What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Saturday 8:30am - 4:30pm Sunday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Chiricahua National Monument

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Chiricahua National Monument

Welcome to the Official page for Chiricahua National Monument. We welcome your comments and hope that our conversations here will be courteous.
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08/26/2026

It’s Beak of the Week Wednesday, and this week’s dramatic star is the Bridled Titmouse!

This little songbird sports a snazzy “do” – a black and gray pointed crest. Together with its black eye and cheek lines and black bib, it’s quite the stylish sort. Usually seen in pairs or small groups, it moves quickly through trees looking for insects and may be seen upside down as it searches for a meal.

At Chiricahua National Monument, look for Bridled Titmice in oak and pine-oak woodlands, especially near water over 5000' elevation. In late summer, family groups may join other woodland birds in mixed-species flocks, flitting through the trees as they search leaves, branches and bark for insects.

They make a variety of rapid, buzzy sounds and short chirps that may sound similar to a chickadee. The Bridled Titmouse is sexually monomorphic, meaning the males and females look alike. You may not be able to tell who’s who, but seeing this snappy, year-round resident is always a treat for the senses.

Join us for a National Park Week wildlife viewing adventure today at 9 am, and we might just find some! https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Photos: NPS/Paula Betts

08/25/2026

One of Chiricahua’s most asked about animals might also be one of its cutest—ever met a coati?

Coatis (“ko‑ah‑tea” or Coatimundi) are part of the raccoon family. They live in Central and South America, and some also live in the mountain ranges of the Southwest. If you’ve visited Chiricahua recently, you may have seen “Coati Crossing” signs along the road. These signs are a reminder to slow down and watch for wildlife. These curious creatures do sometimes play in the road! They are a brown with long balancing tails and bright white around the nose so they are called White‑Nosed Coatis.

Coatis are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They spend their nights in caves or trees and they are good climbers, using those tails for balance. They are omnivores (eating everything) and their flexible snout allows them to root for grubs, flip over rocks for snakes or lizards, or climb those trees in search of bird eggs.

A few visitors have spotted moms with their babies out in the park this month! If you’re lucky enough to spot one while hiking or walking through Chiricahua, remember to respect their space and observe all wildlife from a safe distance. Seeing a coati in the wild is a reward in itself!

Want to learn even more? During National Park Week we’ll be offering a special ranger program all about coatis at 9 am on August 24 at the visitor center.

https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Photos: NPS/Paula Betts

08/19/2026

It’s Beak of the Week Wednesday, and this week’s beaked superstar is the Bewick’s Wren!

A busy, buzzy wren, the Bewick’s is often heard before it is seen. Only the males sing, and they have quite the repertoire – varying notes, buzzes and trills. When you spot this gray and brown bird, you’ll see a barred tail held high, a white eyebrow and a slender dark bill.

Bewick’s Wrens thrive in a variety of habitats, so Chiricahua National Monument is a great place for them. Brush, scrub, open woodlands and streams – the Bewick’s Wren is at home here. In late summer, look and listen for adults and young birds moving through brush and woodland edges as they forage.

They are insectivores, feeding mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, and they nest in cavities, crevices or on ledges. They may raise more than one brood per year! Bewick’s Wrens are sexually monomorphic, which means the males and females look alike.

Use your birding skills to hear and see this charming, year-round resident of Chiricahua!

Join us for a wildlife viewing adventure during National Park Week at 9 am on Wednesday, August 26, and see what other birds we can find! https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Photos: NPS/P. Betts and K. Wright

08/15/2026

Celebrate National Park Week at Chiricahua National Monument!

Join us as we honor 250 years of America’s stories with special programs throughout the week. Whether you’re curious about wildlife, interested in exploring the Sky Islands, ready to capture the night sky, or looking for a fun day for young explorers—there’s something for everyone!

Monday, August 24 – 9 am, Visitor Center
Curious Coati Talk
Join Ranger Michelle to learn about coatis, one of Chiricahua’s most recognizable mammals.

Wednesday, August 26 – 9 am, Visitor Center
Silver Spur Meadow Walk
Walk a beautiful Juniper–Oak woodland with Ranger Kim. Watch for birds and wildlife and discover plant communities.

Friday, August 28 – 9 pm, Massai Point
Astrophotography Basics
Capture the night sky with Ranger Laren during this hands‑on introduction to astrophotography.

Sunday, August 30 – All Day, Visitor Center
Junior Ranger Day
Check out interactive pop up tables. Learn and earn your badge as you explore the park!

Come celebrate National Park Week with us at Chiricahua National Monument in Willcox Arizona!
https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Photos 1-3, 5: NPS
Night Sky Photo: courtesy of WNP by Kate Dibildox

08/12/2026

Our Beak of the Week is probably a bird you do not expect to see when you come to Chiricahua National Monument—the Gould's Wild Turkey.

In fact, in the 1990s you may not have seen them here at all. They were hunted nearly to extirpation in Arizona by 1930, but thanks to reintroduction efforts, more than 1,000 were counted in Arizona and New Mexico in 2014.

Now this is a bird that's hard to miss. You may see them wandering through the forests, in a parking lot, or crossing a road (another reason to mind your speed and watch for wildlife). If you're an early riser, you may even spot them high in a tree.

What? Yes, they roost in trees at night, and seeing one fly down from its high perch can be quite the sight. In early summer, you may see little poults following along with a group of females.

Go ahead—plan a visit and add the largest of the wild turkey subspecies to your life list!

Learn more about Chiricahua National Monument at nps.gov/chir.

Photos: NPS/Paula Betts, NPS, NPS/Theresa Ferraro, NPS/Theresa Ferraro

08/05/2026

It's Beak of the Week Wednesday! This week's Beak of the Week is the sharply dressed, vocal hoarder of nuts: the Acorn Woodpecker.

Have you seen this black, white, and red bird in Chiricahua National Monument's oak woodlands? Their distinctive markings and raspy calls can make them easy to spot as they fly between taller trees or make their way up tree trunks. They live in large family groups, so if you see one, there are likely more nearby.

Acorn Woodpeckers are known to store thousands of acorns in trees, creating food caches that help support their family groups throughout the year. They will fiercely defend these caches from intruders such as other birds or squirrels.

Acorn Woodpeckers are here year-round, so watch and listen for them the next time you visit our oak woodlands. Learn more: www.nps.gov/chir

Photos: NPS/Paula Betts

07/30/2026

Beak of the Week: Showcasing the Birds of Chiricahua!

This week we’re starting with one of our most common year-round residents: the Mexican Jay (formerly known as the Gray-breasted Jay). This bright blue bird is a member of the Corvid family, and like all corvids, it is smart, resourceful, and bold.

They look similar to close relatives like the Scrub Jay, but they lack the deeper blue coloring and crest seen in some. Mexican Jays can be loud and rambunctious, and they have a habit of showing up whenever humans dare to have a snack — but please don’t feed them. When wildlife becomes used to people, it can create serious problems for wild creatures.

Watch for that flash of blue weaving through the trees, foraging on the ground, or gathering in small groups. Chiricahua National Monument is one of the few places in the United States — and in the National Park Service — where you can spot this charismatic jay.

Photos: NPS/Paula Betts

07/29/2026

♿🌿 18 Week Internship Opportunity

Passionate about accessibility and universal design? Put those values into action outdoors in an internship onsite at Chiricahua National Monument ➜ Learn more and apply at https://www.nps.gov/chir/getinvolved/workwithus.htm or search for Chiricahua on ConservationLegacy.org.

If you are age 18 to 30 (or 35 with veteran status) and care about:
• Making outdoor spaces more accessible and enjoyable for everyone
• Applying disability studies or universal design principles in real-world communication and projects
• Hands-on experience that connects people + the environment

This is a chance to make real change on the ground, and it includes a $660 weekly stipend.

You don’t need a long resume — just curiosity, commitment, and relevant coursework in areas like accessibility, disability studies, or universal design. Perfect for students, recent grads, or anyone building a career in accessibility, design for all, recreation management, or the park service.

Explore the position today! https://www.nps.gov/chir/getinvolved/workwithus.htm

Photos: Interns working in the Monument / NPS

06/29/2026

Monsoon season is here! From late June through September, southeast Arizona sees a mix of weather — some days bring dramatic skies and heavy rain, while others bring dry winds or low clouds. When storms arrive, the rain can instantly cool the area and quickly transform the landscape into a lush oasis with fresh plant growth, flowing water, and increased wildlife activity.

These storms can also create hazardous conditions. If you hear thunder, seek shelter immediately, as lightning may follow. Heavy rain can send fast‑moving water rushing through washes, canyons, and across the roads leading to the monument. Flooded roads can turn into temporary rivers, making travel dangerous or impossible for minutes or hours at a time. Always check the forecast for storm and flood warnings before heading out and be prepared to adjust your plans as conditions change.

Photo 1: Fog rolls in across from the visitor center.
Photos 2-7: Highways 181 and 186 had water crossings too deep for cars on many days in 2022 and some in 2023.

Enjoy the beauty of monsoon season — safely — as the desert comes to life.
https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/weather.htm and

06/22/2026

Happy Summer Solstice! Today brings the longest daylight of the year — perfect for maximizing your Chiricahua adventure. Early morning hikes offer cooler temperatures and beautiful soft light for photography.

Summer at 5,400–7,300 feet means warm days and cool evenings, making the monument a refreshing escape from desert heat and urban hustle. It’s also a quieter time of year, so visitors can enjoy wide‑open views and peaceful trails with very few crowds.

With rising temperatures, remember to hike safely: start early, carry plenty of water, wear sun protection, and know your limits. Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy the extra sunshine on the trail! www.nps.gov/chir

Photos: NPS/J.Norvilas, NPS, WNP by Kate Dibildox

Address

Mail To: 12856 E Rhyolite Creek Road
Willcox, AZ
85643

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday	8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15208243560

Website

http://www.nps.gov/chir

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