Chiricahua National Monument
Designation: National Monument
Location: Arizona
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
The park elevation goes from 5,124 feet at the entrance to 7,310 feet on Sugarloaf Mountain. The top of the park can be 5-10 degrees cooler and windier than the visitor center and entrance. The higher elevations generally have more sun exposure. Clothing layers are always recommended here. The park is often cooler than cities in Arizona with summer highs in the 80s and 90s. Winter lows are often near or below freezing.
🚗 Directions
Chiricahua National Monument is in the southeast corner of Arizona. Interstate I10 from LA or Tucson to El Paso or Lordsburg runs about 40 miles north of the park. Exits in Willcox to Hwy 186 are the most direct paved access to the park from the north. (Exits 336, 340, and 344). Note: Exit 366 to Bowie will require driving 10 miles of dirt road. This route is recommended only if stopping at Fort Bowie National Historic Site.
Images
Massai Point offers excellent views of the standing rocks at Chiricahua
Credit: NPS Photo
Faraway Ranch preserves the heritage of early European settlers in the Chiricahua Mountains
Credit: NPS Photo
The standing rocks at Chiricahua create natural nooks and crannies ready to be explored
Credit: NPS Photo
Bonita Canyon Scenic Drive winds through standing rocks and rhyolite cliffs, climbing to Massai Point at 6900 ft / 2100 m.
Credit: NPS Photo
Big Balanced Rock
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Wednesday, Jul 29
Sunny
High: 100°F | Low: 77°F
Humidity: 38%
Wind: 18.3 mph
Rain Chance: 17%
UV Index: 11.8
Sunrise: 05:30 AM
Sunset: 07:16 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 74°F
Cloud Cover: 17%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Jul 30
Sunny
High: 98.6°F | Low: 74.8°F
Humidity: 37%
Wind: 9.6 mph
Rain Chance: 57%
UV Index: 11.9
Sunrise: 05:31 AM
Sunset: 07:15 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (96%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 74.3°F
Cloud Cover: 57%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Jul 31
Sunny
High: 101.8°F | Low: 77°F
Humidity: 31%
Wind: 15.9 mph
Rain Chance: 1%
UV Index: 11.5
Sunrise: 05:31 AM
Sunset: 07:15 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (91%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 74.8°F
Cloud Cover: 1%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Discover Chiricahua National Monument
Stop by the visitor center at 11 am to get a brief talk about what's rockin' at Chiricahua National Monument. Rotating daily topics may include orientation, geology, bio-diversity, and history.
Talks will be held by the map in the museum area of the visitor center or in front of the building if weather permits.
Date: Jan 1, 2026 12:00am to Apr 12, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Hiker's Transport (5.7 to 9-mile hike required)
When available, the hikers' transport will drive day visitors from Faraway Ranch to Massai Point or Echo Canyon once daily. Hikers can choose one of two routes to hike 5.7 or 9 miles back to their car.
Most hiker's prefer loops and out and back hikes using their own vehicle instead of the transport. This hike from the top parking lots to the bottom of the monument is a 1,500 ft drop in elevation. These hikes are challenging downhill with steep, loose sand and rock. Wear good hiking boots and bring plenty of water and electrolytes or salty snacks.
Subject to staff availibility. Shuttle does not run in inclement weather or dangerous temperatures. Limited to first 13 passengers.
Groups of 6 or more will be asked to use their own vehicles when space is limited.
Shuttle riders must park in the Faraway Ranch Parking Lot unless camping overnight.
Location: Faraway Ranch Parking lot in front of Bathroom and Water Bottle Filling spigot. (For campers only: at Campground Restrooms - no day use parking available at Campground).
Date: Jan 9, 2026 12:00am to Apr 12, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Faraway Ranch Open House
The historic Faraway Ranch House will be open for visitors to walk through from 11 am to 2 pm. Explore this historic building while also learning about the Erickson family, the history of the ranch, and what life was like in Bonita Canyon in the early 1900s. Rangers will be available to answer questions and share stories that bring the ranch and its people to life.
Note: Due to ongoing preservation work, the house is not currently furnished.
Location: Park at the Faraway Ranch Parking lot and walk 0.2 miles to the ranch.
Date: Mar 14, 2026 12:00am to Apr 11, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Night Sky "Star Party"
Join the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) for an unforgettable night under the stars! Experience the wonders of the cosmos as TAAA members share their telescopes, insights, and enthusiasm to help you explore the brilliant night skies above Chiricahua National Monument.
Take your time viewing planets, star clusters, and other celestial sights through a variety of telescopes. Be sure to dress warmly for chilly evening temperatures, bring a red flashlight if you have one, and check your vehicle to make sure all exterior lights can be turned off to preserve night vision.
For updates or possible cancellations due to weather, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/chir or check the park’s Facebook page after 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event.
Location: Meet at the Faraway Ranch parking lot
Date: Mar 20, 2026 12:00am to Mar 20, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
13063 E Bonita Canyon Rd
Willcox, AZ 85643
🏤 Mailing Address:
12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd
Willcox, AZ 85643
📞 Voice Phone: 5208243560
✉️ Email: chir_info@nps.gov