Arizona's Newest Dark Sky Park, Chiricahua National Monument, Is Dazzling Both Day And Night
By Katie Lawrence|Published July 17, 2021
×
Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Considering Arizona’s vast swaths of wilderness, it should come as no surprise that our state is home to more International Dark Sky Parks than anywhere else in the world. Chiricahua National Monument has recently been added to the ranks, and the 12,000-acre desert oasis is dazzling both day and night. See for yourself:
Arizona's newest International Dark sky Park, Chiricahua National Monument was added to the ranks in May.
Chiricahua National Monument, 12856 East Rhyolite Creek Road, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA
The Grand Canyon State is home to nine other IDA-certified Dark Sky Parks - more than anywhere else in the world!
While the park has long hosted stargazing events on a semi-regular basis, its new Dark Sky status will afford visitors even more opportunities to marvel at its dazzling night skies in all their glory.
With this many stars visible to the naked eye, just imagine what you could see using a telescope!
Advertisement
In case you aren't familiar with it, Chiricahua National Monument is a 12,000-acre park tucked away in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona.
It's a prime example of the term "sky island," which refers to the distinctive geography of the American Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts in which isolated mountain ranges tower above surrounding lowlands.
Born out of erosion related to a volcanic eruption nearly 30 million years ago, the hoodoos tell stories of an ancient Arizona much different than the one we call home today.
Over 17 miles of day-use hiking trails, which vary in length and difficulty, meander through the rugged terrain, offering boundless adventure for all skill levels.
Reservations can be made online, and the nightly rate is $20 per site (or $10 if you have an America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Senior or Access Pass).
Address: East Bonita Canyon Road, Willcox, AZ 85643.
Have you ever been to Chiricahua National Monument? If so, did you stay past sunset to see the stars? Tell us all about your experience in the comments, then check out our previous article for more dark skies in Arizona.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
