Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

Park Closure

• Portions of Chiricahua National Monument have re-opened

  Alert 1 , Severity ,closure ,, Portions of Chiricahua National Monument have re-opened Sections of the park have re-opened including restrooms, the campground, the area around Faraway Ranch, the Silver Spur Trail and the Lower Rhyolite trail. Visitor services remain unavailable. Scenic Drive past campground will reopen when conditions allow

Caution

• Rabies Warning: do not approach, feed, or touch wild animals

  Alert 1 , Severity ,caution ,, Rabies Warning: do not approach, feed, or touch wild animals Signs of rabid animals include: Appearing sick or tame; difficulty moving; aggressive behavior; drooling or biting; active during abnormal hours. Report dead or unusual wildlife observations to park ranger: 520-824-3560 x9302
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• Trail Advisory - Downed Trees

  Alert 2 , Severity ,caution ,, Trail Advisory - Downed Trees Due to recent high winds hikers may encounter a large number of downed trees on the trails, especially on backcountry paths. Downed trees may pose difficult obstacles for equestrians and stock users.

Information

• Bonita Canyon Drive Road Work

  Alert 1 , Severity ,information ,, Bonita Canyon Drive Road Work Expect intermittent, short delays on Bonita Canyon Drive as crews work to remove hazard trees near the road, now until March 1, 2019.

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Rabies Warning:

 

A dramatic monsoon season storm develops in the valley to the west of the park.

Monsoon Season: June 15 - September 30

Officially, Chiricahua National Monument is in "monsoon season" from June 15 through September 30, and severe thunderstorms are possible. Though the season officially begins on June 15, often the park doesn't see its first seasonal storm until sometime in July. After then, it is common for thunderclouds to develop each day.

Some storms are severe and drop enough rain at once to cause flooding. Flash floods come quickly and can be dangerous.

Do not try to cross a flooded wash - often as quickly as the flood comes, it will dissipate as storms move across the landscape. Remember: Turn around, don't drown! Lightning can also pose a hazard this time of year. Time your activity to be indoors in the afternoon. If you are outside during a storm, find shelter. Lightning will often strike trees, so stay away and stay low if you get caught.