The above image showcases the rock pinnacles found in the Chiricahua National Monument. This scene was captured from the Heart of Rocks trail by Shelly Smith. Such a great image showing "standing up rocks" from both near and far.
Grand Hikers at Chiricahua National Monument
Grand Hikers enjoyed a recent spring out of area hiking trip to Willcox, Arizona, March 18-21, 2024. Most hikes were at the Chiricahua National Monument. In addition, there was one hike at nearby Fort Bowie National Historic Site and another in the Coronado National Forest, the Cochise Stronghold trail. Sixty-one members attended this trip.
The National Park flyer describes the Monument as a “Sky Island” – an isolated mountain range that rises from the surrounding grassland. Rock pinnacles loom upward like guardians of a forest. The Chiricahua Apaches call these pinnacles “standing up rocks”. The Chiricahua National Monument was established in 1924 to preserve and protect the pinnacles and is a certified International Dark Sky Park. This year is the Monument’s 100th year celebration! Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm
Each day the club offered an easy, moderate or difficult hike from which to choose. Nine hikes, each provided diversity of hiking in some of Arizona’s most spectacular rock formations and lower lands. At Fort Bowie and the Coronado National Forest we hiked trails used during the mid to late 1800’s by both the US Cavalry and the Chiricahua Apache. Our cameras were in constant use because these areas are a photographer’s dream. We had some wildlife sightings of deer, wild turkey, many types of birds and an occasional coatimundi (somewhat like a long nosed raccoon with a long tail). Two social dinners were very well attended so we could enjoy each other’s company and share our daily hiking adventures.
Many thanks to our trip organizers (also hike leaders) Gary Huffine and Gary Peterson; and to our hike leaders Brenda Cooper, Cathy Dompier, Marilyn Huffine, Larry Landauer, and Bob Zahler. Additional thanks to our Hike Director Marge Rider who also covered for our Safety Chair Cynthia Janulaitis. Both positions keep our hike leaders provided with basic first aid and important communications equipment.
Our next out of area trip is scheduled in November 2024 at the Superstition Mountains! Come join in the fun and become a member if you haven't already. Check out our website at https://grandhikers.clubexpress.com or email us at grandhikersclub+membership@gmail.com.
The photo above was captured by photographer and hike leader, Brenda Cooper as she led the group down from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain where the hikers could see much of the park.