Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona is a Mecca for Hikers

Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona is an 18-square-mile park known for its unique geologic formations. Located at the intersection of the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, and the southern Rocky Mountains and northern Sierra Madre in Mexico, this region is considered one of the most ecologically diverse in the Northern Hemisphere.

The national monument, which is made up of about 12,000 acres in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, was designated as such in 1924, though it was owned by a private party, Neil and Emma Erickson, Swedish immigrants. It was sold to the National Park Service in 1979.

The volcanic mountains that are part of this monument range in height from 5,100 to 7,800 feet. These spires and unusual rock formations were formed by volcanic eruptions that laid down thousands of feet of ash and pumice. The mixture fused and created such diverse formations as precariously balanced rocks and an area known as The Organ Pipes.

Chiricahua National Monument is also known to be an excellent wildlife viewing area. Many unusual species of both animals and plants can be found there, including several that are on the rare or endangered species list.

A small onsite Visitor Center offers an 8-minute video about the history of the park and its unique formations. Guests on a short visit can also take an 8-mile drive to Massai Point for excellent views of the rocks. About a dozen walks or hikes on designated trails range from easy strolls to strenuous treks. The Heart of Rocks Trail, which takes 5 to 8 hours to complete, takes hikers past the most unique formations - including Duck on a Rock, Punch & Judy, Kissing Rocks, and Big Balanced Rock - and provides the best views of the park's unusual terrain. Many of the trails begin at the Visitor Center and trail guides are available there. Rangers can help with trail directions as well.

A few individual campsites are available within the Chiricahua National Monument, booked on a first come, first serve basis. Group sites are also available. The busiest time for camping inside the park is during the cool but clear spring months of March and April.

There are very few services located within the park, which is a 37 mile drive from Interstate 10 and about 120 miles from Tucson, Arizona. No vending machines or concessions can be found at Chiricahua National Monument so visitors should bring their own food and drink. Gas stations are located at least 25 miles from the park. No RVs longer than 29 feet are permitted entrance into the national monument area. Pets are permitted inside the park but extreme heat and rattlesnakes can be a danger to both pets and humans, especially during the summertime.