Looking for national park quality scenery and hiking but with fewer crowds than the big parks? Chiricahua National Monument might be your perfect escape. Located in the Chiricahua Mountains of southern Arizona, this compact park has all the beauty and adventure of a big national park, wrapped up in a smaller package.
We took a day trip to Chiricahua from Benson (near Tucson) during the fall, enjoying milder weather for a family picnic and some fantastic hiking. With just one day to explore, we packed in a little bit of everything! Follow along to see how to spend a day in Chiricahua National Monument and make the most of your visit to this gem of a park.
Starting at the Chiricahua Visitor Center
Our first stop was the Chiricahua Visitor Center, a must for any park visit. It is a great spot to grab trail maps, check out the exhibits, and learn more about the park before heading on to your adventure.
We met a great group of rangers at the visitor center- they were so fun, personable, and of course very knowledgeable. They were very helpful in tailoring trail suggestions for hiking with kids. After visiting dozens of national parks along our travels, we can say this crew were some of the best rangers we have interacted with. Their recommendations made it easier for us to prioritize our time in the park.
Before heading out, we stamped our National Park Passport book and the kids snagged Junior Ranger workbooks to complete. This is always a fun activity that keeps them engaged while we explore, 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 to choose from in Chiricahua National Monument. Hiking is definitely a top way to spend a day in Chiricahua.
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 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 & More
With little ones in tow, we opted for shorter trails that kept them excited- especially ones with “rock scrambling” opportunities, their favorite. Any chance they get to climb rocks and boulders on a trail, it’s a good hike for them!
From the rangers’ recommendation, we chose the Massai Point Nature Trail and the Echo Canyon Grottoes. Both hikes are easy and each are less than a mile to complete.
These trails wind through canyons and grottoes, surrounded by towering spires, columns, and balancing rocks. The trails in Chiricahua are on the top of our list of best Arizona hikes for families. The views were spectacular, and the kids stayed entertained climbing around.
Next time, I think we will try the full Echo Canyon Loop trail. It is listed as a moderate 3.3 mile hike, but it takes you even further into the park’s unique rocks and formations.
Beyond Hiking: Other Activities
Hiking is just the start of how to spend a day in Chiricahua, there are many other activities you can choose from. Wildlife viewing and birding are very popular activities. Horseback riding and camping at Bonita Canyon Campground (which is open year-round) are also great options. You can also visit the Faraway Ranch, a historic homestead, to learn about early life at Chiricahua.
Like any national park or monument, the scenic drive is a must! Bonita Canyon Scenic Drive is an 8-mile paved road that winds through the park with access to picnic spots, trailheads, the campground, and of course, many picturesque viewpoints that showcase the park’s rugged charm.
Wrapping Up Your Day Trip to Chiricahua
After hiking for the day and enjoying the scenic drive, we returned to the Visitor Center so the kids could complete their Junior Ranger Program and receive their badges. A perfect way to end the day.
We had a fantastic day trip to Chiricahua National Monument. We enjoyed the national park vibes without all of the busy crowds. Exploring this park is just one of many fantastic things to do while visiting southern Arizona.
While staying just outside of Tucson, we also visited Saguaro National Park and the Pima Air and Space Museum. We missed the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and San Xavier del Bac Mission this time, but they’re on our list for next visit. Find out more in our post: Exciting Places to Explore in Tucson, Arizona.
Happy Travels!
*This post contains affiliate links. We are compensated from these links, but that compensation does not effect our review.
