Mission
Reserve Director Richard Leonardi
Lost Canyon Nature Reserve
Photo: Mike Sivak
Lost Canyon Nature Reserve is a private nature park founded in 2005 by American author, photographer and ecotourism professional Richard Leonardi. 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 the Lost Hill Lookout
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 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 founder. 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 - Dec 31. A visitor donation of US$25 per person includes guided (Spanish speaking park ranger) hiking in the reserve and lunch. For a supplemental contribution of US$150 (per group/per day) Lost Canyon will provide an English speaking biologist. If utilizing a LC approved biologist night visits to the reserve can be arranged. During the period of Jan 1 - May 31 reserve visits are restricted to scientific study, with lodging available for visiting scientists.
