Epic Spires, Erosion Magic, and Zero Crowds in Southeastern AZ

HOW TO GET THERE

This fantastic area of stunning views and geologic formations is located in southeastern Arizona, quite close to the New Mexico border. East of Tucson, the Monument is mostly easily accessed through the city of Willcox where you will leave the I-10 you and head east on the AZ-186 for nearly 32 miles, then take a left on the AZ-181 for a few miles before entering this beautiful land. From the Visitor Center, it is a choose your own adventure. Aside from the 17 miles of potential hiking that ranges from easy to strenuous, you can also drive throughout the Monument for 8 miles, bring your horse and ride some of the trails, and even camp under the stars at the Bonita Campground. While gorgeous, this is a remote campsite that does not fair well for the unprepared. There is little phone reception, no electrical hookups, and no showers. So if you are looking for a little more comfort after all the fun at the Monument, I have a few suggestions:

A DEBRIEF

Due to its remoteness, this area is not heavily traversed (no complaints here), but that does not take away from its awe-inspiring beauty — simply put, this is a gorgeous place. It is worth the long trip out to immerse yourself in this raw, natural land.

There was so much plate subduction occurring beneath this region over 27 million years ago that a highly active volcanic ring formed, constantly spewing rhyolite, andesite, and basalt lava flows. While all this was happening, a massive lava chamber beneath the crust was brewing. When the Turkey Creek volcano erupted it completely blew its lid and covered the area in volcanic ash and pumice. Time combined with the elements impacting this land are what we see today, erosion sculpting and shaping what are now towering columns, balanced rocks, and a multitude of hoodoos.

The Big Loop was a quality day hike, with a wide variety of sights — exactly what I was hoping for. Our route followed the Big Loop starting on Ed Riggs and ending through Echo Canyon, where we traveled down through the forest while catching distant views of the upcoming impressive formations: towering rock spires, gravity-defying balanced rocks, valleys of hoodoos, narrow slot areas, and more. Make sure to add the extra hikes as well — Inspiration Point and the Heart of Rocks Loop — you won’t regret it. Here are some of my favorite structures and places from the hike…this is just a small taste of what you can experience out there:

This is the type of place you want to spend more time, so it is a great roadtrip and weekend getaway option for nature lovers. Prepare accordingly; this Day Trip List can help you get sorted for success in this memorable area. ALSO, if you are visiting from the Valley, consider returning by way of Safford. If you give yourself the time, you can check out hot springs – our favorite is Essence of Tranquility. These hot springs are well maintained but not bougie at all, rather a charming, hippie vibe. You can even reserve an overnight or other therapeutic treatments as well. Definitely a nice reward for all the hard work in the Chiricahuas.

Have an epic hike!

Ren Fou