Twenty seven million years ago a volcanic eruption of immense proportions shook the land around Chiricahua National Monument. One thousand times greater than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, the Turkey Creek Caldera eruption eventually laid down two thousand feet of highly silicious ash and pumice. This mixture fused into a rock called rhyolitic tuff and eventually eroded into the spires and unusual rock formations of today.
The monument is a mecca for hikers and birders. At the intersection of the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, and the southern Rocky Mountains and northern Sierra Madre in Mexico, Chiricahua plants and animals represent one of the premier areas for biological diversity in the northern hemisphere.
Of historic interest is the Faraway Ranch, a pioneer homestead and later a working cattle and guest ranch. It is a significant example of human transformation of the western frontier from wilderness to the present settlement. Faraway Ranch offers glimpses into the lives of Swedish immigrants Neil and Emma Erickson, and their children. The house is furnished with historic artifacts which not only give us reminders of our youth and our ancestors, but one can also trace the development of technology during the first half of the twentieth century. Acreage: 12,000 acres.
Getting There
PLANE - Airline service to Tucson (120 miles) is available with rental cars also available.
CAR - Chiricahua National Monument is located 120 miles east of Tucson. Exit I-10 at Willcox, and follow State Route 186 36 miles to the monument.
Obtain gas in Willcox; gasoline is not available at or near the monument.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - There is no public transportation to monument.
Weather & Climate
Temperatures are generally mild with summer daytime highs in the upper 90s and nighttime lows in the 50s. Winter daytime highs range in the 50s to 60s and nighttime lows are typically in the upper teens or low twenties but can dip into the subzero range. Moisture is evenly distributed, half during the winter as snow, half in the summer as rain. Daily thunderstorms can occur from July through September.
Clothing:
Sturdy hiking boots, with good ankle support, are highly recommended when hiking the trails. 1. During the summer, light clothing for warm days and cool nights is recommended. Rain gear is useful during the rainy season. 2. During the winter, wear warm clothing to cope with wind chill factors below zero, snow and subfreezing temperatures.
Accessibility
The visitor center and campground are fully accessible, including rest room facilities. The Faraway Ranch House can accommodate a narrow wheelchair.
Getting Around
Chiricahua features 17 miles of maintained trail in a monument that is 87% wilderness. Trails vary in degree of difficultly. The Echo Canyon Trail and the Heart of Rocks Trail offer spectacular views of balanced rocks, spires and pinnacles.
8-mile scenic drive to Massai Point
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