Chiricahua National Monument officially becomes America's 64th national park

President Donald Trump signed the Chiricahua National Park Act into law on Tuesday, officially redesignating Arizona's Chiricahua National Monument as the country's newest national park. Located in southeastern Arizona's Cochise County, about 36 miles south of Willcox, the destination spans more than 12,000 acres and becomes the 64th national park in the United States.

Known widely as the "Wonderland of Rocks," the park features dramatic rock spires, columns, balancing boulders, and hoodoos formed roughly 27 million years ago following a massive volcanic eruption that blanketed the region in ash. Over millions of years, wind and water eroded the hardened material into its current distinct landscape. The area also forms part of the region's Sky Islands, supporting diverse habitats from desert vegetation to pine and oak forests.

The legislative effort was sponsored by Representative Juan Ciscomani and backed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego. Officials and local leaders gathered for a news conference to mark the designation, which also makes Chiricahua Arizona's fourth national park, joining the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro national parks.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum praised the new status at the announcement. "Chiricahua's towering rock spires, rich Apache heritage and remarkable biodiversity make it one of America's most extraordinary landscapes," Burgum said. He added that the designation will shine a national spotlight on the region, helping to strengthen local economies and welcome more travelers.

Local leaders in nearby Willcox, a small town of about 3,500 residents, have advocated for the upgrade for years, anticipating positive economic impacts and increased tourism. Mayor Greg Hancock noted that communities transitioning from a national monument to a national park often experience roughly a 20 percent increase in visitation. "It represents investment in rural America, a commitment to preserving one of the nation's greatest natural treasures, and an opportunity that will benefit generations to come," Hancock stated.

While the new law changes the site's official title, it does not alter park boundaries or immediately introduce new infrastructure. Visitors can continue utilizing existing amenities, such as the eight-mile Bonita Canyon Drive, the 23-site Bonita Canyon Campground, and more than 17 miles of hiking trails. Entrance to the park remains free, and current vehicle restrictions and guidelines will stay in place.

Federal officials emphasized that the designation brings added focus to infrastructure needs and maintenance support. Burgum noted that agency budgets for water systems, trails, and visitor services typically scale up following a national park designation. The new law also mandates that the National Park Service consult closely with Indigenous tribes to protect traditional cultural and religious sites, ensuring tribal members can continue accessing the land for customary uses.

Chiricahua is steeped in rich history, having served as the ancestral homeland of the Chiricahua Apache, alongside the heritage of families who homesteaded at Faraway Ranch. Previously established as a national monument in 1924, the site now marks the first new U.S. national park designation since West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was established in December 2020.