Mission
Reserve Director Richard Leonardi
Lost Canyon Nature Reserve
Photo: Virginia Ruiz
Lost Canyon Nature Reserve is a non-profit, private nature park founded in 2005 by American author and photographer Richard Leonardi and Nicaraguan environmentalist Virginia Ruiz. Lost Canyon is dedicated to protection of Nicaragua’s flora and fauna, via restoration and conservation of tropical dry forest biodiversity, inside Lago Xolotlán’s northern watershed. Lost Canyon also facilitates varied scientific research at the reserve, with emphasis on the endangered Nicaraguan Iguana (Ctenosaura quinquecarinata).
Visitor Information
View north from Lost Canyon Nature Reserve
Photo: Richard Leonardi
Lost Canyon Nature Reserve is a 98 acre (40 ha) private wildlife refuge and tropical dry forest reserve located in a broad, rocky canyon that cuts into the western slope of Nicaragua’s central mountain range. Reserve terrain ranges from 466 - 1,174 feet (142-358 m) above sea level; average annual rain fall is 47 inches (1,200 mm), mean temperature 81°F (27°C). The reserve employs two natives of the canyon as park rangers and they share reforestation, conservation, trail maintenance and wildlife monitoring responsibilities with reserve founders. Several low-impact hiking trails exist inside the reserve for visitors, yet the majority of park terrain is totally void of human access to minimize disturbance of native fauna. To further mitigate ecological damage all visits to Lost Canyon are via appointment only and limited to groups of 12 persons or less. Reserve visits are from 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. June 1 - Jan 31. A visitor donation of US$25 per person includes guided hiking in the reserve and lunch at the biological station. For a supplemental contribution of US$150 per group, Lost Canyon will provide the assistance of an English speaking biologist. If utilizing a LC approved biologist, night visits to the reserve can be arranged. During the period of Feb 1 - May 31 reserve visits are restricted to scientific study, with lodging available for visiting scientists at the Lost Canyon biological station. For those who cannot visit the reserve, donations to help Lost Canyon with research, conservation and reforestation are appreciated.
