Chiricahua National Monument: How to Spend Your First Visit!

Chiricahua National Monument is known as the “Wonderland of Rocks” in Arizona. This lesser-known park is full of impressive hoodoos, interesting rock formations, and awe-inspiring balancing rocks. Unlike the sandstone red hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park, the hoodoos at Chiricahua National Monument are larger, more rugged, and covered in bright lime green lichen. The effects are quite striking and otherworldly. Its dramatic landscapes make Chiricahua a popular hiking destination in Arizona, definitely worth the visit. We put together a complete guide to help you navigate Chiricahua National Monument like a pro, even if it is your first time visiting.

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How the Chiricahua Hoodoos Are Formed

Unlike the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon which are made primarily out of sedimentary rock, the hoodoos at Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona are formed from volcanic rock called rhyolite. Approximately 27 million years ago, there was a volcanic eruption in this area. The volcanic ash from this eruption deposited, cooled, and contracted throughout the years, creating a series of horizontal and vertical cracks called joints. After eons of erosion and weathering, these rocks are formed into the distinct hoodoos, spires, and balanced rocks that we see now. Another feature that sets the Chiricahua hoodoos apart from Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos is the lime green color over the gray backdrop. These lime green are lichen, growing on the surface of the rhyolite. This lime green turns the otherwise ordinary rock formations into something otherworldly.

Important Things to Know about Chiricahua National Monument

Where Is Chiricahua National Monument

Chiricahua National Monument is about 120 miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona, and quite close to the border of New Mexico. The nearest town to this monument is Wilcox, Arizona. To get here, take I-10 in either direction, then take exit 340 in Wilcox, Arizona. Then, head south into the city on Allen Drive. Turn right on Haskell Avenue and continue to AZ-186. Make a left turn on AZ-186. After about 31 miles, turn left onto AZ-181. You’ll come up to the entrance station for the park. You can also use this address to map your way there:
12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643

Is it Free to Visit?

Chiricahua National Monument is free to visit!

When is the Best Time to Visit Chiricahua National Monument?

The best time to visit Chiricahua National Monument is during spring and fall when the temperature runs from the mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit. It is the perfect weather for hiking. From May to September, it can get very warm, with a record of over 100°F. June is usually the hottest month. During the summer, there might be monsoons with strong winds, thunder, and lightning as well as flash floods. If you really have to visit the park during this time, make sure to check the weather and talk to a park ranger before starting your hike. From late fall through early spring, snow is possible. Even though the snow won’t stay long, it can make the rocks slippery and dangerous for hiking.

How Much Time is Needed at Chiricahua National Monument?

We recommend spending at least 2 days here, although you can do it in 1 full day if you’re a fast hiker or really ambitious. The majority of the beauty of this park is hidden from the main drive. You have to hike in to see all of its impressive rock formations and dramatic landscapes. So, 2 days will give you enough time to explore most of the park’s beautiful scenery. If you only have one day, we recommend hiking the Big Loop. That hike covers all of the best spots in the monument.

Where to Stay?

For camping, the monument has one campground, the Bonita Canyon Campground. This campground has 25 sites with running water, flush toilets, and picnic tables. It is quite popular so you’ll need to make your reservation early at Recreation.gov. The busiest months are March and April when the campground is typically full every night. If that is full, check out the Idlewilde Campground, a remote, tent-only campground located on the east side of the Chiricahua Mountains. This campground is only open from April to September and is first-come, first-served. Another campground is the Willcox/Cochise KOA Holiday, located in the closest town to Chiricahua National Monument, Wilcox, AZ. If you’re not about that camping life, there are several budget and chain hotels in Wilcox, AZ.

Are Pets Allowed?

Pets are allowed in specific areas at Chiricahua National Monument: lower canyon trails between the campground, visitor center, and entrance station on the Silver Spur Trail, Faraway Ranch Trail, and the campground. They must be on a leash at all times and must not be left unattended. Pets are NOT allowed on any of the other park trails.

Tips for Your Visit

There is a free hiker shuttle that runs from September to May that takes hikers to Echo Canyon or Massai Point trailheads. It departs from the Faraway Ranch parking lot at 9 am and the campground restrooms at 9:10 am. The shuttle is on a first-come first-served basis and runs from Thursday to Sunday.
The closest town to Chiricahua National Monument is the city of Wilcox, AZ, about 35 miles away. Even though the visitor center has drinking water available, you should still plan accordingly. Please make sure to have a full tank of gas, and pack plenty of water and food as well as a first-aid kit.
Chiricahua National Monument has a limit of 24-foot vehicles. If your vehicle is bigger than that, you are not permitted to drive past the Faraway Ranch parking lot.
The Monument has limited cell reception, therefore, make sure to bring a GPS device with you so you won’t get lost.
Even in the cooler months, it can get warm on the trails since there is limited shade. Please make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, electrolytes, sunscreen, and appropriate hiking shoes.

Things to Do at Chiricahua National Monument

Faraway Ranch

The Ericksons, Swedish immigrants built their homestead here in the Chiricahua Mountains after migrating to America. By the 1920s, they turned this homestead into a guest ranch where visitors could come visit and enjoy this beautiful area. Nowadays, this Faraway Ranch has become a historic district within Chiricahua National Monument. There is a lot of history here at Faraway Ranch and a couple of walking trails. We recommend making a stop here if you have time. It was a lot more interesting than we initially thought.

Scenic Drive

The 8-mile scenic drive through Bonita Canyon Road takes you from the lush foothills along Bonita Creek, through dramatic towering hoodoos and up to the beautiful overlook of Massai Point. Along the way, there are multiple pull-offs for scenic views and trailhead access.

Hiking

Hiking is the main feature of the Chiricahua National Monument. If you want to get to the best part of this Monument, you’ll have to hike in. The Monument has over 17 miles of hiking trails. And if you hike a minimum of 5 miles in the park, you can earn yourself an “I Hike for Health” pin. Make sure to take a photo or selfie of yourself as proof. Below is the list of some of the best trails in the Monument:

Echo Canyon Grottoes

Distance: 1 mile R.T. | Elevation Gain: 78 ft | Level: Easy | Time: 30 minutes

Echo Canyon Grottoes is the best easy trail in Chiricahua National Monument. It is only 1 mile roundtrip yet it’s packed full of impressive views and spectacular rock formations. We recommend hiking down as far as “Wall Street,” about 1 mile down the trail then returning. It’s worth it!

Massai Point Overlook & Nature Trail

Distance: 0.4 mi loop | Elevation Gain: 52 ft | Level: Easy | Time: 10 mins

Another easy trail is the Massai Point Nature Trail. This one is also about 1-mile roundtrip, featuring extensive views of the surrounding valleys and mountain range. It also has a huge balanced rock and interpretive signs highlighting the natural history of the area.

Heart of Rocks

Distance: 7.2 mi R.T. | Elevation Gain:1,591 ft | Level: Difficult | Time: 4+ hour

About 7.2 mi, Heart of Rocks is considered strenuous. However, it is also one of the best trails in the park. This hike will take you to the heart of the Chiricahua National Monument, where you’ll be immersed in the middle of all the towering hoodoos and impressive rock formations.

The Big Loop

Distance: 9.5 mile Loop| Elevation Gain: 1,791 ft | Level: Difficult | Time: 5+ hours

If you can only do one trail in Chiricahua National Monument, do the Big Loop. As a whooping 10 miles, it is not easy. However, the Big Loop will take you through most of the best places in the park, including Inspiration Point, Heart of Rock, Wall Street, and the Grottoes. This is hands down our favorite hike here!

Camping

Another popular thing to do in Chiricahua National Monument is camping. The Bonita Canyon Campground is inside the monument and is open year-round. You can reserve a spot through www.recreation.gov. This campground can get very busy, especially during March and April.

Birding

Did you know that Chiricahua Mountain is for bird lovers? It is home to a wide variety of birds and has been identified as an “Important Bird Area” by the American Bird Conservancy. There are over 200 species of birds have been documented here, some of which are listed as threatened and Endangered species. Some of the commonly seen birds here are the Mexican Jays, Acorn Woodpeckers, Turkey vultures, and more. The visitor center also keeps a running list of bird citings in the park.

Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While you’re at it, go follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our Youtube channel! We’ll love you forever!

Recommended Gear

These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.

adventure gear

This is our favourite hiking shoes. We use them for canyoneering as well. Lots of traction. Vy’s version.

Dustin’s version for La Sportiva shoes

There isn’t a lot of shade in the desert. Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.

Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.

You should bring plenty of water on your hikes. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.

For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.

Sedona can get very cold in the winters and springs. We love our packable Patagonia Puff Jackets! You can get Vy’s version here, and Dustin’s version here.