Cochise County National Park Service Sites Announce Seasonal Operations

Date: November 15, 2013
Contact: Chiricahua National Monument Visitor Center , 520-824-3560, ext. 0
Contact: Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center , 520-366-5515, ext. 0
Contact: Fort Bowie National Historic Site Visitor Center , 520-847-2500, ext. 1

Superintendent H. Lane Baker has announced the seasonal operating hours of the three National Park Service sites in Cochise County - Chiricahua National Monument, Coronado National Memorial, and Fort Bowie National Historic Site.  New this year, all three park visitor centers will be open on Thanksgiving Day. "We recognize the holidays are a popular time for many local residents to bring guests out to experience our national parks," said Baker. "This year we'd like to make sure those visitors have the opportunity to fully enjoy our parks and visit with a ranger over the Thanksgiving holiday."

At Chiricahua National Monument (NM), all facilities are open for the winter including the scenic 8-mile Bonita Canyon Drive, the 25-site Bonita Canyon Campground (first-come, first-serve), visitor center, Faraway Ranch Historic District, picnic areas, and hiking trails. The visitor center is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and will be closed Christmas day. The monument is open 24 hours a day, although the scenic drive can be temporarily closed due to snow and ice. Tours of Faraway Ranch and other ranger-led programs are available during the winter season. Check with visitor center staff for a current schedule. Schools or other groups seeking a tour or talk are advised  to call  in advance to arrange a program.  For more information about visiting the monument, go to www.nps.gov/chir or call the visitor center staff at 520-824-3560, ext. 0.

At Coronado National Memorial, all facilities are open for the winter including the visitor center, picnic area, hiking trails, and the 5-mile scenic drive to Montezuma Pass overlook. The visitor center is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and will be closed Christmas day. The memorial is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Ranger-led hikes to Coronado Cave and other ranger-led programs are available during the winter season. Check with visitor center staff for a current schedule. Schools or other groups seeking a guided walk or talk are advised to call the park ahead of time to arrange a program.  For more information about visiting the memorial, go to www.nps.gov/coro or call the visitor center staff at  520-366-5515, ext. 0.

At Fort Bowie National Historic Site, all facilities are open for the winter including the visitor center,  ruins areas, hiking trails, and administrative access road. The visitor center is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and will be closed Christmas day. The fort is open daily from sunrise to sunset.  Ranger-led hikes and tours are available during the winter season. Check with visitor center staff for a current schedule. Schools or other groups seeking a guided program are advised to call the park ahead of time to arrange a program.  For more information about visiting the fort, go to www.nps.gov/fobo or call the visitor center staff at 520-847-2500, ext. 1.