Chiricahua is now a national park: What travelers should know

Chiricahua National Monument is now Chiricahua National Park. The redesignation followed the signing of the Chiricahua National Park Act on October 20, 2026, recognizing the area’s natural and cultural significance.

Located in southeastern Arizona near Willcox, the park protects about 12,000 acres of rhyolite pinnacles and balanced rocks shaped by an ancient volcanic eruption roughly 27 million years ago. The meeting of desert, grassland and forest ecosystems supports diverse wildlife, and visitors come for hiking, scenic drives, birding and dark-sky viewing. The area is also the homeland of the Chiricahua Apache and includes the historic Faraway Ranch.

The National Park Service says existing opportunities continue under the new designation, including hiking, camping and the scenic drive. There is no park entrance or parking fee, though campground reservations and other services may have separate costs. Before setting out, check NPS alerts, road conditions, visitor-center information and campground availability. The park is near Willcox, Arizona, and the final rural drive may have limited cell reception, so download directions in advance and plan fuel and arrival timing. For airport or town transfers, arrange ground transportation ahead and allow flexibility for road conditions.