Chiricahua National Monument

Practicalities
Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument (National Park Service)

Transportation

By privately owned vehicle only; there is no public transportation to monument. Obtain gas in Willcox—gasoline is not available at or near the monument. Airline service to Tucson (120 miles) is available and rental cars are also available.

Weather

Temperatures are generally mild with summer daytime highs in the upper 90s and nighttime lows in the 50s. Winter daytime highs range in the 50s to 60s and nighttime lows are typically in the upper teens or low 20s but can dip into the subzero range. Moisture is evenly distributed, half during the winter as snow, half in the summer as rain.

One of the outstanding features of the climate here is the exceptionally wet summer monsoon. Nearly every afternoon from July into September, thunderstorms occur in the area. Generally this summer rainfall is the result of moist and unstable air originating from the Gulf of Mexico. The most intense storms with record amounts of rain develop from low-pressure systems over the upper Gulf of California. They are called chubascos. These storms can reach hurricane force, last three days, and are usually confined to a 50-mile area.

During the summer, light clothing for warm days and cool nights is recommended. Rain gear is useful during the rainy season. During the winter, wear warm clothing to cope with wind chill factors below zero, snow, and subfreezing temperatures.

Campgrounds

Open year-round, the park campground provides first-come, first-served camping with tables, grills, restrooms, and water for tents and for trailers up to 26 feet long.




Last Updated: 18 Mar 2011
Published: 29 Apr 2002
The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.

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