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| View From Massai Point at Chiricahua National Monument. |
Bonita Canyon Road is the national monument’s only road, so all trailheads are on it or on a short spur off it. The trails listed here are arranged from west to east in the order they appear on the road:
• Silver Spur Faraway Trail – A pleasant walk through the high desert awaits on this 0.84-mile round trip. The trail starts on opposite of the road from the visitor center and ends at Bonita Canyon Campground. It actually is meant as a spur to the Faraway Trail, which runs west to the road of the same name. A side trail also heads up Madrone Canyon to Silver Spur Trail.
• Rhyolite Canyon Trail – This 4.8-mile round trip hike heads through a fairly verdant canyon. It often is used as an access route to the Heart of Rocks region. Start at the far end of the visitor center parking lot and turn back upon coming to the trail leading into Sarah Deming Canyon.
• Natural Bridge Trail – The 4-mile round trip heads through oak and juniper woodlands to the top of one canyon and into another one that sports an Apache pine forest. An arch is visible at trail’s end from across the canyon. Parking is along the road’s side.
• Sugar Mountain Trail – The hike heads 1.8 miles round trip to the top of Suglarloaf Mountain, which at 7310 feet is one of the highest points in the area. Since you’re already at a high elevation, the trail only needs to gain 482 feet in elevation. At the summit are 360 degree views and a fire tower. Turn right/west onto the road leading to the Echo Canyon Trailhead; pass it and continue to the spur road’s end.
• Echo Canyon Trail – The 2.8-miles round trip hike passes impressive rock formations. If a birder, visit in summer when white-throated swifts are common. Turn back at the junction with the Hailstone Trail or continue on it and connect with the Ed Riggs Trail for a loop back to the trailhead. Park by turning right/west onto the spur road leading to the Echo Canyon Trailhead.
• Ed Riggs Trail – Hikers can ramble through a sparse forest past rock spires on this 1.4-mile round trip. The trail begins at the Echo Canyon Trailhead; start on Echo Canyon Trail then when the route splits, go left/northeast. Turn back at that junction with Mushroom Rock Trail, which leads to the Heart of the Rocks area.
• Massai Point Trail – The trails runs a half-mile around the 6884 foot summit at the end of Bonita Canyon Road where it loops back upon itself. A mere 49 feet in elevation is gained on the trail. The north section is concrete sidewalk and wheelchair accessible.
