Chiricahua National Monument

Contact Information:
13063 E. Bonita Canyon RD
Willcox, AZ 85643
520-824-3560
http://www.nps.gov/chir/

Size: 12,984 acres

Location: In Coolidge, Arizona, about an hour southeast of Phoenix. From I-10, take Coolidge exits and follow signs to park entrance off AZ 87/287. 

Description: The varied rock formations here were created millions of years ago by volcanic activity, aided by erosion. Faraway Ranch, an early dude ranch, has been restored, and daily tours of the house offer a chance to learn about Swedish immigrants Neil and Emma Erickson and their children, one of the first families to settle in the area. The park area and surrounding mountains were also the homeland of the Chiricahua Apaches.

Activities: Recommended visitor activities include driving the 8-mile scenic drive to Massai Point, touring Faraway Ranch, and hiking the Echo Canyon Loop trail (3.5 miles). Interpretive programs including talks, guided walks and evening campground programs are presented in spring, March-May, and fall, September-October. Chiricahua features 17 miles of maintained trails in a monument that is 87% designated wilderness. Trails vary in degree of difficulty. The Echo Canyon Trail and the Heart of Rocks Trail offer spectacular views of balanced rocks, spires and pinnacles. Tours of the Faraway Ranch House provide a chance to learn about life in the early 1900s for the Ericksons, a Swedish immigrant family that was one of the first to settle in the area. One can view animals and birds not seen outside the desert southwest. 

Operating Hours: Visitor Center: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily; closed Christmas Day. Peak season is from March - May.

History: Proclaimed on April 18, 1924; transferred from Forest Service on August 10, 1933. Wilderness designated on October 20, 1976.

See other National Monuments
See other Arizona National Parks