The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy Ramsey Canyon Preserve is a great place to learn about and enjoy nature. They have a wonderful nature center with a children’s area and a bookstore.
Located very close to Sierra Vista the preserve is famous for great bird watching. It is also a great place to start a hike or to simply sit and enjoy being outside.
The Nature Conservancy maintains a park-​like setting along the creek. Very large trees including sycamores and maples grow along the creek. This time of year it is a great place to enjoy fall colors and falling leaves.
At The Nature Center you will be given a map with numbers identifying interesting sites along the creek, including old cabins. The walk is easy and it would be great for small children, older people, or those who are not interested in strenuous hiking.
Hiking trails can be access through the nature center. I recommend the Hamburg Tail. I have hiked on this trail twice. Know that this is not an easy hike, but it is worth the steep uphill climb. The canyon is beautiful, dark, and cool.
I last hiked the Hamburg trail on the first of November. The trail crosses the creek many times. We didn’t get our feet wet but there are no guarantees. Enjoy the red and yellow leaves. Enjoy the waterfalls. This trail spends a lot of time along the creek and after 2.5 miles comes to a three-​way trail junction. Turn right to a place in the woods historically used for mining (Hamburg Mine). You can checkout the old mining carts and machine parts that are rusty, but in great shape. Examine the rocks in this old mining area, many are covered in amazing crystals.
I also recommend this area in the winter. Realize you may be hiking in snow. I hiked on this trail 12÷16÷12 and it was snowing. I was following not a trail but bootprints in the snow. I took some amazing pictures that day. It was fantastic.
One tip regarding hiking in this canyon, it is a dark canyon. You will run out of daylight sooner in the canyon than you would out in the open. Especially in the winter plan on ending your hike in the early or mid-​afternoon. You don’t want to be caught in the dark, and bring a headlight just to be safe.
Even if you are not hiking I believe just visiting the nature center and the creek area behind it is worth the $ 6.00 entrance fee. Children under 16 are free, and there is a discount for local residences. Their website says The Nature Conservancy is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I highly recommend checking the website before planning a visit, it offers a lot of helpful information.
The Nature Conservancy offers guided tours focusing on the natural and cultural history of the canyon. The first Saturday of every month is a free day, no entry fee.
Parking can be a problem because there is no parking along Ramsey Canyon Road and only 23 spaces at The Nature Center. When the lot is full no one else is admitted. I have visited twice, once in December and once in November, and I have found a spot to park. You should carpool when you can to help maximize the parking lot.
I highly recommend visiting Ramsey Canyon and The Nature Conservancy provides great access and facilities. Go on a hike or just take a stroll; enjoy the large trees, the creek, and the birds.