Chiricahua National Monument Things to Do Tips by Basaic Top 5 Page for this destination

See Massai Point

Massai Point is the last stop on the Scenic Drive. It is also one of the most popular. Massai Point was known as "Yahdeshut" or "Point of Rocks" to the Apache. It was renamed Massai Point after an Apache Warrior called Big Foot Massai stole a horse at the Stafford Cabin and was chased to this pont where he quickly disappeared never to be heard or seen again. Some people say he still rides these trails. Massai Point has two main trails: A short exhibit trail that has a sidewalk and is handicapped friendly; and a Nature Trail. There is also a short trail that leads to the Ed Riggs Trail and other parts of the park. For more information on the Exhibit and Nature Trails see my Sports Travel Tips.

Other Contact: Fax: (520) 824-3421

Hike the Echo Canyon Loop

The Echo Canyon Loop Trail consists of the Echo Canyon Trail (which goes through rock formations, grottoes, by Bonita Creek, and the wooded Echo Park); the Hailstone Trail; and the Ed Riggs Trail. It totals about 3.3 miles (5.5 kilometers) and is rated a medium level trail. The views are varied and I highly recommend this trail. For more information, see my Sports Travel Tips for each portion of the loop.

Address: 13063 East Bonita Canyon Road, Willcox, AZ 85643

Directions: Follow the Scenic Drive until you see the Echo Canyon Signs.

Other Contact: Fax: (520) 824-3421

Phone: (520) 824-3560 ext. 302

Website: http://www.nps.gov/chir/

Picnic at Echo Canyon

There are restrooms and picnic tables at the Echo Canyon Trailhead.

Address: 13063 East Bonita Canyon Road, Willcox, AZ 85643

Directions: Follow the Scenic Drive until you see the Echo Canyon Signs.

Other Contact: Fax: (520) 824-3421

Phone: (520) 824-3560 ext. 302

Website: http://www.nps.gov/chir/

The Organ Pipes

There are several turnouts along the road with interpretive signs about the park and some of the named formations. They are all on the left side of the road as you enter the park so it might be best to stop there on your way back from the scenic drive. These are called the Organ Pipes.

Address: 13063 East Bonita Canyon Road, Willcox, AZ 85643

Directions: On the Scenic Drive. Chiricahua National Monument is about 4 miles off the intersection of Highway 186 and Highway 181.

Other Contact: Fax: (520) 824-3421

Phone: (520) 824-3560 ext. 302

Website: http://www.nps.gov/chir/

The Sea Captain

There are several turnouts along the road with interpretive signs about the park and some of the named formations. They are all on the left side of the road as you enter the park so it might be best to stop there on your way back from the scenic drive. This one is called the Sea Captain.

Address: 13063 East Bonita Canyon Road, Willcox, AZ 85643

Directions: On the Scenic Drive. Chiricahua National Monument is about 4 miles off the intersection of Highway 186 and Highway 181.

Other Contact: Fax: (520) 824-3421

Phone: (520) 824-3560 ext. 302

Website: http://www.nps.gov/chir/

China Boy

There are several turnouts along the road with interpretive signs about the park and some of the named formations. They are all on the left side of the road as you enter the park so it might be best to stop there on your way back from the scenic drive. This one is called the China Boy.

Address: 13063 East Bonita Canyon Road, Willcox, AZ 85643

Directions: On the Scenic Drive. Chiricahua National Monument is about 4 miles off the intersection of Highway 186 and Highway 181.

Other Contact: Fax: (520) 824-3421

Phone: (520) 824-3560 ext. 302

Website: http://www.nps.gov/chir/

See the Faraway Ranch

The second left after passing the entrance is the Faraway Ranch Picnic Area. This is the trail head leading west to Bonita Creek or East to Faraway Ranch, Stafford Cabin and the Silver Spur Meadow. Faraway Ranch was built when Swedish emmigrants Neil and Emma Erickson settled here in 1888. Their eldest daughter (who married Ed Riggs who was instrumental in the formation and building of this park) turned the ranch into a guest ranch. From 1917 until 1973 thousands of visitors came here to relax, watch nature, hike, and ride horses. The ranch has now been incorporated into the park and has been designated a National Historic Site. You can take an informative ranger guided tour of the inside of the ranch at 2 PM or 3 PM most days. Check at the gate or the Visitor's Center for availability that day. The tour starts at the benches outside the ranch, and is FREE! Hopefully you get Katherine as your guide, she is informative and lots of fun.

Address: 13063 East Bonita Canyon Road, Willcox, AZ 85643

Directions: On the left very soon after you enter the park. Chiricahua National Monument is about 4 miles off the intersection of Highway 186 and Highway 181.

Other Contact: Fax: (520) 824-3421

Phone: (520) 824-3560 ext. 302

Website: http://www.nps.gov/chir/

Stop at the Visitor's Center

Anyone who has looked at my other pages knows I am a strong advocate of stopping at the Visitor's Center to gather information. The Chiricahua National Monument has a nice Visitor's Center/Gift Shop where you can get valuable information and buy souvenirs. There are also a few informative displays you can walk through.

Address: 13063 East Bonita Canyon Road, Willcox, AZ 85643

Directions: From the Scenic Drive, take the turn-off for Echo Canyon/Sugarloaf Mountain and follow it to the end.

Other Contact: Fax: (520) 824-3421

Phone: (520) 824-3560 ext. 302

Website: http://www.nps.gov/chir/

See the Sugarloaf Mountain Fire Lookout Station

On the top of Sugarloaf Mountain is the Sugarloaf Mountain Fire Lookout Station which is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register.

Address: 13063 East Bonita Canyon Road, Willcox, AZ 85643

Directions: From the Scenic Drive, take the turn-off for Echo Canyon/Sugarloaf Mountain and follow it to the end.

Phone: (520) 824-3560

Website: http://www.nps.gov/chir

Picnic at Sugarloaf Mountain

There are restrooms and picnic facilities at the Sugarloaf Mountain Parking Area.

Address: 13063 East Bonita Canyon Road, Willcox, AZ 85643

Directions: From the Scenic Drive, take the turn-off for Echo Canyon/Sugarloaf Mountain and follow it to the end.

Phone: (520) 824-3560

Website: http://www.nps.gov/chir