Chiricahua National Monument – A Complete Travel Guide – Part 2

It may not be a surprise to you that Arizona national parks are some of the most beautiful in the country. But did you know that Chiricahua National Monument (CNM) is being considered for the next U.S. national park to be added to that prestigious list? My complete travel guide (parts 1 and 2) will tell you everything you need to know to prepare for your visit to this hidden gem in southeastern Arizona.

If you missed part 1 of my Chiricahua National Monument Travel Guide you can find it here.

Can I Take My Dog to Chiricahua NM?

Most Arizona national parks have similar rules for pets. Except for official service animals, dogs, cats, and other pets are not allowed on most trails of Chiricahua National Monument, except in parking areas, pull-outs, and inside vehicles. Pets must be properly restrained even when in vehicles. The Bonita Canyon Campground, Faraway Ranch, and Visitor Center parking lots, and the trails that link these three locations ALLOW pets on a leash. Residential areas in the park also allow pets.

Always be aware of the potential for encountering wildlife when you’re out with your dog even on a leash. Chiricahua NM has bears, cougars, ringtails, coatimundi, skunks, and various other mammals that may be threatened by your pet. This is their home, so let’s keep you, your pet, and the animals safe.

These Three Chiricahua Nat’l Mnmt trails are OPEN to Pets on a Leash:

• Silver Spur Meadow trail
• Interpretive trails within the Faraway Ranch Historic District
• Bonita Creek Trail

Keep Pets and Children Safe in Arizona National Parks

If you’re not from this region, you may not be familiar with the potential for deadly heat in the Southwestern U.S. Please know about Arizona laws. It’s illegal to leave your pet (or a human) alone in a vehicle if there’s a chance that it will harm them. Consider this warning especially when temperatures start getting above 70 degrees F [21 C]. See the chart below for just how damaging this can quickly become.

Have you heard of the Arizona Samaritan Hot Car Law?

Did you also know that the state of Arizona passed this “Samaritan Hot Car Law” in 2017?

A person who uses reasonable force to remove a child or domestic animal from a locked motor vehicle is not liable for damages in a civil action if they comply with the following conditions:

• The rescuer has a good faith belief that the confined child or pet is in imminent danger of suffering physical injury or death unless they are removed from the vehicle.
• The rescuer determines the car is locked or there is no reasonable manner in which the person can remove the child or pet.
• Before entering the vehicle, the rescuer notifies the proper authorities (defined).
• The rescuer does not use more force than is necessary under the circumstances to enter the vehicle.
• The rescuer remains with the child or pet until the authorities arrive.

What Kind of Lodging is in or Near Chiricahua National Monument?

Chiricahua is smaller than some Arizona national parks and is limited in lodging options. There is only one place to stay in the park and that’s a campground. There are no hotels or lodges immediately outside the park either. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find good lodging nearby.

Camping at the Chiricahua NM

Bonita Canyon Campground is open year-round and is in a wooded area inside the park. It has 25 family campsites and 1 group campsite. RVs and trailers under 29 feet long are allowed, but there are no utility hook-ups. The maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days. Each campsite is limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles. The group campsite can accommodate from 8 to 24 people (no trailers or RVs). There is one ADA-accessible site (#8) with an electric hook-up (for medical use only).

There are flush toilets, but no showers and no camp store, so be sure to bring all the supplies you need. Some campsites are closed from early July through September due to possible flooding in the monsoon season. As mentioned before there are bears, mountain lions, and other large animals in Chiricahua NM. Learn how to store your food properly and closely supervise young children and pets. You might have fire restrictions in late spring and early summer due to windy and dry conditions.

Some discounted rates are available for camping if you have a National Parks “America the Beautiful” pass. Check out my list of all the free and discount options available in the National Park System. Find more details and make campground reservations online at Recreation.gov.

Camping in or Near the Chiricahua Mountains

If Bonita Canyon Campground is full, there are several other campgrounds and RV parks in and near the town of Willcox. The Willcox KOA even has a pool and cafe.

There are also many campgrounds and a few cabins in the Chiricahua Mountains and Wilderness surrounding CNM. Find information on the US Forest Service website here.

Lodging in Nearby Towns

Willcox is 37 miles away and the closest town to Chiricahua National Monument with services. Booking.com has several properties in Willcox where you may find great deals. You can also look on the Willcox town website.

Booking.com guarantees the best prices for any type of property and no booking fees!

When we visited CNM we stayed at Dos Cabezas Inn. It’s 22 miles from the Visitor Center, about halfway between Chiricahua and Willcox. This quiet historic Adobe retreat has a guest house with 2 suites. It’s a great option for 2 couples or a small family. There is a living/dining area and a sunroom attached to the suites. Our hosts have sold the property since we were there, but it looks like the new owners are keeping the lodging open, so it’s well worth checking out.

Bisbee is south of Chiricahua and another great historic mining town to use as a home base. It’s 74 miles away, so a farther drive to CNM, but there are fun things to do near there as well. Booking.com lists some awesome and unique historic hotels, motels, and apartments in Bisbee.

If you’re planning a road trip in the Southwest, see below for distances to other towns from CNM.

Is Overnight Backpacking Allowed at Chiricahua National Monument?

Arizona national parks vary widely in permissions for backpacking. Unfortunately, overnight backpacking and dispersed camping are not allowed in Chiricahua National Monument. Sleeping overnight in parking areas isn’t allowed either. You can only camp at the Bonita Canyon Campground.

The good news is that outside CNM in the surrounding Chiricahua Wilderness and Coronado National Forest, you’ll find places to backpack. Hiking, off-road biking, horseback riding, and dispersed camping are permitted in many areas.

Are there Food Services at Chiricahua National Monument?

NO. Unlike some other Arizona national parks where there may be cafes, restaurants, or camp stores, food services are quite limited in Chiricahua NM. You may find a few random snacks at the Visitor Center, but for the most part, you’ll need to stock up on food, ice, water, etc. before you get there. Or plan to drive out of the park for your meals and shopping. You’ll find a Safeway grocery store, Circle K convenience stores, Dollar stores, gas stations, fast-food and sit-down restaurants all in Willcox.

If you’re driving on AZ Highway 191 there are a few small restaurants west of Chiricahua. Sandy’s Restaurant and RV Park is near the intersection of Highways 181 and 191 in Sunizona. They serve breakfast and lunch to the public. Check online or call ahead for seasonal opening hours.

If you’re coming from the south, then Douglas or Bisbee are your best bets for food services before heading to the park.

What Are Other Cool Things to Do Near Chiricahua National Monument?

The metro area of Tucson is only about 2 hours away and there’s a plethora of things to do there. But if you want to stay nearby, here are just a few of the many ideas for things to do in southeastern Arizona.

Things to do Near Willcox, AZ

• Willcox Wine Country‘s 526,000-acre region in Cochise and Graham counties was recently granted “American Viticultural Area” status. Over a dozen vineyards grow 74% of Arizona’s wine grapes and supply wineries and tasting rooms in the area and around the state. This growing industry produces a wide variety of high-quality and award-winning wines. They also host two Willcox Wine Festivals each year in May and October. We were lucky enough to visit during the spring Willcox Wine Festival. We met so many friendly folks, shopped at the gorgeous arts and crafts booths, and brought home some delicious wines.
• Museums and Historical Sites nearby are fun to visit when you don’t want to be outdoors. The Rex Allen Museum honors the last of the singing cowboys in the old Western films. You’ll learn about the indigenous American Indian cultures in the area at the Amarind Museum and Chiricahua Regional Museum.

Things to do Near the Chiricahua NM

• Fort Bowie National Historical Site is a close neighbor to CNM and another Arizona national park run by the National Park Service. It’s well worth a visit if you enjoy history and hiking. The drive from the turnoff at Highway 181 and Apache Pass Road is 8 miles of unpaved road to the Fort Bowie Trailhead. The hike from the parking area is 3 miles round trip. Along the main trail there are a few shady areas, but also some wide open meadows, so bring plenty of water and good shoes. If you’re physically not able to do the hike, there are a few handicapped parking spots at the Visitor Center. Contact the visitor center staff to make arrangements for vehicles transporting those with limited mobility to make the ADA drive.
• Pinery Canyon Scenic Drive starts at the turn-off on the right just before you enter CNM. We recommend High-clearance vehicles for this drive that goes over the mountain to the eastern side of the Chiricahuas. You’ll love experiencing nature, vistas, bird-watching, and wildlife along the way. It may be closed due to snow in the winter. The drive ends up near the town of Portal on the East side of the mountains.
• Chiricahua Crystal Cave is in Coronado National Forest (Cochise County) managed by the Douglas Ranger Station of the U.S. Forest Service. The cave is closed to visitors from April 15th to October 15th because of the birthing season of Townsend’s big-ear bats. The cave is open to experienced spelunkers and protected by a locked gate year-round. Click the link for more information about how to plan a visit.

Very Important to Know Before Visiting Chiricahua Nat’l Mnmt

• Arizona does NOT observe Daylight Savings Time. You can confirm the correct time at CNM here.
• There is little to no cell phone reception in the lower elevations of the park. You’ll sometimes get reception at the higher elevations but don’t count on it.
• There is no camp store, no ice or firewood for sale, no laundry, no food service
• Rock climbing is prohibited in order to protect and preserve the fragile rock pinnacles
• The Faraway Ranch equestrian trailhead parking area is the only place where horse trailers and vehicles transporting stock are permitted.
• Launching, landing, or operating drones or unmanned aircraft is not allowed within the park. Permission may be granted in writing from the CNM park superintendent if you contact them in advance of your visit. In fact, drones are not allowed in any Arizona national parks. Or any of the 417 parks administered and managed by the National Park Service without explicit written permission. This includes national trails, rivers, monuments, historic parks, etc.
• Bicycles or e-bikes are not permitted on any trails or off-road.
• There is a maximum vehicle length limit of 24 feet for any single vehicle or combination of vehicle and trailer past the Bonita Canyon Campground entrance.

What does the name Chiricahua mean and how do you pronounce it?

If you’re not familiar with the Spanish language you’ll find many strange-sounding names. Words like Saguaro and Ocotillo around the Southwestern United States. Chiricahua certainly falls into that category.

Fun Fact: Chiricahua is pronounced “cheer-i-cow-ah” or [ chir-i-kah-wuh ]- The first letter “i” has a long “e” sound and the second “i” has a short “i” vowel sound. The letter “h” sounds like a “w”.

The word was first recorded in 1885–90; via Spanish from Opata (an extinct Uto-Aztecan language of Sonora) Chihuicahui or Chiguicagui translated to “Mountain of the Wild Turkey”. The Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona had an abundance of wild turkeys over a hundred years ago, so the name made perfect sense.

Distances to Chiricahua Visitor Center from around the Region

• Benson, AZ to Chiricahua National Monument, AZ – 72 miles [116 km]
• Bisbee, AZ to Chiricahua National Monument – 74 miles [119 km]
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico to Chiricahua National Monument – 387 miles [622 km] (partially through Mexico) or 442 miles [711 km] on U.S. roads
• El Paso, TX to Chiricahua National Monument – 245 miles [394 km]
• Flagstaff, AZ to Chiricahua National Monument – 376 miles [605 km]
• Fort Bowie National Historic Site, AZ to Chiricahua National Monument – 26 miles [42 km]
• Las Cruces, New Mexico to Chiricahua National Monument – 204 miles [325 km]
• Phoenix, AZ to Chiricahua National Monument – 227 miles [365 km] (Sky Harbor Airport)
• Portal, AZ to Chiricahua National Monument – 80 miles [129 km]
• Tucson, AZ to Chiricahua National Monument – 114 miles [183 km] (Tucson Int’l Airport)
• White Sands National Park, New Mexico to Chiricahua National Monument – 261 miles [420 km]
• Willcox, AZ to Chiricahua National Monument – 37 miles [60 km] The closest town with services

Distances to other Arizona National Parks

• Grand Canyon National Park, AZ [South Rim] to Chiricahua National Monument – 461 miles [742 km]
• Grand Canyon National Park, AZ [North Rim] to Chiricahua NM – 585 miles [942 km]
• Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to Chiricahua National Monument – 241 miles [387 km]
• Saguaro National Park East, AZ to Chiricahua NM – 112 miles [180 km]
• Saguaro National Park West, AZ to Chiricahua National Monument – 132 miles [213 km]
• Tonto National Monument to Chiricahua NM – 191 miles [307 km]
• Tumacacori National Historical Park to Chiricahua NM – 145 miles [234 km]

Are you a lover of Arizona national parks like me? Or maybe you have it on your bucket list to visit all the national parks in America (me too!). I’ve been to over half of the national parks and dozens more national monuments, battlefields and historical parks. I haven’t had a chance to write about all that I’ve visited, but you can click here to see what parks I’ve written about recently.