Chiricahua National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

Welcome!

A “Wonderland of Rocks” is waiting for you to explore at Chiricahua National Monument. This forest of rock spires was eroded from layers of ash deposited by the Turkey Creek Volcano eruption 27 million years ago. The 8 mile paved scenic drive and 18 miles of day-use hiking trails provide opportunities to discover the beauty, natural sounds, and inhabitants of this 11,985 acre site. Visit the Faraway Ranch Historic District to discover more about the people who have called this area home: Chiricahua Apaches, Buffalo Soldiers, Erickson and Stafford families.

Camping

Reservations are not accepted for the 22 individual campsites at Bonita Canyon Campground. Maximum vehicle length for trailers and recreational vehicles is 29 feet.

Backcountry camping is available in the surrounding Coronado National Forest land. Call the Douglas Forest Service Office for more information 520-364-3468, or check www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado.

Hiking

Trails range from short and paved to all day adventures. The trail guide provides detailed trail descriptions. The hikers' shuttle is a limited service that leaves the visitor center daily at 8:30 a.m.

Protect yourself. Don't forget your hat, sunscreen, drinking water, and sturdy shoes.

Faraway Ranch Historic District

Faraway Ranch was the home of Swedish immigrants, Neil and Emma Erickson, who settled in Bonita Canyon in the late 1880s.Their home evolved from a simple homestead to a thriving guest ranch that was in operation from 1917 to 1972. Explore the grounds on your own, or check at the visitor center for tour times of the house.

Sky Islands

The Chiricahua Mountains are one of the many "sky island" ranges in southern Arizona. They rise like islands from the surrounding grassland "sea". Plants and animals from four ecosystems; Rocky Mountains, Sierra Madre Mountains, Sonoran & Chihuahuan Deserts, meet here. Watch for black bear, mountain lions, Arizona white-tail deer, coati-mundis, snakes & lizards, and a variety of birds.

Write to

Superintendent
12856 E. Rhyolite Creek RD
Willcox, AZ 85643

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(520) 824-3560 ext. 302

Fax

(520) 824-3421

Climate

Winter temperatures range from highs in the 60s to lows in the 20s. Snow should be expected from November to March. Spring brings warmer temperatures and sunny skies. May and June are hot and dry. July brings the monsoon, with daily thunderstorms until early Sept. Autumn is fantastic.
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