Date: November 2, 2012
Chiricahua National Monument - along with all 398 units of the national park system - will waive entrance fees for all visitors during the upcoming Veterans Day weekend (November 10-12) in appreciation of the service and sacrifice of both active and retired military personnel.
"National parks preserve places that commemorate our country's collective heritage - our ideals, our majestic lands, our sacred sites, our patriotic icons - which our military has defended through the years," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "We are grateful for the service and sacrifice of military members, past and present, and honored to tell their story at many of our national parks."
From frontier forts to World War II battlefields, more than 70 national parks have direct connections to the military. Although most visitors come to Chiricahua National Monument (NM) to view the unique geologic features, there is a special piece of military history preserved at Faraway Ranch. The fireplace in the main house was made of stones carved by Buffalo Soldiers from the 10th Cavalry. Originally the stones, with the soldiers' names and other bits of information, were used in a monument to honor President James A. Garfield. Guided tours of the main house are offered as staffing permits.
Active duty personnel are also encouraged to visit Chiricahua NM, or any federal recreation area that collects entrance fees, to pick up the new America the Beautiful Military Pass for use throughout the year at any national park, wildlife refuge or other federal site that charges an entrance fee. Military members must show a current, valid military identification card to obtain their pass. Dependents of active duty personnel are also eligible for this pass.
Nicknamed the "Wonderland of Rocks," Chiricahua NM was established in 1924 to protect the fantastic rhyolite rock formations known as "The Pinnacles." The park also features 17 miles of hiking trails, a visitor center that is open daily, and the 25-site Bonita Canyon Campground. The holiday weekend fee waiver applies to entrance fees only and does not include fees for camping. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for $12/night. Western National Parks Association, the nonprofit organization that operates the bookstore in the visitor center, will offer a 15% discount on all items over the holiday weekend.
The monument is located four miles east of the junction of Arizona Highways 181 and 186. There are no services (gas, food, or drinks) available at the park. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/chir or call the visitor center at (520) 824-3560 ext. 0.
Experience Your America
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
