Of historic interest is the Faraway Ranch, a pioneer homestead and later a working cattle
and guest ranch. It is a significant example of human transformation of the western
frontier from wilderness to the present settlement. Faraway Ranch offers glimpses into the
lives of Swedish immigrants Neil and Emma Erickson, and their children. The house is
furnished with historic artifacts which not only give us reminders of our youth and our
ancestors, but one can also trace the development of technology during the first half of
the twentieth century. Acreage: 12,000 acres.
- VISITATION:
- Highest in April; lowest in June. Total visitation for 1994 - 91,215 visitors.
- LOCATION:
- Willcox, AZ
- ADDRESS:
- Superintendent
Dos Cabezas Route Box 6500
Willcox, Arizona 85643
- TELEPHONE:
- (520) 824-3560
- OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
- Visitor Center: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily; closed Christmas Day. Peak season is from
March - May.
- CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
- Temperatures are generally mild with summer daytime highs in the upper 90s and nighttime
lows in the 50s. Winter daytime highs range in the 50s to 60s and nighttime lows are
typically in the upper teens or low twenties but can dip into the subzero range. Moisture
is evenly distributed, half during the winter as snow, half in the summer as rain. Daily
thunderstorms can occur from July through September.
Clothing: Sturdy hiking boots,
with good ankle support, are highly recommended when hiking the trails.
1. During the summer, light clothing for warm days and cool nights is recommended. Rain
gear is useful during the rainy season.
2. During the winter, wear warm clothing to cope with wind chill factors below zero, snow
and subfreezing temperatures.
- DIRECTIONS:
- Chiricahua National Monument is located 120 miles east of Tucson. Exit I-10 at Willcox,
and follow State Route 186 36 miles to the monument.
- TRANSPORTATION:
- Privately owned vehicle. There is no public transportation to monument. Obtain gas in
Willcox; gasoline is not available at or near the monument.
Airline service to Tucson
(120 miles) is available with rental cars also available.
- FEES, COSTS, RATES:
- Entrance to the park: $6.00 per vehicle, $3.00 per motorcycle, bicycle, or hiker. The
annual Golden Eagle Passport is valid in all Federal Fee areas that have entrance fees
(most national park areas). Cost is $50. Free with Golden Age Passport (available to U. S.
citizens 62 years old or older for a one-time fee of $10.00). Free with Golden Access
Passport (available to blind or permanently disabled U.S. citizens). Commercial rates 1-6
passengers: $30.00; 7-25 passengers: $45.00; 25+ passengers: $100.00. Camping fees: $8.00
per night; $4.00 with Golden Age Passport; $4.00 with Golden Access Passport.
- FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
- Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Visitor Center with audiovisual program, exhibits, computer information station, book
sales. Chiricahua features 17 miles of maintained trail in a monument that is 90%
wilderness. Trails vary in degree of difficultly. The Echo Canyon Trail and the Heart of
Rocks Trail offer spectacular views of balanced rocks, spires and pinnacles. A picturesque
pioneer homestead, the Faraway Ranch, offers daily tours of the house and a chance to
learn about the Swedish immigrant family that was one of the first to settle in the area.
One can view animals and birds not seen outside the desert southwest. Mammal species
include: Javelina, coatimundi, hog-nosed and hooded skunks, white-tailed deer, bears, and
mountain lions. Birds seen include: Magnificent hummingbirds, Black-chinned hummingbirds,
Scott's orioles, Hepatic tanagers, Painted redstarts, Yellow-rumped warblers, Red-faced
warblers, and Black-headed grosbeaks.
- Programs/Activities:
Interpretive programs are available from March through November. Evening programs are
presented at the Campground Amphitheater. Short talks and guided walks are also given.
Check the schedule at the Visitor Center for specific times and places. Special events
at the Faraway Ranch include an annual Christmas open house, a Mother's Day Ice Cream
Social, and other special programs. Call for further information.
- Lodging and camping facilities:
There is a 25 site campground (Bonita Canyon). It features rest rooms with flush
toilets, running water, picnic tables and trash pickup. There are no hookups or showers.
Camping is limited to 14 days. Camping is restricted to the campground. No back country
camping is available in the monument. Camping is available on a first-come, first-serve
basis only. There are no food services, gasoline, or lodging in the monument. Supplies can
be obtained, along with these services, at nearby stores and towns.
- Accessibility:
The visitor center and campground are fully accessible, including rest room facilities.
The Faraway Ranch House can accommodate a narrow wheelchair.
- BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Take the 8-mile scenic drive to Massai Point, take a Faraway Ranch tour, hike the Echo
Canyon Loop trail (3.5 miles).
- ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
- Fort Bowie National Historic Site - a prominent outpost in the Apache Wars of the late
nineteenth century (21 mile drive, 3 mile walk), Coronado National Memorial - memorial to
the Spanish explorer Coronado (100 miles), Tombstone/Bisbee - historic towns that feature
mining and late nineteenth century history (70/90 miles), Portal/Cave Creek (Coronado
National Forest) - a favorite scenic bird watching destination (26 miles).
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Call (520) 824-3560.
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