Echo Canyon Trail...Chiricahua National Monument

Willcox/Cochise KOA

Willcox, AZ

October 9, 2024

Oh the fresh smell of evergreens...sure reminds me of our old stomping grounds in Georgia.

Our first trip to Chiricahua National Monument was back in March of 2023 just after a snow storm.  Although we greatly enjoyed exploring Massai Point, Faraway Ranch, the Stafford House, and Bonita Creek that first visit , we missed hiking to the grottos because of icy trails. 

After a brief stop at the Visitor Center, we made our way to the trailhead for Echo Canyon.  Bonita Canyon Drive is an eight mile scenic drive that winds its way along huge boulders and a forest of oak, pine and cypress trees.  

Bonita Canyon Road.

  

We didn't see the Coatimundi this visit...

Joe and I didn't exactly follow directions for the Echo Canyon Loop trail.  Instead we only hiked the Echo Canyon trail and instead of a loop, we did an in-out trail for a total of 3.2 miles. Echo Canyon Trail was built in 1936 by the CCC.  The 1.6 miles trail includes retaining walls, curbs, and drainage ditches.  The steps...some of which are pretty tall for my short legs...were built into the rocks and the CCC crew widened existing fractures in the bedrock to create the trail.  The trail is easy to follow and has been described as a work of art.  The "up" part is steep if you go all the way to Echo Park. (1.6 miles).  At about 1/2 mile, you will see the sign marking the entrance for the Grottos and if you decide to turn around here...it's an easy walk in both directions.  

The Grottos are formed by tall intertwined arches...a stone hallway of sorts...carved out of the rocks by rain, wind and weather over time.  Towering rocks surround this area and dominate the landscape.  The shadow, the filtered sunlight, the tight spaces, and the twists and turns make for an interesting natural playground. 

After the Grottos, it is a steep descent of switchbacks to Echo Park.  Hoodoos stand as far as the eye can see.  These are the same hoodoos that the Chiricahua Apache referred to as "standing up rocks" when first arriving to the area.  These standing up rocks were formed many, many years ago by eruptions from the Turkey Creek Volcano.  This is where we turned around. 
 
 

Some of the WOWS in the first half mile of the trail...

Beautiful as far as the eye can see...

All shapes and sizes of balanced rocks...

The Grottos...

On the way to the canyon...

And the climb back up...

In 1924, the 12,025 acres in the Chiricahua Mountains officially became a National Monument.  84% of those acres are still designated as wilderness.  

Ed Riggs was a huge advocate for the Chiricahua NM.   He designed and built Echo Canyon trail.  In one quarter mile of the trail 11 switchbacks were needed.  Today this trail remains one of the most popular in the park and is a great example of CCC rock work and ingenuity.

Happy 100th Birthday 

Back at the KOA,  we enjoyed a relaxed sunset and walk with Sally.  A fresh salad topped with smoked salmon and a really good night's sleep.  We were tired!  But happy !

Until next time,

HAPPY TRAILS !

P.S. We returned home on Sunday.  MH cleaned, unpacked and laundry done.  It was a a wonderful vacation and we are happy to be home !