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chiricahua national
​monument

Where Nature Created a 'Wonderland of Rocks'

By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life
Published Feb. 14, 2019


Whe we travel, it's almost a sure thing we're going to stop if there's a national park or monument close by. So we were delighted to find  that some 40 miles southeast of Willcox, Arizona is Chiricahua National Monument.

The history of the monument dates back to 1924, when the park was established to protect its incredible "hoodoos" and balancing rocks. The only other place we've been that rivals it is Bryce Canyon, Utah.

Actually, you have to go a little farther back in history to get to the rocks' origin: A volcanic eruption 27 million years ago. What we see today is the result of erosion of that volcanic material that spewed out of the earth. Nice job, Nature.

Another chapter in its history is the Faraway Ranch, now an Historic District within the monument. The Swedish-born pioneers who settled here in the 1880s led the way to establishing the park. In fact, you'll see their final resting place in Erickson Cemetery, located at the park's entrance.

Your first stop will probably be the Visitor Center, where you'll learn everything the park has to offer. There's a scenic eight-mile, paved road, as well as 17 miles of day trails to explore. Words don't really do it justice, so let's take a look at what awaits you in this "Wonderland of Rocks."
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Rocks tower on each side of the road




The park is famous for
its balancing rocks
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HOODOO (also called a tent rock, fairy chimney or earth pyramid) is a tall, thin spire of rock that protrudes from the bottom of an arid drainage basin or badland. ... They generally form within sedimentary rock and volcanic rock formations. (Wikipedia)

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This is famous Pipe Organ Formation
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A sweeping vista from one of the park's trails
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Pam picked a pretty place to rest
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These hoodoos were 27 million years in the making
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Views from the trail
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An observation area on one of the trails
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Pioneer settlers remembered in Erickson Cemetery
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NEXT STOP: Tombstone (To be Continued)

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      • Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
      • The Kerrville Folk Festival
      • Building Hope in the Rio Grande Valley
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      • Road Trip! Willcox Wineries
      • Road Trip! Chiricahua National Monument
      • Road Trip! Tombstone, Arizona
      • Tombstone, Part Two
      • Road Trip! - Epilogue
    • Unknown Yellowstone >
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Heart Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Summit Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Shoshone Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Grizzly Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Riddle Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Pelican Cone
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Mt. Washburn
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Specimen Ridge
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Avalanche Peak
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Divide Creek
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