Looking for national park quality scenery and hiking but with fewer crowds than the big parks? Take a look at Chiricahua National Monument, it has all the qualities of a big national park but in a smaller package.
We visited Chiricahua National Monument, located in southern Arizona in the Chiricahua Mountains, during the Fall season. The park is less than an hour and a half drive from Benson, where we were staying near Tucson. We planned a day trip to Chiricahua for a family picnic and to take advantage of the milder weather for some hiking. There are a lot of activities packed into this smaller park! See how we fit in a little bit of everything with only 1 day to visit.
Chiricahua Visitor Center
We try to stop at the Visitor Center first before heading on to our adventure for the day. You can pick up trail maps, browse the exhibits, and learn a little more about the park before exploring further.
We spoke to the park rangers to help us pick out the best hiking options for our littles. Now, we have been to quite a few state and national parks/monuments/etc. over the past 2 years of travel… and I have to say this was a great group of rangers! They were so fun, personable, and of course very knowledgeable. They gave us a few trail recommendations which made it easier to prioritize our time in the park.
Before we leave the visitor center, we like to stamp our National Park Passport books and the kids grabbed Junior Ranger Books to fill out. These workbooks are a fun way to keep them engaged while we are exploring, and they love to receive their Junior Ranger badges at the end of the trip.
Hiking in Chiricahua National Monument
From easy to strenuous, there are over 17 miles of hiking trails within Chiricahua National Monument.
We visited Chiricahua in the middle of Fall and the weather was mild. In fact, there was already a little bit of snow and ice on shady parts of the trail (which was a big hit with the kids). Bring layers though as it was cool in the shade but still very warm out in the sun.
In the summer, it can be very hot in the park so be sure to pack sun protection and plenty of water when hiking. Keep a special eye on the weather if visiting Chiricahua from mid-June to the end of September as that is monsoon season in Arizona.
We did see signs that leashed pets are allowed on a few of the designated hiking trails as well as in the campground. Be sure to check with the Rangers or the park website if you are bringing your furry friend.
Echo Canyon Grottoes Trail
We have younger kids (three and six) so at this point in life, we try to choose shorter trails that offer features that will keep them interested. Our kids love what they like to call ‘rock scrambling’. So any chance they get to climb rocks and boulders on a trail, it’s a good hike for them. From the recommendations we received from the park rangers, we chose the Massai Point Nature Trail and the Echo Canyon Grottoes. Both were easy hikes that were each less than a mile to complete.
The trails in Chiricahua remain on our list of top family hikes to this day. Hike through grottoes and canyons, with spectacular views of spires, columns, and balancing rocks surrounding you.
Next visit we will try the full Echo Canyon Loop trail. It is listed as a moderate 3.3 mile hike that takes you further into the rocks and formations.
Other Activities in Chiricahua National Monument
There are plenty of other activities in Chiricahua other than hiking. From wildlife viewing and birding, to horseback riding and camping at Bonita Canyon Campground (which is open year-round). You can visit Faraway Ranch, a historic homestead, to learn about early life at Chiricahua.
While you’re visiting be sure to take a drive on Bonita Canyon Scenic Drive, an 8-mile paved road that winds through the park with access to picnic areas, trailheads, the campground, and of course, many picturesque viewpoints.
Ending Our Day Trip to Chiricahua
After finishing the scenic drive, we stopped back by the Visitor Center so the kids could complete their Junior Ranger Program and receive their badges.
We had a fantastic day trip to Chiricahua National Monument. Exploring this park is one of so many places to visit and things to do while visiting southern Arizona. While staying near Tucson, we also visited Saguaro National Park and the Pima Air and Space Museum.
Next time we plan to visit the Arizona Senora-Desert Museum and the San Xavier del Bac Mission in Tucson. Check back for more posts on our adventures in Arizona!
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