Looking to explore Chiricahua National Monument? Here you can find information on its history, park hours, camping options, hiking trails, and so much more!
About Chiricahua National Monument
Location
Chiricahua National Monument is located in Southeastern Arizona, four miles east of the 181 and 186 junctions. It is about 30 miles east of Wilcox and 120 miles southeast of Tucson.
History
Sometime between the 1400s and 1500s, the Chiricahua Apache called this place their homeland. They were known as nomadic people who lived in huts and traveled to preferable climates throughout the year. After the Mexican-American war, the Southwest became a part of the United States in 1848. Shortly after, early pioneers such as Louis Prue and Mary and Tom Bridger called Chiricahua home. Learn more about other settlers who called Chiricahua National Monument home here.
Geology
27 million years ago, a nearby volcanic eruption spat ash into the atmosphere that eventually landed and created hardened volcanic rock. As time went on, the volcanic rock eroded into rock spires (tall pinnacles) made out of Rhyolite. In the park, you can find these rock spires, caves, mountains, rivers, and lava flows. The Chiricahua Apache called this area "The Land of Standing Up Rocks." The Chiricahua Mountains are 20 miles wide and 40 miles long on an inactive volcanic range.
Wildlife
The biome in the Chiricahua mountain region has varying ecosystems which inhabit many different kinds of animals. You can find both a grassland desert and pine forest landscape in the mountain range.
Some of the most common amphibians seen are the canyon treefrog, tiger salamander, great plains toad, and the southern spadefoot toad. Commonly seen mammals are javelinas, white-tailed deer, skunks, coatimundi, cottontail rabbits, the gray fox, and the big brown bat. Snakes, lizards, and turtles are commonly spotted reptiles.
All animals and wildlife are protected in this area. There are thousands of insects and bird species also found in the monument. Learn more here.
Places Within The Park
Erickson Cemetry: Some who called this place home were buried on site.
Faraway Ranch: This ranch was owned by the Swedish immigrant Neil Erickson who became the first ranger for the Chiricahua National Forest reserve. Later on, his son-in-law built the ranch as a place where guests could swim, explore or relax. You can take tours from this ranch today!
Massai Point: Some of the early National Park Service and US Forest Service employees believed Massai Point to be a fantastic overlook and built roads and trails to the summit.
Visiting the Park
Hours + Fees
Chiricahua National Monument is open 24 hours, every day of the year, including holidays! It is completely free to enter, and no fees are required unless you are camping. There is one visitor center that is open seven days a week from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. The visitor center is closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas day. There is a free shuttle available from the visitors' center to access different parts of the park. You can call the information line here: (520) 824-3560.
Camping
There is one campground on site: Bonita Canyon. It has 25 campsites that include restrooms, potable water, trash pickup, food storage lockers, an amphitheater, and picnic tables. There is one group site available. Unfortunately, there are no hook-ups or showers. Campsites cost $20 per night, and you can make your reservation at recreation.gov. The maximum vehicle length is 29 feet. Dogs are allowed on campgrounds, however, they are prohibited from many trails.
Scenic Drive
Take the eight-mile scenic drive up to Massai Point where you'll get 360 views of the monument. Make sure to fill up with gas before you go - the closest gas stations are almost 40 miles away! Any vehicle over 24 feet is prohibited to make the drive, however, vehicles up to 29 feet are still allowed to camp.
Hiking
Easy Hikes
Bonita Creek Trail - 1.3 miles, out and back, average time of 26 minutes to complete, 52 feet elevation gain. Dogs are allowed on leashes. This trail connects the Faraway Ranch and Bonita Creek picnic areas.
Massai Point Nature Trail - .5 miles, loop, an average of 10 minutes to complete, 52 feet elevation gain. No dogs are allowed on this trail. The paved portion is wheelchair accessible. You'll look at grand vistas, a balanced rock, and educational signs highlighting the history of the area.
Echo Canyon Grottes - 1.0 mile, out and back, average time of 22 minutes to complete, 78 feet elevation gain. No dogs are allowed on this trail. Walk among the rock formations.
Moderate Hikes
Natural Bridge Trail - 4 miles, out and back, average time of 2 hours 12 minutes to complete, 1,010 feet elevation gain. No dogs are allowed on this trail. This is the least used trail in the monument, so you'll enjoy solitude on this hike. Climb through wood and juniper woodlands to a ridge and into the pine forest.
Lower Rhyolite Canyon - 3.9 miles, out and back, average time of 1 hour 54 minutes to complete, 748 feet elevation gain. This mostly level trail takes you through a canyon lined with rock spires.
Echo Canyon Loop - 4.0 miles, loop, average time of 1 hour and 46 minutes to complete, 593 feet elevation gain. No dogs are allowed on this trail. This route winds through rock spires (Grottoes, Wallstreet, Echo Park), desert landscapes, and pine trees.
Strenuous Hikes
Inspiration Point - 5.2 miles, out and back, an average time of 2 hours 35 minutes to complete, 1,043 elevation gain. No dogs are allowed on this trail. You'll see fantastic views of Cochise Head and Rhyolite Canyon on this route.
Heart of Rocks - There are multiple routes on this trail. Decide whether you'd like to hit the Visitors Center, Echo Canyon, Massai Point, and/or Heart of Rocks. Most of these hikes fall within the 7-mile range.
The Big Loop - 8.7 miles, loop, average time of 4 hours 24 miles to complete, 1,817 feet elevation gain. No dogs are allowed on this trail. This trail combines all of the best wilderness scenery.
Go Prepared
Before you make your trip, make sure that you arrive prepared! Here are some safety tips:
Make sure you have enough gas! The closest gas station is almost 40 miles away from the park in Sunizona or Wilcox.
Pack layers. There is a huge selection gain from the bottom of the mountain to the top, and you can potentially experience four seasons at the monument. Make sure that you bring warm clothing for higher elevations.
Bring the right shoes. Most of these hikes are steep and rocky. Since you'll be hiking in the desert, make sure that you bring shoes that have adequate ankle support and tread. It can also become slippery during the wintertime if there is snow.
Inform others of your travel plans. There is no (or limited) cell reception at the monument, so make sure to let others know which trail you'll be on and how long you plan on staying in the area.
Bring plenty of food and water, but do it smartly! Make sure you are getting enough to eat and drink while you are there, but make sure to leave no trace. Never feed the animals, and use food lockers while camping.
Now that you know a little about Chiricahua National Monument, I hope you take the chance to check it out yourself! Happy Trails!
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