Chiricahua National Monument

This is one of those places you did not know even existed until you look at a map of an area you plan to visit.  Then, when you realize that it's at least 2 hours away, is it worth it ?  We took a chance (as we did with Ft. Bowie, which is only 10 miles away that we did on the same day - see my previous post).   It is small, just over 18 square miles.  It has an 8 mile paved road that dead ends, so you have to go back the same way you came in and 17 miles of hiking trails.  But both were spectacular (we only had time to hike about 4 miles).  It's one of those natural areas that are hard to describe why they are so good; you just have to be there.

On the way to Chiricahua from Ft. Bowie.  Arizona can be very flat in some places. In the background are the Pendergosa Mtns. From this distance it is hard to tell which are the 2 tallest mountains:  Flys Peak at 9,866' and Chiricahua Peak at 9,759'.

What makes Chiricahua spectacular: rock pinnacles (Apache for 'standing up rocks').

View along the paved road looking east.

View with the Pendergosa Mtns.  in the background.

Enjoying the view at the end of the road along the nature trail.

Panorama looking north.  The bare mountain in the far background is called the Cochise Head. We looked at it for quite a while and couldn't 'see' the outline of anybody's head.   

Looking east from the end of the road.

Close-up of some rock pinnacles.

More pinnacles.

About time to leave: getting close to sunset.