Chiricahua National Park — Visitor Information
Chiricahua is America's newest national park: the Chiricahua National Park Act was signed into law on October 20, 2026, making the former national monument (protected since 1924) the 64th national park and Arizona's fourth. Its "wonderland of rocks" — thousands of rhyolite pinnacles and balanced boulders — rises from a sky island in southeast Arizona. There's no entrance fee and no reservation to get in. Here's what to know before you go.
Page content last verified: October 2026
Our first cloth trail map of Chiricahua is printing this winter: one sheet covers the whole park, from Faraway Ranch up Bonita Canyon to Massai Point, Echo Canyon and the Heart of Rocks. Join the waitlist and we'll let you know when it's ready.
Visitor Center
Tap for the official NPS visitor center page.
Cell reception cuts out near the park — confirm hours and plans on the official NPS basic information page before you go.
Entrance Fees & Passes
Chiricahua has no entrance or parking fees, so the park doesn't sell passes. Fees do apply for camping at Bonita Canyon Campground, and some areas of the surrounding Coronado National Forest may charge their own fees.
Bonita Canyon Drive & Vehicle Limits
The 8-mile scenic drive climbs Bonita Canyon to Massai Point, with pull-offs at the Organ Pipe Formation and the Sugarloaf and Echo Canyon trailheads near the top. The road is narrow and steep, with low-hanging trees and small parking areas.
- Past Faraway Ranch: no vehicles over 29 ft and no day-use trailers (unhitch at Faraway Ranch — there's no turnaround beyond it).
- Past the campground: standard-size vehicles only, 24 ft maximum.
- Natural Bridge Trailhead: only 3 small parking spaces.
Hiking & the Hiker's Shuttle
Trails here climb steeply over stairs and cliff edges. Bring plenty of water, salty snacks and sun protection, and if you're coming from lower elevations, consider a shorter trail first. No bicycles or e-bikes are allowed on any park trail.
When staffing and weather allow — typically on weekends in the busy winter months — the park may run a once-a-day hiker's shuttle: 9:00 am from Faraway Ranch (9:10 at the campground) up to Massai Point or Echo Canyon, first come, first served, so you can hike back down via Echo Canyon (5+ miles) or the Heart of Rocks Loop (8+ miles). Groups of 6 or more may be asked to use their own transportation. Check with the park before counting on it.
Camping
Fees and booking details change — see the official Bonita Canyon Campground page for current rates and reservations.
Good to Know
- Pets: leashed (6 ft max) pets are allowed in the campground, paved parking lots and the lower trails between the campground and the entrance (Bonita Creek, Silver Spur Meadow, Faraway Ranch area) — but not on any trail above 5,500 ft or through the rock formations, including Echo Canyon, Heart of Rocks, Natural Bridge, Sugarloaf and Massai Point Nature trails.
- Fire: fires are prohibited throughout the park outside the campground's stand-up grills, and stricter restrictions are often in effect April to June.
- Weather: summer monsoon storms bring lightning and flash floods; winter can bring snow and ice; high winds can come any time of year.
- Wildlife: rabies has been detected in southeast Arizona — don't approach, feed or touch wild animals.
- Rock formations: stay on the trail; climbing the formations isn't allowed.
- Cell service: unreliable near the park — download what you need before you arrive.
Planning a Chiricahua trip? Our first cloth map of the park is printing this winter. Join the waitlist.
More National Parks
See our other National Park visitor guides, or browse the full National Parks guide.
Shuttle service, fire restrictions, road conditions and campground rules change from season to season. This page is a starting point for trip planning — always confirm current details on the official Chiricahua National Park site before you go.
Sources: NPS – News release, Oct 20, 2026 · NPS – Fees · NPS – Basic Information · NPS – Scenic Drive · NPS – Hiking · NPS – Bonita Canyon Campground · NPS – Pets · NPS – Current Conditions & Alerts
