Chiricahua National Monument

Chiricahua National Monument was proclaimed on April 18, 1924, under the management of the Forest Service before control was transferred to the National Park Service on August 10, 1933. On October 20, 1976, Chiricahua National Monument was designated a wilderness. 

The national monument is located in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona about 120 miles east of Tucson. To access the park, find the Exit on the I-10 at Willcox and then follow State Route 186 for approximately 35 miles to get you to the national monument. 

Once at the monument, you will find beautiful land that covers a total area of about 12,000 acres. On this land, you will find all sorts of attractions including a forest of rock spires that have been eroded from layers of ash that were deposited by the Turkey Creek Volcano eruption approximately 27 million years ago. 

Another attraction that makes this national monument unique is the restored Faraway Ranch, where one of the first settled families (Swedish immigrants Neil and Emma Erickson and their children) lived. Before the settlers came into the land, the area was home to the Chiricahua Apaches who lived there for a long time before. 

Besides the geological and historical attractions of the land, the park is also a favorite among visitors that love the outdoors. Some of the activities and events that visitors can enjoy include bird-watching, camping, wildlife viewing, hiking, interpretive programs, and auto touring. 

Amenities in the park to facilitate these activities include trails, visitor center, campground, museum, picnic area, and restrooms. Visitors with dogs are allowed to bring them to the park, but they must stay away from park buildings and from other areas that are out-of-bounds to dogs. In all other areas of the park, visitors must keep their dog on a leash and ensure that their pooch is well-behaved.