No large vehicle turnaround after Faraway Ranch Parking (1 mile after entrance). Vehicles over 29 feet park at Faraway. Disconnect trailers at Faraway. Trailers with campground reservations proceed to camp. Scenic drive = 24 ft limit and no trailers.

Vehicle Length & Trailer Restrictions

We are unable to mail park materials, including paper copies of maps and junior ranger booklets. We encourage you to use our website for all your information needs. For any questions that cannot be answered on our website, email is the best way to contact us.  Please allow up to 14 days for a reply.

Explore rhyolite pinnacles and balanced rocks on foot or by car. Relax at the campground under star-filled, dark skies. See how a mountain range rising between two deserts creates a home for diverse wildlife. Imagine history here. Prehistoric peoples, Apaches, Buffalo Soldiers, Civilian Conservation Corps, ranchers, and homesteaders inhabited Chiricahua.

Many rock pinnacles with a valley and mountain range in background

View from Massai Point

A ranch house in a green field surrounds by low mountains

Faraway Ranch Historic Area

Echo Canyon Grotto

A narrow road winds between tall oaks and rock cliffs

Bonita Canyon

Large rock balanced on a small point with a hiker to the right

Big Balanced Rock

enormous balanced rocks with many pinnacles behind and trees in front

Chiricahua

The road, campground, and facilities in the park are open overnight. Gates on the road will not be closed during overnight hours unless an emergency occurs. The park prohibits overnight parking, sleeping in vehicles, and camping outside the campground. 

 The trails stay open for sunrise, sunset, and night sky viewing. Be aware of wildlife and use extreme caution.

Chiricahua National Park Facilities and Scenic Drive

Hiking

Rock formations with a natural bridge featured.

Natural Bridge Trail

There is a small parking area along the Bonita Canyon Scenic Drive, 0.5 mile beyond the campground.

The least used trail in the park climbs through oak and juniper woodlands to a ridge then drops into Picket Park before rising again. It ends at an overlook for the small water-carved bridge located across the canyon. Return the same way. Many people feel this trail is more difficult than other moderate trails. The 4.8 mile roundtrip hike has almost 1,000 feet of elevation.

This trail is a great opportunity to avoid the crowds in March and to see wildlife. It crosses through a stunning variety of ecosystems before ending at a bridge overlook. The small water-carved bridge is located across the canyon. This hike is about the journey, not the bridge. Return the same way.

Trail to Natural Bridge

Geology

Trails

Hiking at Chiricahua is an experience like no other. Many of the trails immediately bring visitors into an epic landscape of rocks of all shapes and sizes. Visitors don't just gaze at the formations from above, but stand under and beside the towering giants. 

a family hikes away from the camera with large rock formations towering over and scrubby trees

Hike the Trails

There are many hiking routes throughout the park. Elevations vary from 5,400 feet to 7,000 feet.

Most trails in the rock formations do not allow pets. Lower trails near Faraway Ranch and the Campground allow pets on a leash.

Hiking the Chiricahua Mountains can be amazing any time of year. Summer temperatures can often reach the 80s and 90s. Summer monsoons can provide cooler temperatures than the rest of Arizona. Winters can leave ice or snow on the trails, but daytime highs are often pleasant. Come prepared for quick shifts in weather.

17 miles of trails will take you into a wilderness of rocks. Chiricahua offers a range of day hiking options from easy to strenuous.

Hike the Trails at Chiricahua

Horseback Riding

Come explore the "Wonderland of Rocks" on horseback! Horses are allowed on many of the trails in the park. Please observe the following rules and policies for horse and stock use:   <ul> <li>Designated pack animals or stock are limited to horses, burros, mules, or other hoofed mammals.</li> <li>Stock parties shall not include more than 10 animals in one continuous group, with a maximum of 20 animals per party or organization daily.</li> <li>The use of stock is confined to developed trail systems. Stock is not permitted on the Massai Nature Trail, Heart of Rocks Loop, Natural Bridge, and Sugarloaf Mountain trails.</li> <li>Off trail travel is prohibited except for short term picketing, hobbling, or highlining.</li> <li>Stock use is not permitted on paved roads except in those areas designated as crosswalks.</li> <li>The tying of stock to any living or dead feature causing injury or damage to the feature or vegetation is prohibited. Picketed, highlined, or hobbled animals shall not be kept so as to interfere with the use of the trail system by hikers.</li> <li>Stock trailers shall be parked at the designated horse trailer parking area near Faraway Ranch.</li> <li>Pack animals are not permitted in the Bonita Canyon Campground. Camping with stock is allowed in the adjacent Coronado National Forest. Contact the U.S. Forest Service office in Douglas, AZ, 520-364-3468 or online.</li> <li>The feeding of hay or grain is permitted, but only by feed bags or inside trailers used to haul the animals.</li> <li>Remove all manure or other waste left by your stock from the parking areas and trailheads.</li> <li>Firearms are permitted, but may not be discharged in the park. Hunting is not allowed.</li> </ul>

Come explore the "Wonderland of Rocks" on horseback!

Horseback Riding at Chiricahua

Rock Landscapes and Features

Birdwatching

an acorn woodpecker perched on a tree trunk looks at the camera

Acorn Woodpecker

Chiricahua is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 different bird species documented in the area! The best places for birdwatching in the park include Bonita Creek Trail, Silver Spur Meadow Trail, and Echo Park, although you'll see birds anywhere in the park Southeast Arizona is reknowned for its avian diversity, and several borderland sites, including the Chiricahua Mountains, have been identified as "Important Bird Areas" by the American Bird Conservancy. These areas are home to federally listed Threatened and Endangered species, species with restricted ranges, and large numbers of migratory birds. As birds fly north or south on their yearly migrations to Mexico, Central and South America, they are "funneled" through parts of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Many migrants stop for brief periods along the way, and others come to stay for the summer or winter months. There are always interesting birds to search for at the park. Frequently seen birds include the Mexican Jay, Acorn Woodpecker, Canyon Wren, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Yellow-eyed Junco.

Leashed pets are only allowed on the Bonita Creek, Silver Spur Meadow, and Visitor Center to Campground trails.

Chiricahua is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 different bird species documented in the area! The best places for birdwatching include Bonita Creek Trail, Silver Spur Meadow Trail, and Echo Park, although you can see birds anywhere in the park.

Birdwatching at Chiricahua

Birds

Stargazing

stars and milky way above a large rock formation

The Milky Way Over the Rock Formations

Chiricahua is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it is a great place to view the night sky. Chiricahua was recognized for its exceptionally dark skies and commitment to protecting the sky from light pollution. The road and restrooms stay open all night for stargazers like you! The best places to view the night sky at Chiricahua are the Faraway Ranch and Echo Canyon parking lots, both offering wide, unobstructed views of the sky. For really spectacular views, plan a visit to avoid a full moon. Check our event calendar to see if any special night sky programs are scheduled!

Pets are allowed in parking lots on a leash.

Chiricahua is always open, so come experience our dark skies! The best places to view the night sky at Chiricahua are the Faraway Ranch and Echo Canyon parking lots, both offering wide, unobstructed views of the sky.

Stargazing at Chiricahua

Monuments and Memorials

Natural Sounds

Night Sky

Astronomy

Lower Rhyolite Canyon

A good way to view the rocks without driving up the road, this mostly-level trail takes you to Rhyolite Canyon, a canyon lined with rock pinnacles. Walk 1.5 miles / 2.4 km until you reach the junction between Upper Rhyolite Canyon and Sarah Deming trails. Return the same way.

Lower Rhyolite Canyon Trail

Animals

Cats (wild)

Canyons and Canyonlands

Foothills, Plains and Valleys

Forests and Woodlands

Coniferous Forests

Deciduous Forests

Mineral Deposits

Scenic Views

Unique Species

Wilderness

Green hillside with mountains and rock formations in the distance

View from Sugarloaf Mountain

This moderate trail to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain is 1.8 miles/2.8 kilometers roundtrip. Rising above the surrounding canyons, the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain at 7,310ft/2,228m is one of the highest points in the monument. The dark rock is dacite, evidence of a lava flow. Lightning activity is monitored from the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed fire lookout during the summer. Return the same way. Access is from the Sugarloaf parking lot.

Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

Mountains

Buttes

Rare

Volcanoes

Rhyolite Canyon

This moderate, 4.2 mile / 6.8 kilometer trail begins at Echo Canyon trailhead and consists of Echo Canyon, Upper Rhyolite Canyon, and Lower Rhyolite Canyon trails ending at the Visitor Center. It goes downhill through spectacular rock formations in Echo Canyon. One stream crossing on the Upper Rhyolite segment can be hazardous if runoff is significant. The last half of the hike is in shaded oak woodlands. Make sure you have transportation back to your vehicle or ride the seasonal hikers' shuttle at 9:00 am. NOTE: Additional 0.5 mi / 0.8 to campground OR 1.5 mi / 2.4 km to Faraway Ranch parking lot when riding the shuttle.

This moderate, 4.2 mile/6.8 kilometer trail begins at Echo Canyon trailhead and consists of Echo Canyon, Upper Rhyolite Canyon, and Lower Rhyolite Canyon trails ending at the Visitor Center. It goes downhill through spectacular rock formations in Echo Canyon. The last half of the hike is in shaded oak woodlands. Make sure you have transportation back to your vehicle or ride the seasonal hikers' shuttle at 9:00 am.

Echo Canyon to Visitor Center

The trailhead has a parking area and pit toilets. No water is available. Parking area can fill up on weekends during the winter. Consider alternative hikes in the busy month of March.

Start from the Echo Canyon Parking area. Take the Echo Canyon Trail down toward the right. When it branches, follow signs for the Echo Canyon Trail to the right. You'll pass a variety of interesting balanced rocks and pinnacle. About 1/2 mile down, on your righthand side, are the Grottoes. These tunnel-like formations are fun to explore. Look for a small sign, because you could walk right past! If you feel energetic you can continue to the switchbacks just another 1/4 mile, around the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hike-echo-canyon.htm">entire loop</a> (3.3 miles) or turn around. Notice how different the rocks look on your way back! This trail has loose rock and includes about 200 feet of elevation decline. The trail is generally suitable for children as well as adults. A hiking stick may be helpful for those with uneven footing and during the winter.

Pets are not allowed on any of the upper trails through the rocks. Narrow paths and cliffs can scare animals and humans. Sensitive flora and fauna live in this wilderness area.

This trail is spectacular year-round. Summer may bring high temperatures and dangerous sun exposure OR monsoon rain and lightning. Winter may be icy for days after snow events.

Just 1/2 mile from the parking area, on the Echo Canyon Trail, visitors can be amazed by the tunnel-like rock formations. The Echo Canyon Grottoes are a great option for those who want to experience the rocks but have limited time or mobility.

Always bring a flashlight or headlamp if you are hiking in the afternoon or evening. This trail can be beautiful for stargazing, but you should be prepared for uneven footing and abundant wildlife.

Echo Canyon Grottoes

two large rocks stick up from the dry earth, with trees behind

Rock pinnacles at Massai Point

Take in sweeping views, balanced rock formations, and the park’s geologic story from this short trail beginning at the Massai Point parking area. The half‑mile route starts on the north side, climbs to the exhibit building, and then follows the west rim south around the point. Interpretive signs describe how these unique formations developed over time. Those looking to explore deeper into the rock formations can connect to the Ed Riggs Trail and the larger trail system. Uneven footing, stairs, and the 6,870‑foot (2,094 m) elevation can make this short hike feel more challenging.

A half-mile loop trail through balanced rocks starts at the top of the scenic drive, Massai Point parking area.

Massai Point Nature Trail

Picnicking

Picnic Table at Faraway Ranch

Bonita Creek, Faraway Ranch, and Massai Point have accessible picnic areas with multiple tables and covered options. The Visitor Center and Sugarloaf parking areas have a picnic table. Drinking water and flush toilets are available at Faraway Ranch and the Visitor Center. All parking lots have restroom and trash facilities. Picnic areas do not provide any grill or fire facilities. Bonita Canyon Campground picnic tables are by campground reservation only.

Bring a box lunch and relax in nature. Bonita Creek, Faraway Ranch, and Massai Point have accessible picnic areas with multiple tables and covered options. All parking lots have restroom and trash facilities. Picnic areas do not provide any grill or fire facilities. Campground tables are restricted to overnight campers with reservations.

Hikers in front of pillar rock formations with a blue sky

Echo Canyon Loop

The trailhead has a parking area and pit toilets. No water is available. Parking area can fill up on weekends during the winter. Consider alternative hikes in the busy month of March and on holiday weeks/weekends.

Echo Canyon, Hailstone, and Ed Riggs Trails form a triangular loop through some of the best rocks in the park. We recommend hiking counterclockwise (go right) for great views and because of elevation. The hike is a moderate 3.4 miles with some steep drop offs and loose, rocky, and uneven surfaces. Echo Canyon trail descends 400 feet through spectacular rock formations. It is a wonder of engineering constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Hailstone Trail is almost level with sweeping views of the Wonderland of Rocks. Look for unusual stones that resemble hail. Desert yucca, agave, and cactus are abundant on Hailstone's sunny southern exposure. Ed Riggs Trail climbs back up 400 feet to Echo Canyon parking or a bit further if you started from Massai Point.  Moderately difficult. Uneven terrain throughout. 1-25% grade with cross-slope up to 50%. Tripping hazards include rocks, boulders, roots, and run off channels. Total elevation: 560 feet. This hike can be done in 2 hours, but most people prefer to give it 3 or 4 hours.

The most impressive moderate hike in the park. Hike 3.3 miles through balancing rocks, the unique tunnel-like grottoes, narrow slots, and below cliffs of towering pinnacles. No pets.

Echo Canyon Loop Trail

Scenic Driving

From the entrance to the end of the road is 8 miles. Speed limit 25 to 40 miles per hour. Without stops it generally takes about 30 minutes to get to the top. Stops are best made at Massai Point and on the return journey down the drive.

car drives a two lane road with trees on both sides and rocks towering above

Rocks on Chiricahua's Scenic Drive

This 8-mile paved drive winds up the valley through rock formations, oak, cypress, and pine forests, to Massai Point. Massai Point overlook has a 360-degree view of the Wonderland of Rocks and the surrounding valleys and mountains. Stops on the drive include the Erickson Cemetery, Faraway Ranch, the park Visitor Center and store, Bonita Canyon Campground, Massai Point, and the turn off for Echo Canyon and Sugarloaf trailheads.  There are several pull outs to view rocks along the road as you come back down. Please follow the speed limit and watch for animals.

This 8-mile paved drive winds up the valley through rock formations, oak, cypress, and pine forests, to Massai Point. Massai Point overlook has a 360-degree view of the Wonderland of Rocks and the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Bonita Canyon Drive

Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite

Ranches

Grasslands

Meadows

Native American Heritage

Roads, Routes and Highways

Homesteading

Meadow surrounded by trees and a stone chimney

Silver Spur Meadow

Beginning from the Visitor Center, Campground, or Faraway Ranch picnic area, this 1.2 mile/1.9 kilometer leisurely walk leads you through the Faraway Ranch Historic District to Stafford Cabin, built in the 1880s. You'll see Silver Spur Meadow, home for Civilian Conservation Corps Camp NM-2-A, Company 828 during the 1930s. The fireplaces are remnants from the lodge of the Silver Spur Guest Ranch in business from 1948 to 1968. Stream crossings can be hazardous during winter snowmelt or summer monsoons. This is a dog-friendly trail.

Beginning from the Visitor Center, Campground, or Faraway Ranch picnic area, this 1.2 mile/1.9 kilometer leisurely walk goes by the Faraway Ranch Historic District, Stafford Cabin, and Silver Spur Meadow. This is a dog-friendly trail.

Silver Spur Meadow Trail

Architecture and Building

Colonization and Settlement

Immigration

Westward Expansion

Bonita Creek Trailhead

There is a parking area at the trailhead, as well as picnic tables and pit toilets. No water is available.

This Bonita Creek loops around the picnic area and takes you along the intermittent Bonita Creek. Watch for Apache plume and prickly poppy flowers in spring and early summer. Arizona whitetail deer are frequently seen in the lower portion of Bonita Canyon. This is a good trail to view grassland birds. This is an easy 0.2 mile loop.

This Bonita Creek loops around the picnic area and takes you along the intermittent Bonita Creek. Watch for Apache plume and prickly poppy flowers in spring and early summer. Arizona whitetail deer are frequently seen in the lower portion of Bonita Canyon. This is a good trail to view grassland birds.

Bonita Creek Loop

Green valley in distance lined with rock pinnacles

Inspiration Point

This 5.4 mile / 8.6 kilometer strenuous trail takes you to the Inspiration Point overlook. The route consists of Ed Riggs, Mushroom Rock, and Inspiration Point trails. Excellent views of Cochise Head and Rhyolite Canyon make this a great rest stop!

Inspiration Point Trail

The Heart of Rocks Loop is a 7.3 mile / 11.8 kilometer roundtrip hike to many of the most unusual rock formations in the monument, including Pinnacle Balanced Rock and Big Balanced Rock. Start the loop to the left and hike clockwise for the best views and easiest walking. Lots of rock steps make this a challenging loop, but it's worth the effort. There are three different ways to get to the loop, all of them being the same distance. Option #1 - Heart of Rocks Loop from Echo Canyon Trailhead This route consists of the Ed Riggs, Mushroom Rock, Big Balanced Rock, and Heart of Rocks Loop trails. This is an easier route to Heart of Rocks than starting from the visitor center with more views of the rock formations. Ed Riggs trail drops you into the canyon while Mushroom Rock trail climbs 610ft/186m up the other side. Big Balanced Rock trail is along the top of the ridge. Complete the Heart of Rocks Loop and return. Option #2 - Heart of Rocks Loop from Visitor Center This route consists of Lower Rhyolite Canyon, Sarah Deming, and Heart of Rocks Loop trails. Lower Rhyolite Canyon trail begins as an easy level walk in the lower canyon forest, but soon starts climbing up Rhyolite Canyon. Sarah Deming trail gains 880ft / 268m to reach the top of the ridge. Complete the Heart of Rocks Loop and return. Option #3 - Echo Canyon Trailhead to Visitor Center This route consists of Ed Riggs, Mushroom Rock, Big Balanced Rock, Heart of Rocks Loop, Sarah Deming, and Lower Rhyolite Canyon trails. Make sure you have transportation back to your vehicle or ride the hikers' shuttle at 9:00 am. Watch for changes in vegetation from the upper canyon areas to the lower canyon riparian areas. NOTE: Additional 0.5 mi / 0.8 to campground OR 1.5 mi / 2.4 km to Faraway Ranch parking lot when riding the shuttle.

The Heart of Rocks Loop is a 7.3 mile/11.8 kilometer roundtrip hike to many of the most unusual rock formations in the monument, including Pinnacle Balanced Rock and Big Balanced Rock. Start the loop to the left and hike clockwise for the best views and easiest walking. Lots of rock steps make this a challenging loop, but it's worth the effort. There are three different ways to get to the loop, all of them being the same distance.

Heart of Rocks Loop

View from The Big Loop trail

For folks wanting to do everything, this strenuous, 9.5 mile route consists of the Echo Canyon, Upper Rhyolite Canyon, Sarah Deming, Heart of Rocks, Big Balanced Rock, Inspiration Point, Mushroom Rock, and Ed Riggs trails. It features our balanced rocks. The trail begins from the Echo Canyon trailhead.

For folks wanting to do everything, this 9.5 mile route consists of the Echo Canyon, Upper Rhyolite Canyon, Sarah Deming, Heart of Rocks, Big Balanced Rock, Inspiration Point, Mushroom Rock, and Ed Riggs trails. It features our balanced rocks. The trail begins from the Echo Canyon trailhead.

The Big Loop

Trees and desert plants, brown grass, and mountain in the background.

Bonita Creek Trail

The Bonita Creek Trail can be accessed from the Bonita Creek parking area. (Alternatively, it can be accessed from Faraway Ranch).

Winding along Bonita Creek, usually dry, this trail connects the Bonita Creek and Faraway Ranch Picnic Areas. Look for wild animals, including migrating birds, deer, coatimundi, and javelina. This is an easy 0.5 mile trail.

Winding along Bonita Creek, usually dry, this trail connects the Bonita Creek and Faraway Ranch Picnic Areas. Look for wild animals, including migrating birds, deer, coatimundi, and javelina. This is an easy 1/2 mile trail.

Alert: Vehicle Length & Trailer Restrictions: No large vehicle turnaround after Faraway Ranch Parking (1 mile after entrance). Vehicles over 29 feet park at Faraway. Disconnect trailers at Faraway. Trailers with campground reservations proceed to camp. Scenic drive = 24 ft limit and no trailers.

Chiricahua

Overview

Hours

Fees & Passes

Map

Things To Do

Category

Trail to Natural Bridge

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Hike the Trails at Chiricahua

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Horseback Riding at Chiricahua

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Birdwatching at Chiricahua

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Stargazing at Chiricahua

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Lower Rhyolite Canyon Trail

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