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HCR 2, Box 6500, Willcox, AZ 85643
Phone: 520-824-3560 or 520-824-3460
Fax: 520-824-3421
Open All Year
Overview. The forces of wind and weather have worked their magic on the 27-million-year-old volcanic rocks of Chiricahua National Monument, leaving a rhyolite forest of spires, hoodoos, and balanced boulders. High in the "sky islands" of the Chiricahua range, at the intersection of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts and the southern extreme of the Rocky Mountains, the monument provides habitat for a widely varied assortment of flora and fauna. Even Mexican species, whose general habitat begins at least 50 miles to the south, thrive in this special environment. Rare bird species, including black-chinned hummingbirds, painted redstarts, and both yellow-rumped and red-faced warblers, to name just a few, are found at Chiricahua. Javelina, hog-nosed skunks, and coatimundi share the rough terrain with bear, deer, and mountain lions. In 1888, Swedish immigrants Neil and Emma Erickson established a homestead on property near the "Land of the Standing Up Rocks," as the area is known to the Chiricahua Apache. For close to a century, the Faraway Ranch was home to the Ericksons and their children, who operated it as a cattle ranch and later as a guest facility. In 1979, the ranch became part of the monument and today it is open to the public, offering a glimpse at the evolution of a ranch from pioneer homestead to the present. What to see and do. The visitor center offers a wealth of displays on the geology, biology, and human history of the monument. Acquaint yourself with the area by viewing the slide presentation and consulting the computer information station. From March to November, rangers hold interpretive programs at the visitor center and the campground amphitheater; check at the visitor center for details. Faraway Ranch and adjacent Stafford Cabin are a mile and a half west of the visitor center and guided tours are given daily. The trail from the visitor center to the ranch makes an easy, scenic 1.4-mile hike, if you prefer hoofing it to driving the distance. Birdwatching is especially good along this trail. Drive to Massai Point via scenic, eight-mile-long Bonita Canyon Drive. From Massai Point, you can see Sugarloaf Mountain and Cochise Head, as well as a panoramic view of the monument and the desert beyond. The Echo Canyon Loop trail begins near here and winds for 3.5 miles through a portion of the bizarre rock formations. The seven-mile Heart of Rocks Trail will take you even farther into the spires and hoodoos to landmarks with names such as "Duck on a Rock" and "Punch and Judy." There are over 17 miles of well-maintained trails in the monument, but no backcountry camping is allowed. Those wishing to make an overnight hike of it can find primitive campsites just outside Chiricahua in the Coronado National Forest. Hikers who attempt longer day-hikes, such as Heart of Rocks, should bring plenty of water along, as the trails are all dry. The monument's 25-site campground operates on a first come, first served basis for tents, trailers, and RVs under 26 feet long. There are restrooms and water available, but no hookups. The park is open year-round. The visitor center is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, with the exception of Christmas Day, when it is closed. Pets are not permitted on wilderness trails. Visitors should note that there is no food, lodging, or gas available at the monument. You should fill your tank at Willcox, 37 miles north, before proceeding to Chiricahua.
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Bird Watching |
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Geological Sites |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Museum/Exhibits |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Visitor Center |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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