Check out some of the most insane rock formations in Arizona.Â
The Chiricahua Mountains, located in southeast Arizona, are known for their very strange rock formations. Chiricahua National Monument is full of weird balancing rocks and hoodoos.
A balancing rock located along the Echo Canyon trail.
A very long time ago, a huge volcanic eruption covered this area with volcanic ash, which solidified into rock over time. That rock has been slowly eroding since then, leaving behind some awesome formations.
The Organ Pipe Formation located on the park road. I can see how they got the name.
The main formations are further up into the mountains. Massai Point has an amazing view of the surrounding area.
So many hoodoos!
Such a cool view.
I love how the remaining formations make strait lines down the hill.
Close up on a balancing rock.
Now onto the Echo Canyon Loop trails. Here we have Sugarloaf Mountain with hoodoos in the front.
The trail takes you right through the formations.
Just so cool.
Some of these formations are simply massive.
There is this little valley chock full of these things. They are super tall.
This trail is just amazing.
So many hoodoos, so little time.
The trail continues through Echo park, a forested area at the bottom of the valley. It rounds a bend and the valley opens up.
Less rock formations, but still amazingly pretty.
The trail takes you through the valley up the ridge.
The Echo Canyon Loop trails are truly wonderful.
Part of Chiricahua National Monument was donated by the Erickson family who used to run a ranch/tourism business here. Faraway Ranch is still standing today and is located at the entrance to the park.
The Erickson family homestead, turned into a B&B by the family.
Chiricahua National Monument is only about two hours outside of Tucson, Arizona. It’s a great place to explore an unique landscape with great hiking trails. Best time to visit is Fall through Spring. It can get kind of toasty here in the Summer.
Check out my next update where I visit the ruins of a fort that helped tame the west.
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Check out all my other posts on the great state of Arizona!
