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Ramsey Canyon Preserve

4.7 (20 reviews)
Closed 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Ramsey Canyon Preserve Photos

Recommended Reviews - Ramsey Canyon Preserve

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Inside nature center
Connie G.

The Ramsey Canyon Preserve is part of The Nature Conservancy. Both listings here in Yelp are the same thing. The Preserve was once an active mining area. The old mining road is now the main trail, and the shacks are now historical relics. It's a lovely place for birders, photographers, and nature-loving families with children. Strollers and wheel chairs can manage the main trail, but no dogs are allowed. One can see birds, deer, javelina, coatamundi, squirrels and turkey in the preserve. Sometimes a black bear is sighted, at which the preserve is closed for the safety of humans. I find the fall months the most beautiful, when the trees change colors, and sunlight adds contrast to the scene. The main trail starts at the Nature Center, which one must enter to start any hike. There are restrooms here, a small lecture hall, and informative volunteers who also run a small gift shop. The best time to come is when the place opens, as birds like to feed right after dawn. There is plenty of shade here for the hummingbirds that flit by all day long. Benches are set up around the feeders and along the trails. Don't talk near the birders, as they want silence! The main trail leads to the trail head to the Hamburg trail, which one can access from a side trail that goes to the overlook and deeper into this lush canyon. Note that the overlook is not on Preserve land, but in the Coronado National Forest. I personally prefer the National Forest over the Preserve. for its more secluded trail. There is lots of history in this canyon that one can read about in the nature center. The parking lot is small and gets locked after closing, so plan your hikes accordingly. Operating hours are longer in the summer months than in the winter months, so check the website for times. The pass is valid all week long.

Trail map
Jessica B.

Arizona has a lot of hidden gems, one of which is the Ramsey Canyon Preserve in Sierra Vista. You would never know you're in Arizona while visiting this place. The cost is only $8 per person, and your ticket actually lasts for a whole week. You can come back as many times as you like during the week. It has a great walking trail with beautiful trees and a stream running through. Lots of birds and other wildlife may be seen as well. There's some old homesteads on the trail and then a hike up to an overlook area. The hike was more than I bargained for and we only got about half way up. Not to mention the hike back down is steep. If you're not careful you can easily trip and fall. Otherwise we had a lovely time. The weather is a bit cooler since it's up in elevation so it's great to go during the hotter days. I think we will absolutely be back again!

Craig S.

There is limited parking spots and they charge $8 per person for the preservation work at the Nature Conservancy. I made it worth it by arriving early to to get into one of their 9am guided tours. The tours are Monday, Thurs, and Saturday and last about 2.5 hours but you really only walk like half a mile up and then back. Bring some binoculars if your a bird watcher ...They are really big on birds---and mostly hummingbirds here. The canyon exists in a rare ecological location between 4 zones of different wildlife which often visit the canyon for water and/or migration patterns. Butterflys also are big here with the milkweed, but only certain periods of the year... and I missed it. The trail is mostly shady with some historic houses which you will learn about if you go with the guide.

Don't miss this beautiful preserve if you visit this area. We visited in November and the Fall colors were spectacular. The first half mile is relatively flat and beautiful, perfect for my elderly mother. The second half mile to the overlook is steep with switchbacks (mom waited below), but provides gorgeous views. There are also nine benches along the way to stop and catch your breath if needed.

Hiking
Brandon K.

Ramsey Canyon is truly a diamond in the rough for the Sierra Vista area! We arrived over a holiday weekend and were cheerfully met by Joe Lynn, one of the guides for the preserve. He was by far one of the most passionate, knowledgeable, and feel good guides I have ever spoken with. He's knowledge was impressive, but he presented it in such a way that drew you in to the canyon's rich history. It was truly remarkable. My family made the hike almost to the top before the park closed, but the trails can be called more of a brisk walking trail rather than a hike. There are activity pages for the kids to complete where they try to track down a list of items while on the trail and they get a prize when they return. This will be a spot we visit each time we visit family in Sierra Vista!

Richard F.

This is a wonderful place to visit if you want to see wildlife, especially birds. Stop at the gift shop, talk to the ladies there to get the information of the day, pay $5 and you're all set. The Nature Conservancy has done an amazing job of preserving this area for all to enjoy. If you are nearby take the short drive up into the canyon. You have to go back a short drive just past the Inn. During the busy season go early as they only have 23 spaces to park.

Second of two homes built by the same family
Denise T.

Wow. I'm so glad I found this place. It makes me forget I'm living in the desert. I love history and this place has that as well. Settlers came here to make a life for themselves. I can see why they choose it, for the peacefulness of it. This will be my first season when the hummingbirds come and I am looking forward to that. I bought a season pass. This is my new go to place.

Hiking in Ramsey Canyon Preserve
Monica L.

THey have a simple hike that runs along a creek. There are plenty of birds and deer to see. We were able to do the hike without any trouble with 3 kids and I was 7 months pregnant! Of course we did the shorter hike. It is gorgeous and only a few dollars for a week pass. There's even a nice picnic spot with shade. If you;re looking for a cheap kid friendly afternoon outing this is it. The trail is a closed loop so it is easy to keep an eye on the kids while letting them have some freedom too.

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1 year ago

Small parking but I had no problem. Nice shady trail to hike. Good informational stops. Trail maintained ok.

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9 years ago

Ramsey Canyon has a lot to offer from gentle hikes to more arduous ones that lead you to pretty spectacular views. Thumbs up for me.

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Review Highlights - Ramsey Canyon Preserve

The Nature Conservancy has done an amazing job of preserving this area for all to enjoy.

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Coronado National Forest - View of Miller Peak from the Carr Peak trail. Taken on October 13, 2023.  The aspens were already past their prime.

Coronado National Forest

4.8(4 reviews)
12.3 mi

The CNF is my backyard. I first was introduced to this area in 1986 when I was a young Specialist…read morein the US Army. I fell in love with the area and decided then I would retire to these moutains. Retired people like to golf, play Bingo!, RV travel and roadtrip. I like the outdoors, hiking, and exploring. I'm living my dream with the CNF. The forest is divided into many smaller tracts. I'm just east of the Huachuca mountains. There are trails to Miller and Carr Peaks and foothills trails right here. Just look at the website for many options. Drive 50 miles north, west or east and there are many more options in nearby towns. We have our share of wildlife, so be cautious if hiking alone. I've come across black bears, mountain lions, javelina, coatamundi, rattle snakes, and illegal border crossers sneaking across at night. Be situation aware! My dogs keep me protected. I don't have one favorite trail, as I like diversity, but Carr Peak is an easy peak to bag if you are in shape. The Perimeter trail in the eastern slopes of the Huachucas are great for full moon hikes. The Santa Ritas are charming and have hidden springs. If you hike with dogs, the CNF will deliver My hiking club, the Huachuca Hiking Club, does volunteer maintenance work on trails for the CNF. We are a tough bunch of older hikers. The local meetup, the Sky Island Hikers, does more local and easier hikes. I sometimes lead full moon hikes with them.

I love visiting Coronado NF. It's beautiful. The scenery is awesome. It has everything including…read morecamping, hiking, and picnicking. There is every skill level of hiking trails as well.

Photos
Coronado National Forest - Cute, vintage signage!

Cute, vintage signage!

Coronado National Forest - Entrance sign to Coronado Cave

Entrance sign to Coronado Cave

Coronado National Forest - Hilltop

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Hilltop

Brown Canyon Ranch - Under the cottonwoods

Brown Canyon Ranch

4.6(7 reviews)
1.7 mi

Brown Canyon Ranch is a very popular local hang-out all times of day. Retirees walk here early in…read morethe mornings, then come the mountain bikers, and then the hikers, runners, equestrians. Weddings and Senior pics are also popular. Day use is now $8. There is a restroom and several picnic areas by the pond to sit back and relax. To avoid the fee, park off Ramsey Canyon Road and walk the 0.8 mile to the ranch house. My hiking group does weekly loop hikes in Brown Canyon. The ranch house is open during daylight. The pond is a habitat for the endangered Chiricahua Leopard Frog. There are several trails that start at the ranch house. The Brown Canyon trail is a four-mile trail that one can take into Ramsey Canyon. The Garden Connector trail, which begins off the Buffalo Soldier Trail and SR92, ends here. The Brown Canyon Loop trail also starts here, although it's not marked. Just make sure you turn left at the horse trough two miles into the hike. This is a 4.6-mile loop. Just watch out for speeding mountain bikers. There is also a 1.5-mile Nature Trail loop with a duck pond. Dogs are allowed on these trails, but must be leashed. This place can get busy on the weekends. Watch out for rattlesnakes, javelina, coyote and deer.

Breathtaking views of the mountains with excellent beginner's walking path for the entire family…read more Very informative displays inside the cabin. There's a tiny duck pond on the walking path and a small bench to rest and take in the beautiful scenery. Pet's are welcome as long as you clean up after them to preserve the walking path. Watch out for snakes and other little critters.

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Brown Canyon Ranch - Pond

Pond

Brown Canyon Ranch - Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Brown Canyon Ranch - Information

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Information

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area - Most of the official trail goes through high desert grasslands

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

4.6(18 reviews)
6.9 mi

The SPRNCA is more than just an old ranch house near the river off SR 90 where birders mingle…read morealthough it is the most used site in the area. The area includes 40 miles of a well-marked wide dirt trail along the San Pedro River that once was the home to the local Apache tribes. I live eight miles due west from the Hereford Bridge trail head and bring my dogs here to let them enjoy the river where few people go. This is eight miles from Mexico. Right now we have plenty of migrating hawks and eagles, and soon we will have our hummingbirds from the south come back up here. You can walk all the way down to the international border along the trail, although I'd advise you to not do it alone as border crossers do come through. There are no water stations or rest areas along the way; it's all primitive so bring your own water and make sure you have a fully-charged cellphone. The trail is mostly flat and exposed. The views in all directions are of mountain vistas. Creosote, mesquite, desert grasses and catclaw are common flora right off the trail, but you may come across adobe ruins, old pumps, even an old carcass or two. Other great stops are Murray Springs Clovis site and the nearby Clayton house (now just ruins) Beside the San Pedro House, there is also the old mining town of Fairbank further north. Volunteers man the old school house (now a visitor's center) on most weekends. There's also an historic cemetery. Near Millville there are even petroglyphs. North of Fairbank is the old mining town of Contention, but there isn't much left of the town. The trail going north of here is little used, and the river dries up in the hotter months. The Bureau of Land Management manages the trail. It's understaffed and the trail therefore can get overgrown at times. However, I enjoy this area for my solitude. I can take my dogs here and bother no one, and using it doesn't cost a dime.

Beautiful stop in between Sierra Vista and Bisbee! Easy to stop for a few minutes to take in the…read moreCottonwood trees and/or spend hours along the trails. We visited at a time when the San Pedro House itself was closed to visitors due to the pandemic plus part of the River Trail was closed off due to forest fire risks. However, a large section of the trail was still open and we were able to walk along the river and get lost under the canopy of green lush foliage and trees. It's worth the walk from the San Pedro House to the River to hang out under the trees, you don't have to go far to find a cool spot to sit and admire the scenery. You'll walk on a wide flat trail along a field, at the time we went the field was filled with small yellow daisies before getting to the canopy of trees. Check the website before visiting so you can know what you're in for in terms of hiking or going inside the San Pedro House. Hope to come back in cooler temperatures to spend more time on the trails. Oooh take your binoculars too, spot is also known for great bird watching.

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San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area - Heavily eroded section of the trail north of the SP House

Heavily eroded section of the trail north of the SP House

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area - San Pedro House

San Pedro House

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area - How relaxing benches, and rocking chairs, hummingbirds visited the feeders, dear abound. The stream gurgling as hikers pass by.

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How relaxing benches, and rocking chairs, hummingbirds visited the feeders, dear abound. The stream gurgling as hikers pass by.

Kentucky Camp

Kentucky Camp

5.0(2 reviews)
27.2 mi

This is a wonderful day place to visit, to hike from or through, or stay the night. Ghost town fans…read morewill enjoy this small but beautiful gold mining settlement which has a delightful little museum and parts of the original camp around. There is an on-site host there to talk with. The Arizona Trail passes through and you can take a nice hike and see where mining took place- the real kind, like you saw in the movies! Where they would dig and sift and everything. It's total "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" here except in Southern Arizona. The bed and "no" breakfast is a cool looking building you can spend the night in. I think it's around $75 a night and can fit up to 5 people. I haven't done it yet, when I do I'll report back. You bring your own gear, but they supply the bed and tables. There is running water. In the nearby area are trails and some 4X4 trails and be sure and visit the Empire Ranch on BLM land for a great day visit!

Calling all ghost town and mining town hunters! Head out to…read moreKentucky Camp, an old gold mining site, on Rt. 83 on the way to Sonoita. Some old adobe walls remain and other buildings have been restored. A caretaker lives on the site keeping watch. Thank you. Then, after touring the area, go for a great hike along the ARIZONA TRAIL right off the edge of the camp. It's easy and fairly flat and goes through land that feels like you're back in the 1800's. We saw some mule deer and horses and that's it. You could walk the 4 miles to Gardner Canyon or just backtrack. I think this place would be gorgeous when the fall colors arrive. Definitely goes on my favorite hikes list...right along side Ft. Bowie.

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Kentucky Camp
Kentucky Camp
Kentucky Camp

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Ramsey Canyon Preserve - hiking - Updated May 2026

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