Known as the “Wonderland of Rocks”, Chiricahua National Monument is a geologic marvel located in a remote region of Southern Arizona.
It is home to an unusual collection of balanced rocks, columns, and pinnacles (or “standing-up rocks” as they were known to the native Chiricahua Apache).
I first discovered this otherworldly landscape while photographing for the National Park Foundation in 2021. Despite having never heard of it prior to my visit, it immediately became one of my favorite places for photographing in the US Southwest.
It is also worth noting that the monument was designated as an International Dark Sky Park in April 2021, which means it is a fantastic place for stargazers and astrophotographers to photograph the Milky Way and star-filled skies.
In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know to make your first visit to the park. This includes the best hikes and trails, services nearby, maps, directions, photography tips, and more.
🧐 Quick Facts About Chiricahua National Monument
- Location: Arizona, USA
- Established: April 18, 1924
- Size: 12,025 acres (48.7 km2)
- Annual Visitors: 44,794 (2020), 60,655 (2019)
- Visitor Centers: Chiricahua National Monument (year-round)
- Entrance Fee: Free
🗺 Map of Chiricahua National Monument
Official Chiricahua National Monument Map
Below is the official park map. You can find a downloadable version of this map and others for Chiricahua National Monument on the NPS website.
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📸 Best Things to Do in Chiricahua National Monument
It should come as no surprise that all of the notable features in “The Wonderland of Rocks” are various rock formations.
In a landscape filled with otherworldly stone monoliths, these particular formations and viewpoints are the Chiricahua NM must-sees.
❤️ 1. Heart of Rocks Loop Trail
The Heart of Rocks section is the most popular to explore in Chiricahua National Monument… and deservedly so!
While the roundtrip hike to and around the Heart of Rocks loop requires about 8 total miles of up-and-down walking, the reward is worth it.
While most of the trails skirt the giant boulders, the Heart of Rocks loop takes you directly into the stone jungle!
This is where you will discover most of the park’s most iconic features such as Duck on a Rock, Pinnacles Balanced Rocks, Kissing Stones, and many more.
You will also be treated to exceptional views to the west for sunset for those who don’t mind hiking back in the dark.
Be extremely careful if you decide to do this, however. I had my first-ever cougar encounter on my return journey after sunset and it was one of the scariest moments of my life.
🥾 2. The Grottoes – Echo Canyon Trail
The grottoes themselves I found to be really neat, but it is the trail to (and past) the Echo Canyon grottoes that earn this a spot on the must-see list.
The short 1-2 mile roundtrip (depending on how far you want to hike) on Echo Canyon Trail provides spectacular views from above and within the massive stone pinnacles.
I recommend walking one mile minimally to the “Wall Street” stone display, during which you will find yourself constantly stopping for photos.
In other words, come for the grotto, stay for the views!
⚖️ 3. Big Balanced Rock
Many parks and scenic destinations in the American Southwest have a featured named “Balanced Rock”, and Chiricahua National Monument is no exception.
You will actually encounter quite a few balancing rocks throughout the park, but Big Balanced Rock is easily the most photogenic.
What I personally enjoyed about this particular formation is that it resides in a beautiful setting and provides a clear subject for photos.
🌅 4. Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point is the best place in Chiricahua National Monument for sunset. Your view to the west is unbeatable with plenty of room to explore different compositions.
In addition, there are good views of the Chiricahua Mountains and pinnacles to the north as well, should there be some sky interest in that direction.
Be sure to get back quickly, however, as the return hike is about 2.6 miles and twilight is when the mountain lions begin hunting.
Always bring two flashlights just in case one fails if attempting to hike back after sunset.
🪨 5. Massai Point
Visitors to Chiricahua National Monument with any sort of physical disability will find it challenging to really see much of the scenery. However, Massai point is one of the best overlooks in the park and you can drive straight to it!
Stargazers, astrophotographers, and Milky Way chasers will have an open view of the horizon with no hike required.
Massai Point is also a good place to begin your day in Chiricahua National Monument as the east-rising sun will light the rock formations up angularly and provide nicer light than you will receive throughout the day or at sunset.
🥾 Hiking & Trail Guide to Chiricahua National Monument
There are a surprising amount of hikes and trails available at Chiricahua National Monument for people of all skill and interest levels.
Many of the trails connect to each other, which can make it somewhat confusing. This section attempts to clear up that confusion and breaks down the best and worst hikes in Chiricahua National Monument.
🧗 Best Hikes in Chiricahua National Monument
Below are my favorite hikes for exploring the park, which factor in distance, scenery, and and destination.
❤️ 1. Heart of Rocks Loop Trail
Hiking Distance: 7.3 miles roundtrip
This is definitely the best hike in the entire park! I particularly enjoy it for sunset, though hiking 3.5+ miles back in the dark is a bit sketchy.
Knowing where to go is a bit confusing, so print or take a picture of these steps to make sure you do not get on the wrong trail:
Heart of Rocks Loop Hiking Instructions
- Begin at either Massai Point or Echo Canyon (it makes no difference which).
- Find and follow signs for Ed Riggs Trail.
- The Ed Riggs trail will end after 1 mile at a fork; follow signs for Mushroom Rock Trail.
- In 1.2 miles, the trail becomes Big Balanced Rock Trail and you will encounter a detour option to Inspiration Point. I absolutely love Inspiration Point and highly recommend it for sunset, but it is a 1-mile roundtrip detour. Otherwise, continue onward toward Big Balanced Rock.
- In one mile, you will pass by Big Balanced Rock, which is signed. Just beyond this are signs for the Heart of Rocks loop, which is 1 one-mile loop through the heart of Chiricahua National Monument.
As you will discover, the vistas you encounter are the best in the park.
What’s more, you are able to walk amongst the giant monoliths and get up-close views of the natural features that make this place so special.
💥 2. Echo Canyon Grottoes
Hiking Distance: 1-2 miles roundtrip
The Echo Canyon trail can be done as a 3.3 mile loop that connects to the Hailstone Trail and Ed Riggs Trail, as a 4.2 mile journey to the visitor center, or as a 1-2 mile out and back to the Echo Canyon Grottoes.
I recommend just hiking down as far as “Wall Street” which is about one mile down the trail, then returning.
Alternatively, those planning on hiking to the Heart of Rocks Loop as well, covered below, can hike through The Grottoes and connect to the Mushroom Rock Trail from there, which will lead you toward Heart of Rocks. If this is something you would like to do, review the hiking instructions in the Heart of Rocks section and pick up from Step 3.
While the rest of the hike is nice enough, the most interesting portions are at the Grottoes and at Wall Street, and there are better trail to spend your time which will be covered below.
🌅 3. Inspiration Point Trail
Hiking Distance: 5.4 mile roundtrip
As mentioned above, Inspiration Point is my favorite place to photograph sunset in Chiricahua NM.
The views you are rewarded with to the west are absolutely incredible. Photographers will love how much room there is to roam and compose unique photos, while casual visitors can just sit back and enjoy the show.
To access, review the instructions above for Heart of Rocks Loop, ending at Step 4.
🌄 4. Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
Hiking Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip
Looking for something a bit less strenuous for sunset? The Sugarloaf Mountain trail is my second favorite option, particularly for those who do not want to hike back to the car in darkness.
This moderate hike takes you up the Sugarloaf Mountain to a lookout station. From here, you will have 360 panoramic views of the entire region.
⛔️ Not Recommended Hikes in Chiricahua National Monument
The following are popular for taking a stroll, but do not really showcase what makes this area so unique and beautiful.
I wanted to include them anyway as some people want to hike every trail and some may prefer a more leisurely stroll, and to ensure you readers that I didn’t omit then by acccident.
Bonita Creek Trail / Silver Spur Meadow Trail
As you enter the park, you will come across these trails immediately.
They are short and flat but do not offer much in the way of scenery. Instead, you will learn about some of the earliest residents of the park and see some old homesteads, such as the Stafford Cabin and Faraway Ranch.
I, personally, did not find them particularly interesting and would not recommend the investment of time unless it was extremely plentiful!
Natural Bridge Trail
The first trail I took was the 5-mile roundtrip course to the Natural Bridge. This up and down trail provides some interesting views, but none as good as those you get from the Massai Point parking lot or from Echo Canyon.
While I usually love a good natural bridge, I was very disappointed with this one, particularly with the effort it required. The trail ends quite a distance from the bridge, and the vantage point is not particularly notable.
Unless you are one of those people that likes to hike every trail offered, this is one I would skip.
Hailstone Trail
The Hailstone trail diverts off of the Mushroom Rock Trail that you will take to get to the Heart of Rocks Loop and connects to the Echo Canyon trail already covered.
It is actually rather pretty and geologists may find the hailstones themselves of interest.
The reason it is on this list is only because it is just not as pretty as the alternative trails to which it connects (Heart of Rocks and Echo Canyon Grottoes). If time is plentiful, do the whole loop! Otherwise, give this one a miss.
📝 Planning Your Visit to Chiricahua National Monument
The remote location and smaller size of this national monument combine to keep visitation numbers fairly small. For those of you who are willing to make the effort, the reward is certainly worth it!
Below is a compilation of the most frequently sought-after planning points to help you prepare for your visit.
🌤 When to Visit Chiricahua National Monument
The best time to visit Chiricahua National Monument is in the spring, when temperatures are comfortable, wildlife is active, days are longer, and crowds are small. Also, this is when the Milky Way Core will be visible.
Winter is peak season out here in the desert, so expect larger crowds.
⏳ How Many Days to Spend in Chiricahua NM
One full day is enough to see most of Chiricahua National Monument. Staying overnight, however, allows the opportunity to enjoy the newly-designated “dark sky reserve.”
Most visitors will only require one full day to explore before they begin to become desensitized to the land of rocks. All the trails seem to be similar and even connect to each other, so you are seeing largely the same landscapes and scenery throughout.
Those who are not willing or able to hike will likely need less time than that, as there are really only a handful of viewpoints along the Bonita Canyon Drive.
Hikers and photographers could easily spend 2-3 days appreciating the scenery as the light changes and enjoying the night skies as well.
🚗 How to Get to Chiricahua NM
You will need a vehicle to get to and explore Chiricahua National Monument. The entry gates are located 35 miles southeast of the gateway city of Willcox, AZ, which is the closest place with full amenities.
From the I-10 freeway, you will turn onto AZ Route 186 and connect to AZ Route 181.
🏃♀️ Getting Around Chiricahua NM
The Canyon Bonita Drive is the only road through the monument. It spans 17 miles from the entry gate to Massai Point at the end.
A free shuttle is available to visitors of Chiricahua NM from September – May. The shuttle leaves the visitor center at 9am and takes hikers to the Echo Canyon or Massai Point trailheads.
The shuttle is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and you will need to sign up for it in person at the visitor center the day before or morning of your hike.
Otherwise, a vehicle is recommended.
⛽️ Gas, Services, and Supplies
The closest place to get gas and supplies is 35 miles away in the gateway city of Willcox. The visitor center does have drinking water available, but you will otherwise need to plan accordingly!
🏕 Where to Stay in Chiricahua National Monument
The only place to stay within Chiricahua National Monument is at the 26-site Bonita Canyon Campgrounds. This small campsite fills up well in advance even in the off-season and costs $20 per night.
If you need RV hookups or prefer a hotel, you will need to make your reservations in Willcox.
I stayed at the Willcox KOA and cannot recommend it highly enough! They have options for cabins, RVs, or tent camping.
⚠️ Useful Tips for Visiting Chiricahua NM
- Drive straight to Massai Point or Echo Canyon to begin your journey, saving any pull-offs for your return drive.
All pull-offs are located on the right side of the road as you are driving back and many are on blind corners, making them far more convenient and safer to stop at when exiting the park. - The Visitor Center is open daily.
Be sure to stop in and pick up a trail guide, local map, and water if necessary. - Bring supplies and fuel up first!
There is nothing in the way of services nearby, so you need to come prepared. - Arrive early.
The temperatures get very hot as the day wears on and there is not much in the way of shade. Also, the lighting is better on the rock formations during the early hours. - It gets hot!!
The dry desert heat can quickly cause dehydration and the sun can be intense. Make sure you carry plenty of water and sunscreen. - Leave no trace.
Please be respectful of the park. Keep to the trails, dispose of waste properly, and leave any plants etc. that you find. - Beware the wildlife.
Chiricahua National Monument is home to a variety of wildlife, including large populations of rattlesnakes and mountain lions. On my visit, I encountered 2 rattlesnakes and was stalked by a cougar all within 2 hours. It is important to be mindful and to know what to do should you encounter any of these animals. If you skipped it, be sure to go back and read the section of this guide on how to deal with a cougar encounter. - Drive carefully.
The roads can be busy and are very narrow, particularly for large vehicles. Please adhere to speed limits and drive responsibly.
🤗 Fun Facts About Chiricahua National Monument
- The formation of Chiricahua began 27 million years ago with the volcanic eruption of the nearby Turkey Creek caldera.
- It is one of 18 National Monuments in the state of Arizona.
- The native Chiricahuan Apache people called the area The Land of Standing-Up Rocks.
- The name Chiricahua is thought to have derived from the Opata word Chihuicahui or Chiguicagui, meaning ‘mountain of the wild turkey’.
- Wild turkeys once roamed the Chiricahua Mountains but were hunted to near extinction in the area by the mid-1900s. In 2003, wild Gould’s turkeys were released and by 2014 over 1200 turkeys were counted in Arizona and New Mexico.
- Chiricahua is pronounced cheer-i-cow-ah with a long e and short i vowel sounds.
- Arizona whitetail deer are the most frequently spotted animals in Chiricahua. However, you may also spot a black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, grey fox, or coati-mundi crossing. Chiricahua is also home to a number of lizards, snakes and birds.
- Despite being primarily desert, Chiricahua National Monument receives an average of 12 inches of snowfall each year.
- In April 2021, Chiricahua became a designated International Dark Sky Park.
🌵 More Arizona & Southwest Destination Guides
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If you are visiting Chiricahua National Monument as part of a Southwest road trip, you may also find some of these other regional guides useful for your planning:
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- Saguaro National Park Photography: The best places to photograph the park
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- One Day in Grand Canyon Itinerary: How to see it all in a day trip.
- Grand Canyon Photography Guide: Best places for sunset, sunrise, and night photos.
- Grand Canyon North Rim Ultimate Guide: Everything you need to know.
- 50 INCREDIBLE Slot Canyons in Utah: You won’t believe these are real!
- The 50 Greatest Canyons in the US: A must see for every cross country road trip.
🙋 FAQs About Chiricahua National Monument
Are dogs and pets allowed at Chiricahua NM?
Dogs are allowed within Chiricahua National Monument but they are NOT ALLOWED on most hiking trails.
Even on leash, dogs are only allowed on Bonita Creek Loop, Silver Spur Meadow Trail, and the small trail between the Visitor Center and the campground.
Is Chiricahua NM worth visiting?
Chiricahua National Monument is a magnificent place to visit if you are driving through the area and have any interest in landscapes, geology, natural history, or photography.
As part of a greater road trip, I highly recommend stopping! Nowhere in the world will you see a collection of balanced rocks, pinnacles, and columns like you will discover at Chiricahua National Monument.
Additionally, the Ed Riggs Trail to Heart of Rocks is one of the prettiest hikes I have done in any of the Southwest National Park.
I would not consider it a standalone destination, but would certainly include it on any road trip itinerary that includes Southern Arizona.
Is Chiricahua NM handicap accessible?
All of the viewpoints & overlooks of Chiricahua National Monument are handicap accessible, but none of the hiking trails are wheelchair accessible.
Those with mobility limitations can still appreciate the unusual landscapes from many different viewpoints and pull-offs throughout the park.
There is a ramp into the Visitor Center where more information can be found, as well as handicapped parking and accessible restrooms here.
What causes the rock formations of Chiricahua National Monument?
It began with a volcano, wherein the super-heated ash melted together and eventually cooled, forming large cracks. Those cracks were carved deeper by eons of ice, wind, and water. The result is a unique display of pinnacles, balanced rocks, and columns.
💬 Final thoughts on Chiricahua National Monument
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Anyone with an interest in unique landscapes and natural phenomena will enjoy their visit to “The Wonderland of Rocks” designated Chiricahua National Monument.
Come for the otherworldly scenery, and stay for the famously dark night skies!
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📌 Enjoyed this Guide to Chiricahua National Monument? Pin it! 🙂
I really enjoyed reading about this place, And to think I was so close. I’m sorry I missed it, but not the cougar encounter.
You’re not done with the Southwest just yet! 😉
I found your site while doing some pre – mw planning and was hoping you could advise whether any of the locations were practical for it this time of year…. Meaning is it possible to set up camp near a spot (vs doing a long hike at 2am) to get there? Sony A7RIV here and this place has been on my bucket list for awhile.
Hi Ed! I love that you’ve been scouting Chiricahua, it is unknown by so many!
Be aware that this was where I had my cougar encounter as detailed in the post, as well as two rattle snake encounters in the same night. Personally, I would be extremely nervous to shoot from anywhere too deep into the canyon, ie the heart of rocks loop. There are quite a few overlooks to shoot from where you can car-camp, although the ranger there is very active and may not allow you to.
The Echo Canyon trail is a nice one to consider – its a short walk and you don’t need to do much of it to get some nice shots with MW, and its less likely youll encounter anything with teeth.
There is only one official campground in the park at Bonita Creek but you can car camp anywhere outside the gate and there are plenty of places for that.
As for time of year, April is a brilliant time though the MW windows are somewhat short. You’ll be looking more SE than South this time of year so keep that in mind for compositions 🙂