Top 10 Photo Spots in Chiricahua National Monument
Hi friends! Today I’m excited to share my top 10 photo spots in Chiricahua National Monument, a fascinating southern Arizona road trip destination that could potentially be our next national park! Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or you’re looking for a great location to capture a family pic, these 10 viewpoints are sure to impress as they offer breathtaking sights of the otherworldly rock formations and features in Chiricahua.
Speaker’s Rock at Massai Point in Chiricahua National Monument
Views from Speaker’s Rock in Chiricahua National Monument
1. Speaker’s Rock
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps for the Chiricahua National Monument 1934 Dedication Ceremony which took place at Massai Point, Speaker’s Rock offers some of the most stunning hoodoo monument views. This rustic amphitheater and platform was built where a natural depression had unobstructed views of the Wonderland of Rocks to the southwest...boulders were cleared and a series of paths were constructed to a rock-walled seating area featuring cut stone seats, steps, and flagstone pavers with unparalleled hoodoo views.
For more information on this spot, check out my full Massai Point blog post.
Echo Canyon Grottoes in Chiricahua National Monument
Popular hoodoo rock formation along Echo Canyon Trail
2. Echo Canyon Grottoes
Located a 1/2 mile into the Echo Canyon Trail, the grottoes are formed by tall intertwined arches, which were carved out of the rocks by rain, wind and weather over time, and are remarkable evidence of the ancient lava flow that once traveled through this area. Towering rocks surround you and dominate the landscape here. Every turn feels like the entrance to a fantastic natural playground with hidden caves and giant spires...it’s easy to see why this place is often called a Wonderland of Rocks! Just prior to heading into the grotto area, you’ll find one of the more famous hoodoos in the park, which is a perfect spot to take a pic!
For more information on this spot, check out my full Echo Canyon Grottoes blog post.
Sea Captain Rock in Chiricahua National Monument
3. Sea Captain Rock
Located along the scenic 8-mile Bonita Canyon Drive is a small pull out and a direct view of one of the famous named rock formations inside the monument boundaries. Sea Captain Rock showcases a giant “sea captain” profile. Can you see it?
Massai Point Exhibit Building in Chiricahua National Monument
Views east into New Mexico from Massai Point Exhibit Building
4. Massai Point Exhibit Building
This 360º interpretive exhibit building is located up a short walk past the Massai Point parking area. Not only is the hut filled with wonderful information panels about the history of this area, signs point out all of the amazing views visible in every direction.
For more information on this spot, check out my full Massai Point blog post.
Bonita Creek in Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua wildlife near Bonita Creek
5. Bonita Creek Trail
Situated at the west end of Chiricahua National Monument, the Bonita Creek trailhead can be easily reached near the entrance of the monument. The easy 1/2 mile trail leads beside the beautiful scenery of Bonita Creek and is surrounded by a shady pine & oak grove. This riparian area along Bonita Canyon wash is particularly stunning at sunset and sunrise, which is the best time to view wildlife here. During my last visit, I saw deer, coati, javelina, and wild turkeys – all in this area of the park.
For more information on this area, see my full Bonita Creek & Faraway Ranch blog post.
Organ Pipe Rock in Chiricahua National Monument
6. Organ Pipe Rock
Another Bonita Canyon Drive highlight, Organ Pipe Rock rises in a fascinating jagged pattern and towers so high. There’s a couple parking spots along the road, where it’s easily seen from.
Faraway Ranch House in Chiricahua National Monument
Faraway Ranch Historic District in Chiricahua National Monument
7. Faraway Ranch Historic District
This area was the home of Swedish immigrants, Emma and Neil Erickson who settled here in the late 1800s. Historic structures here include the Ranch House, a large shed, garage, windmill, and barn. Similar to Bonita Creek, this area is a great place to watch for local wildlife.
For more information on this area, see my full Bonita Creek & Faraway Ranch blog post.
Sugarloaf Mountain in Chiricahua National Monument
Hoodoo rock formations at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain
8. Sugarloaf Mountain
Atop the park’s northern ridge boundary, Sugarloaf Mountain stands at 7,310 feet and is the highest point inside Chiricahua National Monument. A fire lookout tower on top can be reached via a one mile trail that climbs 470 feet, which provides stunning 360º views of the monument and surrounding terrain.
Cochise Head Peak seen from the path leading up to Massai Point Exhibit Building
9. Cochise Head Peak
Views of this impressive volcanic stone mountain can be seen in multiple spots in the park, especially along Bonita Creek Drive...but my favorite location to capture this stunning peak is along the wheelchair accessible path heading up to the Massai Point Exhibit Building. However, the skilled adventurer in you can hike from inside the monument along King of Lead Mine and Horse Trail. Head north to Wood Canyon Saddle where the Horse Trail ends and continue climbing northeast off-trail to the west ridge. While the peak is accessed through Chiricahua National Monument, it actually lies outside the park boundaries in the Coronado National Forest, and achieving the summit is considered very difficult.
Chiricahua National Monument entrance sign
Erickson Cemetery just inside the park entrance
10. Park Entrance
What National Park or National Monument visit would be complete without a photograph next to the NPS entrance sign? There is a large pullout before entering the park, making it an easy stop before heading into the see this magnificent park. Just past the entrance you’ll find the Erickson Cemetery, and although it’s not necessarily a great spot to take a selfie, it’s fascinating to see the old headstones and read about the homesteaders that once called this region home.
Chiricahua views near Speaker’s Rock at Massai Point
Know Before You Go
• For more information on this incredible park, check out my First-Timers Guide to Chiricahua National Monument.
• Always check upcoming weather conditions before your trip, and make sure to visit the official NPS website for the most up-to-date information regarding potential road and trail closures.
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Roads and trails can close occasionally in winter months due to snowy and icy conditions, so make sure check current conditions on the official NPS website here.
• Black bears are present in the Chiricahua Mountains, so never leave food out or unattended, especially in your vehicle.
• Admission to the park is free, and gates are open 24/7.
• This is a great location for stargazing and astrophotography. In fact, in 2021, the National Park Service and the International Dark Sky Association announced that Chiricahua National Monument would be named the 104th International Dark Sky Park.
Top 10 Things to Do in Southern Arizona
Tombstone
Coronado National Memorial
Picacho Peak State Park
Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Pima Air & Space Museum
Hoodoos seen from Speaker’s Rock in Chiricahua National Monument
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining this me this week in southern Arizona. For a virtual visit of my recent trip to Chiricahua National Monument, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Hoodoos in snow seen from Speaker’s Rock in Chiricahua National Monument
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like…
About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
Search the Blog
Featured Posts
Etsy Shop
What are the best spots for photography? Today I'm sharing my Top 10 Photo Spots in Chiricahua National Monument. Chiricahua has some of the most unique landscapes, rock formations, and wildlife found in southern Arizona. Whether you're looking for a great backdrop for a family picture or you're a pro photographer, this travel guide will help you find the beautiful views found in this epic park.