| Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona |
 Trail Name:Heart of Rocks-Inspiration Point Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| Surrounded by arid desert and grassland, the Chiricahua Mountains are not just a haven for plants and animals, but also an area of fantastic rock formations – pinnacles, spires, columns and balanced rocks – sculpted from volcanic rhyolite over millions of years. It is no surprise that early visitors called this place a ‘Wonderland of Rocks’. Some of the best hiking in south-east Arizona can be found on the 20 miles of trails here. This long circuit past the best of the rock sculptures combines many of them.
Take Echo Canyon Trail for 1.6 miles to the fork and bear right onto Upper Rhyolite Trail. Continue descending alongside Rhyolite Creek, crossing the creek several times. There is one section of climbing after the last crossing. Woodland of oak and pine is predominant in this area. After 1.1 miles, turn right into Sarah Deming Canyon. After climbing through more shaded woodland on the 1.5 mile Sarah Deming Trail, turn left into the Heart of Rocks area. A 0.9 mile loop leads past formations with names such as Punch and Judy and Duck on a Rock. Rejoin the main trail and turn left onto Heart of Rocks Trail. Soon you pass Big Balanced Rock as you climb for 1 mile. Now turn left onto the 0.5 mile spur to Inspiration Trail. As the name suggests, the views are wonderful – to the west, the entire length of Rhyolite Canyon is laid out before you. Back on the main trail once more, continue through pine and fir for 1.2 miles, enjoying views of rock sculptures such as Totem Pole. At the next junction – with Hailstone Trail – keep right. The circuit is now coming to an end. Climb to the final junction in 0.7 miles and keep left – there is now just a short walk to the trailhead at Echo Canyon parking area. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: South-east corner of Arizona, entrance fee charged. The nearest town is Willcox.
Directions: From Tucson, head east on I-10 for 81 miles to Willcox. Take Hwy 186 south-east for 31 miles, then turn left for the short drive into the National Monument. Beyond the entrance station, Bonita Canyon Drive passes the visitor center and climbs 1,500 ft through juniper and pine forests to Massai Point. Trailhead: Echo Canyon parking area, off Bonita Canyon Drive just before Massai Point. Length: 9.3 miles / 14.9 km Trail Type: Loop Elevation Change: -800 ft / -244 m Duration: 5 hours Trail Condition: Maintained and easy to follow. Features: Rock formations; oak, pine and fir forests; creek, canyon views. Climate: Hiking possible year-round – best in spring and autumn. Hot temperatures and thunderstorms in summer. Winter may bring heavy snowfall. Accommodation: Year-round tent and RV camping (first-come, first-served) inside the Monument. Trail Notes: Trail maps available at the visitor center. |
Popularity: 14% [?]
