News Release

Bonita Canyon Drive Closure

Rock slide on road

NPS Photo

News Release Date: August 23, 2022

Contact: Visitor Center Staff, 520-824-3560

Contact: Julie Blanchard, 520-366-5515 x2310

WILLCOX, AZ — The heavy monsoon rain season affecting large portions of southern Arizona is also being felt at Chiricahua National Monument. According to the National Weather Service, over 15 inches of rain has fallen across the monument during the past 3 months. Because this is almost 80% of the park's annual precipitation, hazardous conditions may exist along park roads, trails or campground when additional rainfall occurs.

Several days of torrential rains this past weekend caused Bonita Creek and it's tributaries to swell, shutting off access to park headquarters and the Bonita Creek Campground. Rockfall resulting from saturated soils along Bonita Canyon Drive also caused its closure over the weekend and remains in effect. According to Park Superintendent Matthew Carroll, "the significant amount of rocks, trees and other debris being deposited on the roadway is expected to continue until monsoon rains subside and the ground begins to dry out. In the interest of safety for our visitors, Bonita Canyon Drive beyond the campground will be closed through this weekend but all other areas of the park will remain open."

Park staff will continue to assess conditions along the roads and trails with initial repairs already underway. The rest of the park is open including the visitor center, campground and hiking trails. Visitors are urged to check road and weather conditions prior to departing for the monument. All visitors should be prepared for rain and severe weather before hiking any trails in the park.

For updates check the park website alerts page or the park Facebook page.