Chiricahua becomes America's 64th national park, the first new one since 2020
Arizona's 'Wonderland of Rocks' gets the top title; here's what changes for visitors and what doesn't (no climbing).
Chiricahua National Monument in southeastern Arizona is now Chiricahua National Park, the 64th U.S. national park and the first new one since West Virginia's New River Gorge in 2020, after President Trump signed Rep. Juan Ciscomani's Chiricahua National Park Act (H.R. 6380) this week. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum joined a dedication ceremony at the park.
The roughly 12,000-acre park, protected as a monument since 1924, is known for rhyolite spires and balanced rocks formed after a volcanic eruption about 27 million years ago, and sits between the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts as a "sky island," Condé Nast Traveler notes. It has more than 17 miles of trails and the Bonita Canyon scenic drive. Climbing on the pinnacles remains prohibited to protect resources and because the rock is unstable, Gripped reports.
Instead of hunting for a way up the rock towers, consider the Echo Canyon Trail and the drive to Massai Point, which the park service highlights for views of the standing rocks.
Across the spectrum 2
Democrat
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Senate co-sponsor: After the signing, Kelly said in a statement: "This is a win for the communities in southeastern Arizona and for everyone who worked to protect this extraordinary place so our kids and our grandkids can enjoy it."
ABC15 Arizona ↗Republican
Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), the bill's sponsor: "I'm incredibly proud that my Chiricahua National Park bill is officially law, establishing Arizona's fourth national park," Ciscomani said, calling it a nearly decade-long effort that "will preserve Arizona's rich heritage for generations to come."
Arizona Daily Independent ↗Signal CheckBig news, still the same park
How much is substance, and how much is paid or hype?
The publicity comes from the bill's sponsor, the Interior Department and travel media, so expect more visitors. What holds up: the landscape, trails and dark skies were already there. What doesn't change: climbing stays banned and facilities are those of the former monument.
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Sky island
After exploring The United States Just Got a New National Park For the First Time in Six Years, for why the park is so biodiverse, read Sky island.
Wikipedia explains sky islands: isolated mountains surrounded by very different lowlands, often rich in endemic species.
Wikipedia · Wade · 5 min
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Hoodoo (geology)
After exploring Climbing Banned at America's New National Park, for the geology of those spires, try Hoodoo (geology).
Wikipedia describes how hoodoos, tall thin spires of rock, form by erosion in sedimentary and volcanic rock.
Wikipedia · Wade · 5 min
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