Bonita Canyon Campground

We loved, loved, loved Chiricahua National Monument. There’s a lovely eight mile scenic drive located within the monument and at the end of this drive (Massai Point) there's a short .5 mile self-guided interpretive walk with majestic views of the surrounding valleys, mountains, and a balanced rock. However, the highlight is a super fabulous 9+ mile hike called The Big Loop. This loop combined the following trails: Ed Riggs, Mushroom Rock, Inspiration Point, Big Balanced Rock, Heart of Rocks, Sarah Deming, Upper Rhyolite Canyon, and Echo Canyon. DO IT!

Late April is the end of Chiricahua National Monument's busy season -- you'll find chamber of commerce weather and light crowds. This is a dry area -- the creek was dry, and while the campsites have no fire rings, campers are allowed to have a fire in the grill stands (I was put off by this, and didn't do it). It's a spectacular drive through the canyon and a lovely setting -- I highly recommend a pre-dawn walk through the woods to the Faraway Ranch, watch the sunrise on the mountains.