In the 1800s, the Chiricahua Mountains were the home of the Chiricahua Apaches. Cochise and Geronimo operated out of these mountains. Warfare and conflict were common in the area until the late 1800s. Years later, Ed and Lillian Riggs built a small ranch and began exploring the area. In 1922, they showed photographs of the rock formations at a fair and began promoting the idea of a national park. The area became a national monument two years later in 1924.

The spectacular rock formations were formed when the Turkey Creek Volcano erupted and sent gas, pumice, and ash into the air. As the ash settled, the hot layers melted together and formed a gray rock called Rhyolite canyon Tuff. As it cooled, it contracted, cracked, and formed joints. Ice and frost enlarged these joints when water seeped into them, froze and expanded. Over time, erosion and other natural forces took their toll and formed the existing spectacular rock formations.

The Chiricahuas are unique in many different ways. They lie at the confluence of the Sierra Madre, Sonoran Desert, Chihuahuan Desert, and the Rocky Mountains. Flora and fauna here include Englemann Spruce, Chiricahua Pine, Apache Pine, Pinyons, Alligator Juniper, Oaks, Manzanita, Sotol, Trogons, Mexican Jays, Coatimundis, Spotted Owls, various hummingbirds, ocelots, and jaguarundis. It is rumored that jaguars and parrots are occasional visitors. Although parrots disappeared from the Chiricahuas some time ago, efforts are being made to reintroduce them to the area.

Visitors today enjoy hiking, birding, spectacular scenery, and incredible rock formations. Camping and picnic sites are also available.

Trails in the area include the Echo Canyon Trail, Massai Point Nature Trail, Heart of Rocks Trail/Loop, Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, Hailstone Trail, and a 2.4 mile trail to a natural bridge. The Faraway Ranch and Stafford Cabin are also found in the monument.

It is possible to hike from the top (Massai point) to the visitor's center. Check at the visitor's center for more information.

Location: Southeast of Tucson, From Tucson, drive to Willcox. From Willcox, head south to the monument. Please note, this is an isolated section of Arizona. There are no hotels or gas available in the Monument. These can be found in nearby communities. Visitors should be prepared for conditions.

Climate: Several ecosystems meet here. Summer temperatures can easily exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures can be very cold, and snow is common during the winter months. Hikers should carry plenty of water and be prepared for conditions.