Chiricahua National Park

10/29/2026

Did you know?

Chiricahua National Park's dramatic rock formations began with a massive volcanic eruption about 27 million years ago. Over time, wind and water sculpted the towering spires and balanced rocks visitors see today.

Thinking of a visit? As America's newest national park, Chiricahua is already drawing more visitors than ever. For a quieter experience, visit Monday through Thursday, hit the trails early, or come just before sunset. Most visitors arrive between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. So, consider enjoying a long lunch in Willcox or another town before or after your hike to avoid the peak crowds!

Plan your visit: nps.gov/chir



Photos: NPS / A. Rossman

Photo location: all of these rock formation can be seen on the 3.4-mile Echo Canyon Loop hike (Echo Canyon, Hailstone, and Ed Riggs Trails)

10/24/2026

Big news from southeastern Arizona: Chiricahua National Monument is now Chiricahua National Park! 🪨✨

Congress officially redesignated Chiricahua, recognizing its towering rock spires, remarkable Sky Island biodiversity, and the rich stories of the Apache people and early homesteaders who shaped this landscape.

Plan your visit: nps.gov/chir



Photos: NPS / A. Rossman
1 - First sunset over the temporary park sign, 2 - Secretary Burgum and Congressman Ciscomani talking to rangers at Massai Point, 3 - Hailstone Trail, 4 & 5 - Echo Canyon Trail, 6 - Faraway Ranch House, 7 - Orchid in the park, 8 & 9 - view at Massai Point, 10 - Echo Canyon

10/21/2026

It’s official: Chiricahua National Monument is now Chiricahua National Park! 🎉

Congress has redesignated the park through the Chiricahua National Park Act, recognizing the natural and cultural significance of this “wonderland of rocks”: towering rhyolite spires formed by an ancient volcanic eruption about 27 million years ago, rising from a sky island where desert, grassland, and forest meet.

Protected since 1924, Chiricahua, in Willcox, Arizona, is the homeland of the Chiricahua Apache and holds the legacy of early homesteading families at Faraway Ranch.

Hiking, camping, and the scenic drive are all still waiting for you. Plan your visit at nps.gov/chir.

Share your favorite Chiricahua memory in the comments!

Press Release: https://www.nps.gov/chir/learn/news/chiricahua-national-monument-becomes-america-s-newest-national-park.htm



Photos: NPS
1 - Secretary Doug Burgum, Congressman Ciscomani, Willcox Mayor, and NPS unveil the new sign; 2 - NPS park staff and group with sign; 3 - Massai Point; 4 - Echo Canyon Trail; 5 - Faraway Ranch

10/16/2026

October 16, 2026: Due to high winds and fallen trees blocking the roadway, Bonita Canyon Drive is temporarily closed. Access to Massai Point via the scenic drive is not expected to reopen before Saturday, October 17, 2026. Road access to the upper trailheads will remain closed until conditions improve and crews are able to safely clear debris from the roadway.
Visitors should also use caution when traveling to the park, as current high winds have created hazardous driving conditions on roads throughout the area.

Visit www.nps.gov/chir for additional park information.

10/03/2026

🌠Star Party-In Partnership with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association:
A Night of Cosmic Fun! 🔭

Join us for a night under the Chiricahua’s dark skies! On October 9 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Faraway Ranch, Rangers and Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Volunteers will set up telescopes for views of planets, star clusters, and more. Bring a blanket or chairs and come early for a good spot. No registration needed-just bring your curiosity!

www.nps.gov/chir

NPS Photo

09/28/2026

The Chiricahua National Monument park store will be closed Tuesday, 9/29/2026 to allow our cooperative partners, Western National Parks, to conduct inventory. The visitor center exhibits and video will be available for visitors.

The park store is also available online 24/7 at wnp.org.
Learn more about Chiricahua National Monument at nps.gov/chir.

Experience American heritage and natural wonders with Western National Parks Association. Discover, explore, and belong.

09/02/2026

It’s Beak of the Week Wednesday, and this week’s beaked superstar is the Montezuma Quail!

Are you one of the many birders who come to Chiricahua National Monument hoping to spot this elusive quail? Have you been successful? If so, count your lucky stars. Despite its bold markings and unusual calls, this small quail is surprisingly hard to find.

Montezuma Quail inhabit grassy oak and pine‑oak woodlands of the Sky Islands. They move short distances throughout the day, feeding on the ground, eating insects like beetles and grasshoppers, as well as seeds and nuts. Late summer is an especially interesting season for them at Chiricahua: Arizona’s monsoon rains bring greener grasses, abundant food, and the start of the breeding season. Look and listen for them in grassy areas beneath the oaks.

When they perceive danger, they freeze — and if they suddenly flush, they might startle you before you even realize they were there. Once you catch your breath, you’ll be thrilled to know you’ve finally seen this "nemesis" bird. Their plumage includes black, white, cinnamon, bars, dots, and lines — a combination so striking it’s hard to describe.

Become familiar with their calls, which may alert you to their presence. Be stealthy, determined, and observant… and you just might be lucky enough to add the Montezuma Quail, once known as the “Harlequin Quail” for its striking plumage, to your Life List!

www.nps.gov/chir

Photos: NPS/K. Wright and NPS

08/26/2026

It’s Beak of the Week Wednesday, and this week’s dramatic star is the Bridled Titmouse!

This little songbird sports a snazzy “do” – a black and gray pointed crest. Together with its black eye and cheek lines and black bib, it’s quite the stylish sort. Usually seen in pairs or small groups, it moves quickly through trees looking for insects and may be seen upside down as it searches for a meal.

At Chiricahua National Monument, look for Bridled Titmice in oak and pine-oak woodlands, especially near water over 5000' elevation. In late summer, family groups may join other woodland birds in mixed-species flocks, flitting through the trees as they search leaves, branches and bark for insects.

They make a variety of rapid, buzzy sounds and short chirps that may sound similar to a chickadee. The Bridled Titmouse is sexually monomorphic, meaning the males and females look alike. You may not be able to tell who’s who, but seeing this snappy, year-round resident is always a treat for the senses.

Join us for a National Park Week wildlife viewing adventure today at 9 am, and we might just find some! https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Photos: NPS/Paula Betts

08/25/2026

One of Chiricahua’s most asked about animals might also be one of its cutest—ever met a coati?

Coatis (“ko‑ah‑tea” or Coatimundi) are part of the raccoon family. They live in Central and South America, and some also live in the mountain ranges of the Southwest. If you’ve visited Chiricahua recently, you may have seen “Coati Crossing” signs along the road. These signs are a reminder to slow down and watch for wildlife. These curious creatures do sometimes play in the road! They are a brown with long balancing tails and bright white around the nose so they are called White‑Nosed Coatis.

Coatis are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They spend their nights in caves or trees and they are good climbers, using those tails for balance. They are omnivores (eating everything) and their flexible snout allows them to root for grubs, flip over rocks for snakes or lizards, or climb those trees in search of bird eggs.

A few visitors have spotted moms with their babies out in the park this month! If you’re lucky enough to spot one while hiking or walking through Chiricahua, remember to respect their space and observe all wildlife from a safe distance. Seeing a coati in the wild is a reward in itself!

Want to learn even more? During National Park Week we’ll be offering a special ranger program all about coatis at 9 am on August 24 at the visitor center.

https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Photos: NPS/Paula Betts

08/19/2026

It’s Beak of the Week Wednesday, and this week’s beaked superstar is the Bewick’s Wren!

A busy, buzzy wren, the Bewick’s is often heard before it is seen. Only the males sing, and they have quite the repertoire – varying notes, buzzes and trills. When you spot this gray and brown bird, you’ll see a barred tail held high, a white eyebrow and a slender dark bill.

Bewick’s Wrens thrive in a variety of habitats, so Chiricahua National Monument is a great place for them. Brush, scrub, open woodlands and streams – the Bewick’s Wren is at home here. In late summer, look and listen for adults and young birds moving through brush and woodland edges as they forage.

They are insectivores, feeding mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, and they nest in cavities, crevices or on ledges. They may raise more than one brood per year! Bewick’s Wrens are sexually monomorphic, which means the males and females look alike.

Use your birding skills to hear and see this charming, year-round resident of Chiricahua!

Join us for a wildlife viewing adventure during National Park Week at 9 am on Wednesday, August 26, and see what other birds we can find! https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/calendar.htm



Photos: NPS/P. Betts and K. Wright