Chiricahua National Monument & Fort Bowie

Chiricahua National Monument is a 90 minute drive 

northeast of Tombstone. 

The Chiricahua Apache called these pinnacles

 "standing up rocks."

Cochise Head Rock is a profile of 

the Chiricahua Apache chief. 

These rocks were formed from the Turkey Creek Volcano

 millions of years ago. These super-heated ash particles

 melted together, forming layers of gray rock called rhyolite.

Cool lookout!

This apparatus was interesting. 

You read the plaque underneath and then slide the barrel over 

to find different formations, and mountains.  

An example is this formation called the Totem Pole 

which is only 3 feet wide!

A beautiful Mexican Jay bird.

Do you think this rock formation looks like a bird?

Amazing scenery!

One of many balanced rocks we saw on our hike.

Interesting grottoes.

Organ Pipe Formation

After traveling down eight miles of gravel road, we ended 

up in the parking lot where you then had to hike another 

mile and a half just to get to the visitor center! 

It was already late in the afternoon and we were running 

out of daylight. We walked to the first ruin 

and turned around and decided to find the handicap entrance. 

Back in the car and another five miles of gravel and some 

paved roads. The gate was locked but we saw the path.

 Definitely not handicap accessible 

but only 900 feet to reach the ruins.

This is such a remote place most people
wouldn't take the time to get here.

There were 38 structures in Fort Bowie 

when it was abandoned in 1894.

Guard House 

Cavalry Barracks

Powder Magazine

For over 20 years Fort Bowie and Apache Pass were central to 

U.S. Army operations against the Chiricahua Apaches 

for control of the region.
Click here for more information about Fort Bowie.

May you walk through the world and know its beauty 
all the days of your life.