One of the Top 10 Hikes in America

Chiricahua National Monument

By John R Allison

This 12 mile round trip hike into the Heart of Rocks in the Chiricahua mountain range is simply put, one heck of a spectacular trek that needs to be on every avid hiker’s buck list.

The National monument is located 120 miles Southeast of Tucson Arizona. The rock formations in these canyons were carved by ice and water from layers of rhyolite, which was originally ash blown out during the Turkey Creek Volcano eruption 27 million years ago. Stop at the Ranger's Station for a map.

This mountain range was also home to the last bands of Native Americans to surrender; the Chiricahua Apache, Geronimo and Cochise among them. In 1886, after their final surrender, all remaining Apaches were sent off to Florida, then to Oklahoma to live on reservations.

 

I parked my vehicle at Massai Point and began my hike at 9:00am.  Not even to the trail head yet and I see what I learn are a family of coatimundi, mammals of the raccoon family with long tails. 

After the first mile you begin to realize how easy it would be, if you were an Apache and lived in these mountains, to elude an army of 5,000 US soldiers searching for you. You begin to see some truly amazing rock formations towering all around you.

The Heart of Rocks Loop was my goal. I took the Ed Riggs Trail to the Hailstone Trail and followed it to the Sarah Deming Trail 6.0 miles in and you reach the Heart of Rocks. The air couldn’t be fresher, the breathtaking views and the moderate temperature made me think that it just doesn’t get any better than this.  During my 12 miles both in and out I ran into 3 parties of 2 or more, friendly, happy hikers….like meeting in heaven.

Below is the rock formation known as Punch and Judy, husband and wife arguing.

The Heart of Rocks is about a 1/3 mile loop with some really amazing rock formations and a fine place to rest, call it halftime and fuel up with food and water. Bring a recorder or a flute and commune with the Apache spirits. Whatever you do, just go. The memories will last a lifetime.

In the foreground above you can see a formation that resembles the resting head of Apache Chief Cochise, as he is buried in an unknown location in the Chiricahuas.

My survival gear consisted of a 72oz camel pack of water, 4 energy bars, one banana, one orange, sunscreen, a hat, hiking boots, a simple first aide kit, a flashlight, a lighter, compression socks and custom insoles. Now most of this is simple common sense for an experienced hiker. I discovered compression socks through a Tucson based hiking club and I gave them a try. After hiking12 miles you will know that they make a big difference at the end of the day. I also discovered that custom insoles, made from impressions of each of your feet, have great benefits both for stability and comfort during a good hike. There you have it.

Happy hiking!

p.s. There are abundant camping grounds for an overnight stay in the canyon if you desire.