Chiricahau National Monument – Near Wilcox, Arizona
One of the less known parks of Arizona is the Chiricahua National Monument of Southern Arizona. This park has some of the most beautiful scenery in the state and should not be overlooked.
The Apaches called it the "Land of the Standing-Up Rocks" because of the unusual rock formations that are vertical on this 19 square mile area on the western edge of the Chiricahua mountains.
The Heart of Rocks is a seven mile hike that passes through oddball rock formations that make for a wonderful photo op or just a wonder to the eye. Although there is an 8 mile drive through the park for those that don’t want to hike you really should take the time (and energy) to hike at least part of this fabulous area. Some of the areas you will see are "Duck on a Rock," "Kissing Rocks," "Punch and Judy" and others that are marked by signs at just the right spot for you to get your picture taken.
Let your imagination fly when you look at the variation of rock formations and you will probably come up with some names of your own.
This area has a long and interesting history of the Indian battles to survive the forced moves by the government to reservations. Chief Cochise and his followers hid out in this area. Cochise Stronghold, in the Dragoon Mountains approximately 40 miles west of the Chiricahuas, is one well-preserved fortress from this time. With the death of Cochise in 1874 (with his hid out and burial site still a mystery today) nearly 4,000 Apaches were forcibly moved by the government to a reservation at San Carlos in east-central Arizona.
Following the death of Chief Cochise the legendary Geronimo took on the roll of leadership leading the fight to regain and retain their homeland but Geronimo was forced to surrender in 1886.
Neil and Emma Ericksen, Swedish immigrants, settled in Bonita Canyon in the Chiricahua Mountains and their daughter and her husband worked to make the area a National Monument in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge made it official. The Faraway Ranch still stands today and provides tours of the historic house to enable visitors to get a close up look at frontier life. Inside the home is historic memorabilia from the first half of the twentieth century.
Directions: Chiricahua National Monument is located 120 miles southeast of Tucson. Take I-10 east from Tucson to the first exit for Willcox. Travel 3 miles into town to the stoplight and turn right. You will follow Arizona State Highway 186 for 32 miles to the junction of Arizona State Highway 181. Turn left and 4 miles later you will be a the entrance station to the park.
NOTE: Get gas in Willcox since there is none available at or near the monument.
Hours: Open all year. The Visitor Center is open daily 8 – 4:30 Mountain Standard Time. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Sometimes the scenic drive will be closed beyond the campground due to snow, ice or fallen rocks.
Fee: $5 per person, children 15 and younger are free. Pass is valid for 7 days. Campground fees are $12 per night or $6 for owners of a Senior/Golden Age or Access Pass. The sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Busiest months are March and April when the campgrounds are normally filled every night.
Phone: 520-824-3560
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