Dave and I have had the Chiricahua National Monument on our to-do list for as long as I can remember. Thankfully, Dave’s brother Darrell and sister-in-law Penny gave us the push we needed to make it happen. After all, how often can you visit an island in Arizona?
Rhyolite structure.
This was no ordinary island. The Chiricahua National Monument is a sky island—a solitary mountain range that rises above a surrounding grassland sea. These pinnacles originated over 27 million years ago when eruptions from the Turkey Creek Volcano spread ash over 1,200 square miles. The ash melted—forming layers of rhyolite—the volcanic equivalent of granite. Subsequent weathering from ice wedges and water washed away weaker material, creating a variety of spires, balancing rocks, and bizarre, morphic shapes.
Echo Canyon.
We spent the night in Bisbee (about 71 miles from our destination) and enjoyed a beer at Old Bisbee Brewing Company before taking the essential underground Queen Mine Tour.
High-Ho at the underground Queen Mine Tour
This quaint little mining town, built on the side of a mountain, is an artist’s haven filled with galleries and narrow passageways to explore.
Upstairs, downstairs.
Art abounds.
The following day, Dave, Darrell, Penny, and I traveled the remaining 90 minutes—through miles of flat, expansive agriculture.
Upon arrival, Dave and Darrell enjoyed the Visitor’s Center, with its well-thought-out displays and informative historical data. Penny and I loved the gift shop as well (hahaha).
Rhyolite Canyon.
There are over 17 miles of trails through these mountains, including an 8-mile scenic drive to 360° views at Massai Point. We chose the popular Echo Canyon Loop (4 miles, 550 ft elevation) for our hike de jour.
Echo Canyon Loop Trail.
After reading many hiking reviews, we sided with the majority and hiked counterclockwise - taking the steep descent into the canyon first, followed by a moderate incline back.
Dwarfed by spires.
Penny and Darrell taking in the view.
Between the pillars.
This rock formation had a strange likeness to Donald Duck.
Vista of the surrounding valley from the Echo Canyon Loop Trail.
The Chiricahua Apaches named these mountains “standing up rocks.” At times, they seemed almost human.
In hindsight, we could have easily spent more time exploring this National treasure. We’d only touched the surface—enough, however, to return for a future encore.