Chiricahua National Monument
Explore rhyolite pinnacles and balanced rocks on foot or by car.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
About Chiricahua National Monument
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.
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AZdrive time
AZdrive time
AZdrive time
AZdrive time
AZdrive time
ARdrive time
Driving times from Chiricahua National Monument, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Chiricahua National Monument Facilities and Scenic Drive
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Chiricahua National Monument?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping, Food.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Chiricahua National Monument?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Fort Bowie National Historic Site (54 min), Saguaro National Park (2 h 20 min), Coronado National Memorial (2 h 32 min), Tumacácori National Historical Park (3 h), Casa Grande Ruins National Monument (3 h 30 min), Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail (3 h 37 min).