Situated in southern Arizona, Chiricahua National Monument draws both nature enthusiasts and passionate hikers who come to marvel at its extraordinary rock structures that seem to defy gravity.
At Chiricahua National Monument, the hoodoos, which the Apache affectionately refer to as “standing-up rocks,” create an astounding stone forest shaped over time through relentless erosion. These magnificent spires must be witnessed firsthand to truly appreciate their grandeur.
To get the perfect view, drive along Scenic Drive, a curving path through a verdant valley filled with pines and junipers. This route will lead you to the most spectacular sights within the park. Start at the Organ Pipe Formation, where erosion has sculpted the cliffs into distinct vertical pillars that inspired its name. Push onward and upward until you arrive at Massai Point, offering panoramic views resembling a rocky metropolis akin to New York City’s skyline. For yet another awe-inspiring vista, trek up to Inspiration Point—a demanding but rewarding journey passing through a maze of rhyolite columns before reaching its peak for sweeping panoramas across the national park.
Alternatively, try the moderately difficult Echo Canyon Loop, a three-mile circuit peppered with caverns and striking landforms. If time is limited, opt instead for the shorter trail leading to Echo Canyon Grotto (about 0.8 miles round trip) providing glimpses of this remarkable natural wonderland.
Chiricahua National Monument
12856 East Rhyolite Creek Road
Willcox, AZ 85643
+1 520 824 3560
https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm