Outdoor Activities

Bonita Canyon Drive
Making a gradual climb through oak, cypress, and pine forests, this 8-mile paved drive winds to Massai Point, a perfect place for a picnic. The overlook has a 360-degree view of Rhyolite Canyon, adjacent valleys, and surrounding mountain peaks. Massai Nature Trail is a .5 mile loop trail which allows you to discover the geologic story of the park. A stop at the exhibit building along the nature trail provides additional park information. The drive provides access to Bonita Canyon Campground, multiple pullouts to enjoy the scenery, and trailheads to the 17 miles of day-use hiking trails.

 

Massai Point picnic area.

Picnic Areas
The Bonita Creek and Faraway areas have tables, grills, trashcans, and restrooms. Massai Point, Echo Canyon, and Sugarloaf areas have tables and restrooms. Water is available at Faraway Ranch and the visitor center. Picknicking in Bonita Canyon campground is prohibited.

 

Wilderness and Hiking Trails
Most of the park area is designated wilderness, accessible by foot and horseback, but not mechanized vehicles. Some 17 miles of day-use trails wind through meadows, forest, and rock pinnacles.

Silver Spur Meadown trailhead: Hike from the visitor center to Faraway Ranch Historic District to discover the human activity in the Chiricahua Mountains.

Natural Bridge trailhead: Access the Natural Bridge Trail from Bonita Canyon Drive for the 2.4-mile, one-way hike.

From the Echo Canyon trailhead: Access trails to explore the rock formations in the park.

For a short hike, make your way along the Echo Canyon Trail to the Echo Canyon Grottoes for a .8 mile round trip hike.

For a medium length, make your way along the Echo Canyon Trail to the Hailstone Trail, to the Ed Riggs Trail for a 3.3- mile round trip hike.

For a long, moderate hike, access Echo Canyon Trailhead to the visitor center, a 7.3- mile hike one way. Start along the Ed Riggs Trail to Mushroom Rock Trail, along Big Balanced Rock Trail to the Heart of Rocks Loop. This trail is where you will find the most iconic formations, many named by the Civil Conservation Corps. From the Heart of Rocks loop follow the Sarah Deming Trail to Lower Rhyolite Canyon Trail to the visitor center.

Sugarloaf Trailhead: This .9- mile, one-way trail climbs over 450 feet in elevation to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. A historic fire lookout tower can be discovered at the end of the trail.

Hiking with Pets
Pets are permitted at Chiricahua National Monument. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and not left alone. You may walk your dog on the lower canyon trails between the campground, visitor center, and entrance station on the Silver Spur Trail, Faraway Ranch Trail, and the campground. You may not bring your pets on any of the other park trails. This is for the safety of your dog and protection of the wildlife.

 

Faraway Ranch Historic District
Visit the many features within the historic district to discover the human activity in the Chiricahua Mountains. Tours inside the Faraway Ranch House are year round, subject to change without notice. Check at the visitor center for up to date information.

 

Camping
Bonita Canyon Campground is open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted for the 25 individual campsites.