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Massai Point: Gateway to Chiricahua's Wonderland of Rocks

Experience breathtaking panoramic views and explore the unique rock formations at Massai Point in Chiricahua National Monument.

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Massai Point, located in Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona, offers panoramic views of the "Wonderland of Rocks." This easily accessible plateau is steeped in Chiricahua Apache history and provides access to hiking trails through unique rock formations.

A brief summary to Massai Point

  • Arizona, US

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking at Massai Point can fill up quickly.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited services available within the park.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
  • Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to hike any of the trails beyond the paved nature trail.
  • Visit the nearby Faraway Ranch to learn about the area's history and culture.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Willcox, Arizona, take AZ-186 South for approximately 35 miles. Turn right onto AZ-181 South and follow the signs to Chiricahua National Monument. Once inside the park, follow Bonita Canyon Drive for 8 miles to Massai Point, located at the end of the road. There are no fees to enter the park.

  • Shuttle

    A free shuttle service operates within Chiricahua National Monument from September to May. The shuttle departs from the visitor center at 9:00 AM and takes hikers to either the Echo Canyon or Massai Point trailheads. Registration is required in person at the visitor center either the day before or the morning of your hike. This service is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Discover more about Massai Point

Massai Point, situated at the end of Bonita Canyon Drive in Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona, provides visitors with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. From this vantage point, you can see Rhyolite Canyon, Cochise Head, and the vast valleys and peaks that define the region. Named possibly due to early settlers confusing local Apaches with the Chiricahua Apache man, Massai, the point is more than just a scenic overlook. It serves as a crossroads of four diverse ecosystems and a portal to the "Wonderland of Rocks," a network of trails leading through otherworldly terrain. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed many of the trails and structures in the area in the 1930s, including Speaker's Rock, a rustic amphitheater built for the park's dedication in 1934. Massai Point offers a glimpse into the geological history of the region, where volcanic activity millions of years ago created the unique rock formations that characterize Chiricahua National Monument. The area is also rich in cultural history, serving as the homeland of the Chiricahua Apache for centuries. Today, Massai Point is easily accessible, offering a paved, wheelchair-accessible trail to an exhibit building with informative displays.

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