Photo: Pretzelpaws, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.
Chiricahua National Monument
12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd · Willcox, AZ
Why you should go…
About 36 miles southeast of Willcox, this monument protects hoodoos and balancing rocks eroded from volcanic ash laid down roughly 27 million years ago. The 8-mile Bonita Canyon Drive climbs to Massai Point, and about 17 miles of trails lead into the rock formations. You can also visit Faraway Ranch, the historic home of Swedish immigrants Neil and Emma Erickson, and the visitor center museum. The monument has no entrance or parking fees.
- #national monument
- #rock formations
- #hiking
- #scenic drive
Good to know
General sport & outdoor guidance
Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.
Weather calls the shots
Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.
Shoes, water, sun cover
The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.
Parking and launches fill early
On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.
Daylight shrinks in shoulder season
Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.