Chiricahua National Monument
The people of eastern Arizona have elevated understatement to an art form. Chili peppers that could burn a hole through galvanized steel are referred to as "a little hot." Cripplingly beautiful sunsets that light the western sky on fire are "nice." You get the feeling that they might refer to the Grand Canyon as "the big hole northwest of here" if given the chance. Read More »
Chiricahua National Monument Highlights
- The monument has a great variety of trails—easy strolls, challenging all-day hikes, and everything in between.
- Sugarloaf Mountain Trail takes you to a panorama of the region from one of the highest points in the monument at 7,310 feet. It's 1.8 miles round-trip from a trailhead off Bonita Canyon Drive.
- Keep an eye out for Mexican chickadees and sulphur-bellied flycatchers. The Apache fox squirrel and coatimundis, a mammal related to the raccoon, are other immigrants that have taken up residency here.
- For a look at pioneer and dude ranch history, take the easy Silver Spur Meadow Trail from the Faraway Ranch Picnic Area pullout on your left near the monument entrance. The trail continues to the visitor center and campground.
- There are several free campgrounds in the Chiricahua Mountain area that are operated by the National Forest Service; some of these include the John Hands, Pinery Canyon, Sycamore, Wild Turkey Creek, and Bathtub.
- There is no backcountry camping allowed at the National Monument, but there are several backcountry and primitive camping opportunities in the Chiricahua Wilderness and Coronado National Forest.
- The Chiricahua National Monument sits on the west side of the Chiricahua Mountains. Here you will be able to see Zone-tailed Hawks and Golden Eagles as well as the Hepatic Tanagers, Grace’s and other warblers, Strickland’s Woodpecker, and a variety of hummingbirds.
- Every summer Victor Emanuel Nature Tours operates Camp Chiricahua. A 12-day excursion for young naturalists, the tour begins and ends in Tucson with the majority of the time spent in the Chiricahua mountain range.
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Chiricahua National Monument Travel Q&A
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What's your favorite hike? Where's the best campsite? Join the conversation! Ask Your Question
What You Can Do in Chiricahua National Monument
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Parks Near Chiricahua National Monument
- San Bernadino-Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge, AZ (47 mi.)
- Betty's Kitchen, AZ (54 mi.)
- San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, AZ (54 mi.)
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