Chiricahua National Monument Centennial

Help the National Park Service celebrate the 100 years of this stunning national monument! A “wonderland of rocks”, Chiricahua boasts paved trails and scenic drives! They’ll be celebrating all year long with different events fit for the whole family, starting with the commemoration ceremony April 18th!

Schedule of Events

Thursday, April 18: Commemoration Ceremony at Faraway Ranch at 2:00 pm

• The public is invited to the Centennial Commemoration at Faraway Ranch! President Calvin Coolidge established the national monument April 18, 1924, to preserve and protect the unique pinnacles of this “Wonderland of Rocks.” Join local and national dignitaries in recognizing this “monumental” occasion, with refreshments. Pre-program music starts at 1:30 pm. Please arrive early to allow time for parking and shuttle service to the event site. Last shuttle run to vehicles is 4:30 pm.

Friday, April 19: Living History at Faraway Ranch 1:00 to 4:00 pm

• During this living history event at Faraway Ranch, you will meet staff in 1920-30s period clothing ready to share what life was like in Bonita Canyon 100 years ago.

Saturday, April 20: Geology Programs

• Massai Point from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
  This 30-minute talk will be repeated on the hour.
  Attend the “Story Behind the Scenery: Geology Chiricahua Style” program at Massai Point, the end of the eight-mile scenic drive. Please allow at least 30 minutes to drive from the park entrance to Massai Point.
  No shuttle services or overflow parking will be provided. Registration is not required.

  

Throughout The Year

January

• Chiricahua Rocks! Talk With Park Geologist
  Friday, January 19
  Park Headquarters
  Join our park geologist, Jessica, for an hour-long geology program! Learn the basic geologic concepts that shaped the landscape you see today, and impress your friends by identifying rocks and outcrops within Chiricahua National Monument.
• Geology Activities at Visitor Center
  January 19-21
  Come to the Visitor Center for fun geologic activities! Cave Junior Ranger booklets, coloring pages, and rock and mineral identification kits will be available for youth and adults.

February

• Buffalo Soldiers Living History & Talk
  February 17-18 at Faraway Ranch

April

• Night Sky Viewing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
  Friday, April 12 at 7:30 pm
  Faraway Ranch Parking Lot
• Commemoration Days
  April 18-20

June

• 100 Years of Chiricahua Trails Ranger Program
  Saturday, June 1

September

• Plein Air Art in the Park
  September 14-15

October

• Dark Sky Party
  October 5

December

• Faraway Ranch Holiday Open House
  December 14-15