Please use caution driving. Roads to the park may be icy or slick in areas. Bonita Canyon Road, the scenic drive, has ice and snow pack in patches.

Icy Roads

No large vehicle turnaround after Faraway Ranch Parking Lot (1 mile after entrance). All RVs over 29 feet must stop at Faraway. All day use visitors must disconnect trailers at Faraway. Trailers with campground reservations proceed directly to camp.

Vehicle Length & Trailer Restrictions

Explore rhyolite pinnacles and balanced rocks on foot or by car. Relax at the campground under star-filled, dark skies. See how a mountain range rising between two deserts creates a home for diverse wildlife. Imagine history here. Prehistoric peoples, Apaches, Buffalo Soldiers, Civilian Conservation Corps, ranchers, and homesteaders inhabited Chiricahua.

Many rock pinnacles with a valley and mountain range in background

View from Massai Point

A ranch house in a green field surrounds by low mountains

Faraway Ranch

Echo Canyon Grotto

A narrow road winds between tall oaks and rock cliffs

Bonita Canyon

Big Balanced Rock

Chiricahua

The road, campground, and facilities in the park are open overnight. Gates on the road will not be closed during overnight hours unless an emergency occurs. The park prohibits overnight parking, sleeping in vehicles, and camping outside the campground. 

 The trails stay open for sunrise, sunset, and night sky viewing. Be aware of wildlife and use extreme caution.

Chiricahua National Monument Facilities and Scenic Drive

Hiking

Bonita Creek Trailhead

There is a parking area at the trailhead, as well as picnic tables and pit toilets. No water is available.

This Bonita Creek loops around the picnic area and takes you along the intermittent Bonita Creek. Watch for Apache plume and prickly poppy flowers in spring and early summer. Arizona whitetail deer are frequently seen in the lower portion of Bonita Canyon. This is a good trail to view grassland birds. This is an easy 0.2 mile loop.

This Bonita Creek loops around the picnic area and takes you along the intermittent Bonita Creek. Watch for Apache plume and prickly poppy flowers in spring and early summer. Arizona whitetail deer are frequently seen in the lower portion of Bonita Canyon. This is a good trail to view grassland birds.

Bonita Creek Loop

Trails

Scenic Driving

From the entrance to the end of the road is 8 miles. Speed limit 25 to 40 miles per hour. Without stops it generally takes about 30 minutes to get to the top. Stops are best made at Massai Point and on the return journey down the drive.

Road leading into grasslands and forests with surrounding mountains

Bonita Canyon Drive

Making a gradual climb through oak, cypress, and pine forests, this 8-mile paved drive winds to Massai Point, a perfect place for a picnic. The overlook has a 360-degree view of Rhyolite Canyon, adjacent valleys, and surrounding mountain peaks. Massai Nature Trail is a .5 mile loop trail which allows you to discover the geologic story of the park. A stop at the exhibit building along the nature trail provides additional park information. The drive provides access to Faraway Ranch, Visitor Center, Bonita Canyon Campground, multiple pullouts to enjoy the scenery, and trailheads to the 17 miles of day-use hiking trails. It is recommended to enjoy the pullouts on the way back down from the end of the road for better viewing. Please follow the speed limit; animals are constantly crossing the road.

Making a gradual climb through oak, cypress, and pine forests, this 8-mile paved drive winds to Massai Point, a perfect place for a picnic. The overlook has a 360-degree view of Rhyolite Canyon, adjacent valleys, and surrounding mountain peaks. The drive provides access to Faraway Ranch, Visitor Center, Bonita Canyon Campground, multiple pullouts to enjoy the scenery, and trailheads to the 17 miles of day-use hiking trails.

Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite

Canyons and Canyonlands

Ranches

Foothills, Plains and Valleys

Forests and Woodlands

Coniferous Forests

Deciduous Forests

Geology

Mineral Deposits

Grasslands

Meadows

Monuments and Memorials

Mountains

Native American Heritage

Natural Sounds

Rock Landscapes and Features

Buttes

Scenic Views

Roads, Routes and Highways

Homesteading

Birdwatching

Acorn Woodpecker

Chiricahua is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 different bird species documented in the area! The best places for birdwatching in the monument include Bonita Creek Trail, Silver Spur Meadow Trail, and Echo Park, although you'll see birds anywhere in the monument. Southeast Arizona is reknowned for its avian diversity, and several borderland sites, including Chiricahua National Monument, have been identified as "Important Bird Areas" by the American Bird Conservancy. These areas are home to federally listed Threatened and Endangered species, species with restricted ranges, and large numbers of migratory birds. As birds fly north or south on their yearly migrations to Mexico, Central and South America, they are "funneled" through parts of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Many migrants stop for brief periods along the way, and others come to stay for the summer or winter months. There are always interesting birds to search for at the park. Frequently seen birds include the Mexican Jay, Acorn Woodpecker, Canyon Wren, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Yellow-eyed Junco.

Leashed pets are only allowed on the Bonita Creek, Silver Spur Meadow, and Visitor Center to Campground trails.

Chiricahua is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 different bird species documented in the area! The best places for birdwatching in the monument include Bonita Creek Trail, Silver Spur Meadow Trail, and Echo Park, although you'll see birds anywhere in the monument.

Birdwatching at Chiricahua

Birds

Hiking at Chiricahua National Monument is an experience like no other. Many of the trails immediately bring visitors into an epic landscape of rocks of all shapes and sizes. Visitors don't just gaze at the formations from above, but stand under and beside the towering giants. 

Rhyolite Canyon

Most trails in the rock formations do not allow pets. Lower trails near Faraway Ranch and the Campground allow pets on a leash.

17 miles of trails will take you into a wilderness of rocks. Chiricahua offers a range of day hiking options from easy to strenuous.

Hike the Trails at Chiricahua

Fire

Green hillside with mountains and rock formations in the distance

View from Sugarloaf Mountain

This moderate trail to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain is 1.8 miles/2.8 kilometers roundtrip. Rising above the surrounding canyons, the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain at 7,310ft/2,228m is one of the highest points in the monument. The dark rock is dacite, evidence of a lava flow. Lightning activity is monitored from the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed fire lookout during the summer. Return the same way. Access is from the Sugarloaf parking lot.

Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

Animals

Unique Species

Rare

Volcanoes

Wilderness

This moderate, 4.2 mile / 6.8 kilometer trail begins at Echo Canyon trailhead and consists of Echo Canyon, Upper Rhyolite Canyon, and Lower Rhyolite Canyon trails ending at the Visitor Center. It goes downhill through spectacular rock formations in Echo Canyon. One stream crossing on the Upper Rhyolite segment can be hazardous if runoff is significant. The last half of the hike is in shaded oak woodlands. Make sure you have transportation back to your vehicle or ride the seasonal hikers' shuttle at 9:00 am. NOTE: Additional 0.5 mi / 0.8 to campground OR 1.5 mi / 2.4 km to Faraway Ranch parking lot when riding the shuttle.

This moderate, 4.2 mile/6.8 kilometer trail begins at Echo Canyon trailhead and consists of Echo Canyon, Upper Rhyolite Canyon, and Lower Rhyolite Canyon trails ending at the Visitor Center. It goes downhill through spectacular rock formations in Echo Canyon. The last half of the hike is in shaded oak woodlands. Make sure you have transportation back to your vehicle or ride the seasonal hikers' shuttle at 9:00 am.

Echo Canyon to Visitor Center

Lower Rhyolite Canyon

A good way to view the rocks without driving up the road, this mostly-level trail takes you to Rhyolite Canyon, a canyon lined with rock pinnacles. Walk 1.5 miles / 2.4 km until you reach the junction between Upper Rhyolite Canyon and Sarah Deming trails. Return the same way.

Lower Rhyolite Canyon Trail

Cats (wild)

Picnicking

Picnic Table at Faraway Ranch

The Bonita Creek and Faraway Ranch picnic areas have tables, trashcans, and restrooms. Massai Point, Echo Canyon, and Sugarloaf areas have tables and restrooms. Water is available at Faraway Ranch and the Visitor Center. Picnicking in Bonita Canyon campground is prohibited.

Meadow surrounded by trees and a stone chimney

Silver Spur Meadow

Beginning from the Visitor Center, Campground, or Faraway Ranch picnic area, this 1.2 mile/1.9 kilometer leisurely walk leads you through the Faraway Ranch Historic District to Stafford Cabin, built in the 1880s. You'll see Silver Spur Meadow, home for Civilian Conservation Corps Camp NM-2-A, Company 828 during the 1930s. The fireplaces are remnants from the lodge of the Silver Spur Guest Ranch in business from 1948 to 1968. Stream crossings can be hazardous during winter snowmelt or summer monsoons. This is a dog-friendly trail.

Beginning from the Visitor Center, Campground, or Faraway Ranch picnic area, this 1.2 mile/1.9 kilometer leisurely walk goes by the Faraway Ranch Historic District, Stafford Cabin, and Silver Spur Meadow. This is a dog-friendly trail.

Silver Spur Meadow Trail

Architecture and Building

Colonization and Settlement

Immigration

Westward Expansion

Green valley in distance lined with rock pinnacles

Inspiration Point

This 5.4 mile / 8.6 kilometer strenuous trail takes you to the Inspiration Point overlook. The route consists of Ed Riggs, Mushroom Rock, and Inspiration Point trails. Excellent views of Cochise Head and Rhyolite Canyon make this a great rest stop!

Inspiration Point Trail

The Heart of Rocks Loop is a 7.3 mile / 11.8 kilometer roundtrip hike to many of the most unusual rock formations in the monument, including Pinnacle Balanced Rock and Big Balanced Rock. Start the loop to the left and hike clockwise for the best views and easiest walking. Lots of rock steps make this a challenging loop, but it's worth the effort. There are three different ways to get to the loop, all of them being the same distance. Option #1 - Heart of Rocks Loop from Echo Canyon Trailhead This route consists of the Ed Riggs, Mushroom Rock, Big Balanced Rock, and Heart of Rocks Loop trails. This is an easier route to Heart of Rocks than starting from the visitor center with more views of the rock formations. Ed Riggs trail drops you into the canyon while Mushroom Rock trail climbs 610ft/186m up the other side. Big Balanced Rock trail is along the top of the ridge. Complete the Heart of Rocks Loop and return. Option #2 - Heart of Rocks Loop from Visitor Center This route consists of Lower Rhyolite Canyon, Sarah Deming, and Heart of Rocks Loop trails. Lower Rhyolite Canyon trail begins as an easy level walk in the lower canyon forest, but soon starts climbing up Rhyolite Canyon. Sarah Deming trail gains 880ft / 268m to reach the top of the ridge. Complete the Heart of Rocks Loop and return. Option #3 - Echo Canyon Trailhead to Visitor Center This route consists of Ed Riggs, Mushroom Rock, Big Balanced Rock, Heart of Rocks Loop, Sarah Deming, and Lower Rhyolite Canyon trails. Make sure you have transportation back to your vehicle or ride the hikers' shuttle at 9:00 am. Watch for changes in vegetation from the upper canyon areas to the lower canyon riparian areas. NOTE: Additional 0.5 mi / 0.8 to campground OR 1.5 mi / 2.4 km to Faraway Ranch parking lot when riding the shuttle.

The Heart of Rocks Loop is a 7.3 mile/11.8 kilometer roundtrip hike to many of the most unusual rock formations in the monument, including Pinnacle Balanced Rock and Big Balanced Rock. Start the loop to the left and hike clockwise for the best views and easiest walking. Lots of rock steps make this a challenging loop, but it's worth the effort. There are three different ways to get to the loop, all of them being the same distance.

Heart of Rocks Loop

Echo Canyon Grottoes

The trailhead has a parking area and pit toilets. Not water is available.

If you don’t have time to hike the full Echo Canyon Loop, consider this shorter option. It provides a great introduction to the wilderness area of the monument and the opportunity to walk among the rock formations. Explore the grotto on the right side of the trail and then return.

Stargazing

Trees against a night sky with the Milky Way

Night Sky at Chiricahua

Chiricahua National Monument is always open, so come experience our dark skies! We are an International Dark Sky Park, meaning that we are recognized for our exceptional quality of the park's night skies and our added commitments to protecting the sky from light pollution. The best places to view the night sky at Chiricahua are the Faraway Ranch and Echo Canyon parking lots, both offering wide, unobstructed views of the sky. For really spectacular views, plan a visit to avoid a full moon. Check our event calendar to see if any special night sky programs are scheduled!

Pets are allowed in parking lots on a leash.

Chiricahua National Monument is always open, so come experience our dark skies! The best places to view the night sky at Chiricahua are the Faraway Ranch and Echo Canyon parking lots, both offering wide, unobstructed views of the sky. For really spectacular views, plan a visit to avoid a full moon. Check our event calendar to see if any special night sky programs are scheduled!

Stargazing at Chiricahua

Night Sky

Astronomy

Horseback Riding

Come explore the "Wonderland of Rocks" on horseback! Horses are allowed on many of the trails in the monument. Please observe the following rules and policies for horse and stock use in the monument:   <ul> <li>Designated pack animals or stock are limited to horses, burros, mules, or other hoofed mammals.</li> <li>Stock parties shall not include more than 10 animals in one continuous group, with a maximum of 20 animals per party or organization daily.</li> <li>The use of stock is confined to developed trail systems. Stock is not permitted on the Massai Nature Trail, Heart of Rocks Loop, Natural Bridge, and Sugarloaf Mountain trails.</li> <li>Off trail travel is prohibited except for short term picketing, hobbling, or highlining.</li> <li>Stock use is not permitted on paved roads except in those areas designated as crosswalks.</li> <li>The tying of stock to any living or dead feature causing injury or damage to the feature or vegetation is prohibited. Picketed, highlined, or hobbled animals shall not be kept so as to interfere with the use of the trail system by hikers.</li> <li>Stock trailers shall be parked at the designated horse trailer parking area near Faraway Ranch.</li> <li>Pack animals are not permitted in the Bonita Canyon Campground. Camping with stock is allowed in the adjacent Coronado National Forest. Contact the U.S. Forest Service office in Douglas, AZ, 520-364-3468 or online.</li> <li>The feeding of hay or grain is permitted, but only by feed bags or inside trailers used to haul the animals.</li> <li>Remove all manure or other waste left by your stock from the parking areas and trailheads.</li> <li>Firearms are permitted, but may not be discharged in the park. Hunting is not allowed.</li> </ul>

Come explore the "Wonderland of Rocks" on horseback! Horses are allowed on many of the trails in the monument.

Horseback Riding at Chiricahua

View from The Big Loop trail

For folks wanting to do everything, this strenuous, 9.5 mile route consists of the Echo Canyon, Upper Rhyolite Canyon, Sarah Deming, Heart of Rocks, Big Balanced Rock, Inspiration Point, Mushroom Rock, and Ed Riggs trails. It features our balanced rocks. The trail begins from the Echo Canyon trailhead.

For folks wanting to do everything, this 9.5 mile route consists of the Echo Canyon, Upper Rhyolite Canyon, Sarah Deming, Heart of Rocks, Big Balanced Rock, Inspiration Point, Mushroom Rock, and Ed Riggs trails. It features our balanced rocks. The trail begins from the Echo Canyon trailhead.

The Big Loop

Rock formations with a natural bridge featured.

Natural Bridge Trail

There is a small parking area along the Bonita Canyon Scenic Drive, 0.5 mile beyond the campground.

The least used trail in the monument climbs through oak and juniper woodlands to a ridge then drops into the Apache pine forest of Picket Park. It ends at an overlook for the small water-carved bridge located across the canyon. Return the same way. This is a moderate 4.8 mile hike round trip.

The least used trail in the monument climbs through oak and juniper woodlands to a ridge then drops into the Apache pine forest of Picket Park. It ends at an overlook for the small water-carved bridge located across the canyon. Return the same way.

Trail to Natural Bridge

Trees and desert plants, brown grass, and mountain in the background.

Bonita Creek Trail

The Bonita Creek Trail can be accessed from the Bonita Creek parking area. (Alternatively, it can be accessed from Faraway Ranch).

Winding along Bonita Creek, usually dry, this trail connects the Bonita Creek and Faraway Ranch Picnic Areas. Look for wild animals, including migrating birds, deer, coatimundi, and javelina. This is an easy 0.5 mile trail.

Winding along Bonita Creek, usually dry, this trail connects the Bonita Creek and Faraway Ranch Picnic Areas. Look for wild animals, including migrating birds, deer, coatimundi, and javelina. This is an easy 1/2 mile trail.

Scenic overview of rock pinnacles and mountains

Massai Point

This trail features grand vistas of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges, a huge balanced rock and trail signs highlighting the natural history of the monument. The paved portion from the parking area to the exhibit building is wheelchair accessible. Watch for uneven footing, steps, and remember the higher elevation – 6,870 ft/2,094 m

A short, half-mile trail at the end of Bonita Canyon Drive.

Massai Point Nature Trail

Echo Canyon Loop

The trailhead has a parking area for vehicles and pit toilets. No water is available.

This loop consists of Echo Canyon, Hailstone, and Ed Riggs Trails. Most people prefer to hike the loop counter-clockwise since walking up the Ed Riggs Trail is less strenuous than the Echo Canyon Trail. The route winds through spectacular rock formations including the Grottoes and Wallstreet to the densely wooded Echo Park. Hailstone Trail is fairly level, and due to its southern exposure, hotter and dryer. Expect to see more desert plants: yuccas, agaves, prickly pear and hedgehog cactus. Ed Riggs Trail takes you back to the trailhead among large pine trees. Plan at least 2 hours for this hike.

This is a popular 3.5 mile moderate hike at Chiricahua National Monument.

Alert: Icy Roads: Please use caution driving. Roads to the park may be icy or slick in areas. Bonita Canyon Road, the scenic drive, has ice and snow pack in patches.

Chiricahua

Overview

Hours

Fees & Passes

Map

Things To Do

Category

Bonita Creek Loop

Description

Bonita Canyon Drive

Description

Birdwatching at Chiricahua

Description

Hike the Trails at Chiricahua

Description

Fees

Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

Description

Echo Canyon to Visitor Center

Description

More Images