - Friday 9:30 AM- 3:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM - 4 PM.
What do I do if I am checking in after the office is closed?
If possible, let the office know if you will be checking in late so that we can make arrangements for you to get your keys. There is a maintenance manager on the property who resides next to the office. Keys for registered guests can be obtained from him unless other arrangements have been made. Check the office door for more specific information.
Do you have Wi-Fi?
Yes, we just installed Wi-Fi connections for our guests. The cabins have access in their places and the casita guests access it within the vicinity of our giftshop/office...just sit our our porch and enjoy the outdoors as you surf the web, check emails, and conduct business. Is it possible to rent a room without a reservation?
Yes. If you call or come to the office during office hours and there is availability, we will rent you a casita or cabin. After hours, our on-site manager can help you until dark. We also have someone answering the phone until 8:00 P.M.
Do you allow dogs?
Yes, we allow dogs.There is a $25.00 charge per dog per day. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, cannot be left alone in the room (or cabin), and cannot be a barker. Any damage done to lodge property by the dog/dogs is the pet owner's responsibility.
What about guided bird walks?
We have two licensed bird guides that we contact. For guests, we can arrange a guide for you as a courtesy. Day visitors can get in touch with either one of them to book a bird walk. Laurens Halsey: 520 237-1284, Jack Murray: 520 648-0608
Is there a restaurant in the canyon?
There is no food service in Madera Canyon. Bring your own food. Grocery stores and restaurants are in Green Valley, 13 miles away. Every room has a kitchenette for light cooking. See the accommodations page for a list of what is in the kitchenettes.
Can I have guests visit me at the lodge?
Yes. Visitors are welcome during the day; no overnight guests.We would appreciate advance notice so that there won’t be any confusion concerning parking.
Can we build a campfire?
Not on lodge property or in Madera Canyon; fire danger is always present . Grilling is permitted with charcoal only, no wood.
Is there A/C and heat in the rooms? How about fireplaces?
We have air conditioning and heating, but no fireplaces.
Do you offer any discounts?
Rent is discounted 10% for stays over 5 day and 15% for two weeks.
Active military, emergency services, and law enforcement officers receive a 10% discount
