5 Reasons Why Chiricahua National Monument is the Coolest Monument

The Chiricahua National Monument is a magnificent national park in Southeastern Arizona. There is a long history of human settlements in the Chiricahua Mountains as well as amazing rock formations. Here are 5 reasons you should visit it.

1) Chiricahua National Monument is a Hidden Gem

Unlike the Grand Canyon National Park, which sees more than five million visitors each year, Chiricahua National Monument sees less than 60, 000 visitors a year. On average, less than a few hundred visitors a day pass through here, making it a much less hectic destination than some other big-name locations. Don’t be fooled by the numbers, though. Chiricahua is no less of a spectacular destination that any of Arizona’s other attractions, it’s simply one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets. Luckily, we’re here to fill you in on all the awesome things about this natural masterpiece that most people never see!

2) Chiricahua National Monument Has Been Around Since 1924

Even then, people could see what a special place it was! 80% of the national monument, Chiricahua National Monument Historic Designed Landscape, has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2008, also. The monument is just southeast of Wilcox, Arizona. In fact, it’s actually quite near to the Arizona-New Mexico border. Before it became a national monument, the Chiricahua Apache Indians called the Chiricahua Mountains home. In the 19th century, when the U.S. army started seeking out native peoples, Chiricahua became a stronghold.

3) These Rock Formations Were Created Over 27 Million Years Ago! 

Looking at these breathtaking hoodoos and balancing rocks, you might be at a loss trying to determine how they could possibly have been created. The answer is actually fairly simple: a volcano! When nearby Turkey Creek Caldera erupted millions of years ago, it spewed out nearly 2,000 feet of volcanic ash and pumice! When everything cooled, it became rhyolitic tuff. From there on out, nature took the wheel and eroded away portions of the rock layers to create the beautiful formations that we see today.

As with any natural landscape, it is continuously changing. Though the processes of erosion are generally too minute to track with the human eye. Over time, the formations of Chiricahua National Monument will continue to erode to create even more beautiful vistas! It’s also an amazing place for stargazing!

4) You can explore Chiricahua National Monument by Hiking

If you enjoy hiking, then you’ll be in heaven at Chiricahua National Monument! The place has its own hiking guide, available for free download on the National Park Service website! The Echo Canyon trail has a hike to suit everyone. If you’re feeling like a short stroll, hike .8 miles round trip to check out the Echo Canyon Grottoes. For a bit longer of a journey, take Echo Canyon trail out to Hailstone trail and onto Ed Riggs trail. It’s just over three miles worth of beautiful scenery. If you’re feeling especially energetic, hike from Ed Riggs trail to Mushroom Rock trail, which will lead you to Big Balanced Rock Trail and the Heart of Rocks Loop. This is where you’ll get to witness all of the awesome rock formations that you see in pictures! If you follow along Sarah Deming trail to the Rhyolite Canyon trail, you’ll find yourself back at the visitor’s center in just over seven miles.

5) There Are Other Activities at Chiricahua National Monument

Don’t worry if hiking isn’t your favorite activity! There are many other options! On a nice day, with tables, grills, trashcans, and restrooms, Chiricahua National Monument is the perfect location for a relaxing picnic. It’s a great place for bird watching, and chances are good that you’ll see some other wildlife too. If photography is your thing, this place is about as picturesque as it gets! If you happen to own your own horse, you’re welcome to ride here. Be sure to makes plans for a historic tour, and you’ll learn a ton about the area. Faraway Ranch House is a high point of the historic district; here you’ll learn about the history of humans in the Chiricahua Mountains! When evening rolls around, don’t forget to look up. The stargazing is great here! Luckily, Bonita Canyon Campground is open year-round, so you can even sleep under the stars. Before you leave, be sure to take the Bonita Canyon Scenic Drive. A 360-degree view of Rhyolite Canyon and all of the beauty surrounding it means that this isn’t an adventure to miss!