Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument is a "Wonderland of Rocks" just waiting to be explored. Erosion and layers of ash deposited by the Turkey Creek Volcano eruption 27 million years ago are responsible for this magnificent forest of rock spires. The 8 mile paved scenic drive and 18 miles of day-use hiking trails give park goers the opportunity to discover the beauty, natural sounds, and inhabitants of this 11,985 acre site. The Faraway Ranch Historic District boasts stories and remnants of the people who have called this area home, including the Chiricahua Apaches, Buffalo Soldiers, Erickson and Stafford families.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Brian CareyPhone Number: 520-824-3560
Entrance Fees: Individual Pass (valid for seven days): $5; Chiricahua Park Pass (entrance for the pass owner and up to 3 other adults): $20; Individual Campground Fees: $12 per night ($6
Sights: Echo Canyon Loop; Sugarloaf Mountain; Natural Bridge; Faraway Ranch Historic District; Duck on a Rock; Punch & Judy; Kissing Rocks; Big Balanced Rock; The Big Loop
Endangered Species: Lesser Long-Long Nosed Bat; Jaguar
Important Dates
By The Numbers
Acres: 11,984.70Highest Point: Massai Point (6870 feet)
Annual Visitation: 61,579 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :32.033700 / -109.388170 (map it)
State: AZ
Nearby Big City: Willcox, AZ
Gateway Communities: Pearce, AZ; Bowie, AZ; Rodeo, NM; Elfrida, AZ; Willcox, AZ;
Nearby Airports: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX); Tuscan International Airport (TUS)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : Yes
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Hiking Rocks
Lou Lou Photos
Chiricahua, 1169
National Park Service
Chiricahua, 2665
National Park Service
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In Detail
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 wood ... 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. Click here for more informatio ... 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 the air, m ... read more.
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 ... 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 ... 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 discover a mountain wonderland of ... 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 m ... 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 education ... read more.
Chiricahua In Depth
News from the Parks
National Parks Escape, This Time Around
January 8, 2009 - 5:17pm
Unlike the last two years, popular recreation areas in Western Washington have escaped serious damage from this week’s heavy rain. Mount Rainier National Park and Gifford Pinchot National Forest were devastated by flooding in 2007. Last year, flooding hit Olympic National Park.
January 8, 2009 - 5:17pm
Unlike the last two years, popular recreation areas in Western Washington have escaped serious damage from this week’s heavy rain. Mount Rainier National Park and Gifford Pinchot National Forest were devastated by flooding in 2007. Last year, flooding hit Olympic National Park.
Dorgan with Game and Fish
January 8, 2009 - 5:06pm
Sen. Byron Dorgan, (D-N.D.) said he agrees with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department on the elk situation at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Since the unveiling of the National Park Service’s Draft Elk Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement on Dec. 17, Game and Fish officials have voiced their displeasure that the document did not include their “Alternative G,” as a viable option.
January 8, 2009 - 5:06pm
Sen. Byron Dorgan, (D-N.D.) said he agrees with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department on the elk situation at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Since the unveiling of the National Park Service’s Draft Elk Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement on Dec. 17, Game and Fish officials have voiced their displeasure that the document did not include their “Alternative G,” as a viable option.
Coming to the Inauguration? Read This First, Then Think Again
January 8, 2009 - 5:05pm
All roads will lead to Washington on Inauguration Day, but many of them will be closed. With packed trains, buses and planes, how will as many as 2 million people who are hoping to witness history crowd into a city whose subway system usually accommodates 718,000 a day?
January 8, 2009 - 5:05pm
All roads will lead to Washington on Inauguration Day, but many of them will be closed. With packed trains, buses and planes, how will as many as 2 million people who are hoping to witness history crowd into a city whose subway system usually accommodates 718,000 a day?
Scientists Ready to Analyze Yellowstone Park Quake Data
January 8, 2009 - 5:01pm
Between Dec. 27 and Jan. 2, more than 500 small earthquakes shook Yellowstone National Park. The swarm of quakes was centered below Yellowstone Lake, beginning southeast of Stevenson Island and migrating north toward Fishing Bridge before quieting.
January 8, 2009 - 5:01pm
Between Dec. 27 and Jan. 2, more than 500 small earthquakes shook Yellowstone National Park. The swarm of quakes was centered below Yellowstone Lake, beginning southeast of Stevenson Island and migrating north toward Fishing Bridge before quieting.
Haleakala National Park Gets New Superintendent
January 8, 2009 - 5:00pm
Sarah Creachbaum, a 15-year veteran of the National Park Service, has been named superintendent of Haleakala National Park.
January 8, 2009 - 5:00pm
Sarah Creachbaum, a 15-year veteran of the National Park Service, has been named superintendent of Haleakala National Park.
