A "wonderland of rocks" in southeastern Arizona: thousands of rhyolite pinnacles and balanced rocks you can explore on foot or by car, in a mountain range that rises between two deserts and shelters unusually diverse wildlife. Apaches, Buffalo Soldiers, the Civilian Conservation Corps, ranchers and homesteaders all left their mark here, and the night skies are dark and full of stars. A national monument since 1924, it became America's 64th national park in October 2026.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
The road, campground, and facilities in the park are open overnight. Gates on the road will not be closed during overnight hours unless an emergency occurs. The park prohibits overnight parking, sleeping in vehicles, and camping outside the campground. The trails stay open for sunrise, sunset, and night sky viewing. Be aware of wildlife and use extreme caution.
Weather
The park elevation goes from 5,124 feet at the entrance to 7,310 feet on Sugarloaf Mountain. The top of the park can be 5-10 degrees cooler and windier than the visitor center and entrance. The higher elevations generally have more sun exposure. Clothing layers are always recommended here. The park is often cooler than cities in Arizona with summer highs in the 80s and 90s. Winter lows are often near or below freezing.
Things to Do
Hike the Trails at Chiricahua
17 miles of trails will take you into a wilderness of rocks. Chiricahua offers a range of day hiking options from easy to strenuous.
Trail to Natural Bridge
This trail is a great opportunity to avoid the crowds in March and to see wildlife. It crosses through a stunning variety of ecosystems before ending at a bridge overlook. The small water-carved bridge is located across the canyon. This hike is about the journey, not the bridge. Return the same way.
Birdwatching at Chiricahua
Chiricahua is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 different bird species documented in the area! The best places for birdwatching include Bonita Creek Trail, Silver Spur Meadow Trail, and Echo Park, although you can see birds anywhere in the park.
Stargazing at Chiricahua
Chiricahua is always open, so come experience our dark skies! The best places to view the night sky at Chiricahua are the Faraway Ranch and Echo Canyon parking lots, both offering wide, unobstructed views of the sky.
Getting There
Address: 13063 E Bonita Canyon Rd Willcox AZ 85643
Chiricahua National Park is in the southeast corner of Arizona. Interstate I10 from LA or Tucson to El Paso or Lordsburg runs about 40 miles north of the park. Exits in Willcox to Hwy 186 are the most direct paved access to the park from the north. (Exits 336, 340, and 344). Note: Exit 366 to Bowie will require driving 10 miles of dirt road. This route is recommended only if stopping at Fort Bowie National Historic Site.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Bonita Canyon Campground
23 sites · $25/night
Bonita Canyon Campground is a small, historic campground with many trees. It has 23 sites ALL by reservation only. The campground has flush toilets, running wa…
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Chiricahua National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Chiricahua National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Chiricahua National Park open?
The road, campground, and facilities in the park are open overnight. Gates on the road will not be closed during overnight hours unless an emergency occurs. The park prohibits overnight parking, sleeping in vehicles, and camping outside the campground. The trails stay open for sunrise, sunset, and night sky viewing. Be aware of wildlife and use extreme caution.
What are the best things to do in Chiricahua National Park?
Popular things to do in Chiricahua National Park include Hike the Trails at Chiricahua, Horseback Riding at Chiricahua, Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, Trail to Natural Bridge. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Chiricahua National Park?
Yes — Chiricahua National Park has 1 campground, including Bonita Canyon Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.