Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument
Twenty seven million years ago a volcanic eruption of immense proportions shook the land around Chiricahua National Monument. One thousand times greater than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, the Turkey Creek Caldera eruption eventually laid down two thousand feet of highly silicious ash and pumice. This mixture fused into a rock called rhyolitic tuff and eventually eroded into the spires and unusual rock formations of today. The monument is a mecca for hikers and birders. At the intersection of the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, and the southern Rocky Mountains and northern Sierra Madre in Mexico, Chiricahua plants and animals represent one of the premier areas for biological diversity in the northern hemisphere. Of historic interest is the Faraway Ranch, a pioneer homestead and later a working cattle and guest ranch. It is a significant example of human transformation of the western frontier from wilderness to the present settlement. Faraway Ranch offers glimpses into the lives of Swedish immigrants Neil and Emma Erickson, and their children. The house is furnished with historic artifacts which not only give us reminders of our youth and our ancestors, but one can also trace the development of technology during the first half of the twentieth century. Acreage: 12,000 acres.IN DEPTH
In A Nutshell Directions Car Chiricahua National Monument is located 120 miles southeast of Tucson. Take I-10 east from Tucson to the first exit for Willcox. Travel 3 miles into town to the stoplight and turn right. You...read more
At A Glance Things To Know Before You Come Be Prepared: Recreational vehicles and trailers longer than 29 feet are not permitted on the scenic drive beyond the visitor center....read more
Visitor Services Bookstore The bookstore within the Chiricahua National Monument Visitor Center is operated by the Western National Parks Association (WNPA). WNPA was founded in 1938 to aid and promote the...read more
Natural World NATURE & SCIENCE In the far southeastern corner of Arizona are the beautiful Chiricahua Mountains, one of several âsky islandâ mountain ranges surrounded by expansive desert grasslands. The Chiricahua Mountain...read more
Plants Chiricahua National Monument is an area of tremendous diversity, where four biogeographical regions come together. Because of this, over 1000 plant species grow within the Monument's boundary, and many...read more
Animals Chiricahua National Monument encompasses a variety of habitat types, resulting in an extraordinary collection of animal species. Animals that live in grasslands, desert scrub, riparian and pine woodlands and...read more
Geology Geologic Formations By far the most noticeable natural features in the monument are the rock pinnacles for which the monument was created to protect. Rising sometimes hundreds of feet into...read more
Planning Your Visit Chiricahua National Monument is truly one of the National Park Service secret treasures. If you are willing to drive the 37 miles off I-10, you will be surprised to...read more
PARK PHOTOS
Hiking Rocks
Lou Lou Photos
Chiricahua, 1169
National Park Service
Chiricahua, 2665
National Park Service
- Login or register to post comments
- Email this page
