Tucked away in the rugged mountains and sweeping deserts of southeast Arizona are three national park sites that offer a rare glimpse of history, culture, and natural beauty for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Make these lesser-known gems—Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Chiricahua National Monument, and Coronado National Memorial—your destination, and experience the fascinating stories and scenic wonders of southeast Arizona.
Chiricahua National Monument
Travel to the geological wonderland of towering pinnacles at Chiricahua National Monument in southeast Arizona.
Here, rhyolite rock pinnacles rise sometimes hundreds of feet into the air, formed from ancient volcanic eruptions. Gaze up at these unique rock formations from scenic overlooks along the 8-mile paved roadway. Then hit the trails to discover the diversity of life inhabiting this sky island ecosystem. Over 200 species of birds flit through the foliage of ponderosa pines, Arizona cypress, and juniper trees. Keep your eyes peeled for rare Mexican long-tongued bats roosting in the rocks, along with coatis, white-tailed deer, and javelina on the prowl. After your outdoor adventures, swing by the Faraway Ranch Historic District to step back into the lives of early pioneers who carved out a life in this rugged land during the late 1800s.
Check NPS.gov for current alerts. For help planning your trip, check out Visit Willcox and VisitArizona.
Pets are permitted on designated trails.
Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Experience the remote landscape of what is now southeast Arizona blanketed with grasses that once sustained the Chiricahua Apache.
Fort Bowie National Historic Site was once an outpost that bore witness to the violent clashes between the Chiricahua Apache and the US Army during the late 1800s, after the US-Mexico war. Hike the 1.5-mile trail from the visitor center to the remaining adobe walls and foundations of the old fort, nestled amid the hillsides and valleys of Apache Pass. Along the way, take in the sweeping vistas from the ridge where heliograph signals once flashed between fort and town. Though the fort is long abandoned, this site remains a powerful memorial to the 25 years of war and hardship that eventually forced the Chiricahua Apache people into exile in Florida, Alabama, and Oklahoma. Learn more about the strength and lives of Goyaałé (Geronimo), Cheis (Cochise), and other leaders who fought for their way of life.
Check NPS.gov for current alerts. For help planning your trip, check out Visit Willcox and VisitArizona.
Pets are permitted at Fort Bowie National Historic Site.
Camping not permitted in the park, but there is camping available nearby at Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area, Chiricahua National Monument, and Cochise Stronghold Campground.
Coronado National Memorial
Hike trails, explore a limestone cave, and experience the borderlands in southeast Arizona.
Coronado National Memorial helps preserves the history of Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado’s expedition through this region in 1540-1542. Learn about the clashes and exchanges between encroaching European forces and Indigenous cultures at the visitor center exhibits. Then hit the trails to follow routes similar to those taken by the Spanish entrada and Native guides through grasslands and canyons lined with oak trees. Hike to Montezuma Pass Overlook for stunning vistas of Mexico’s Sierra Madre mountains. Or challenge yourself with the challenging trek down switchbacks to reach the cave system used by prehistoric peoples and later by the expedition. As you explore, ponder what thoughts filled the minds of the many peoples who lived and traveled in this area.
Check NPS.gov for current alerts. For help planning your trip, check out Visit Willcox and VisitArizona.
Pets are welcome on designated trails.
One Weekend, Three Astounding Parks in Southeast Arizona
Though often less visited, these three sites safeguard rich layers of human and natural history, from Indigenous resistance to colonizing expeditions to earth-hewn geological wonders and diverse wildlife. The nearby city of Willcox offers a delightful cultural experience for anyone who wants to make a weekend of this fascinating park hop. With local vineyards and winetasting rooms, museums, and Chiricahua and Fort Bowie each fewer than thirty miles away, this small-town gem offers a unique gateway to this trio of parks. Come discover their stories for yourself. The road less traveled awaits you in southeast Arizona!
By Julie Thompson
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