Portal, AZ - Rodeo, NM

Nine hikers drove to the spectacular Chiricahua National Monument for a hike (mostly) down the 4.5 mile Echo Canyon Trail, starting at the Echo Canyon parking lot and ending at the Visitor Center. Below you see the group at the Echo Canyon Grotto.

Visiting the Monument is always one of our favorite activities, with world-class hiking. I often find myself humming the Beatle’s Magical Mystery Tour as I walk through this special place. 

The monument was established on April 18, 1924, to protect its extensive hoodoos and balancing rocks. Between 1934 and 1940, the Civilian Conservation Core built the infrastructure that defines the park today. This includes 17 miles of hiking trails, the rustic stone visitor center and the eight mile drive to Massai Point.

The trail system was built under Foreman Ed Riggs, and one of the trails bears his name today. One of the things that impressed us was the extensive stone work along the trail, defining the trail, supporting the trail, preventing erosion, etc. 

The summary below, of the nationwide contributions of the CCC from 1933 to 1942 is quite impressive. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal established this program on March 31, 1933. It provided jobs for over 3 million unemployed, unmarried men between 18 and 25 (later 17 - 28) during the Great Depression. The program ended as WW II began. 

It was a fine day for hiking, with blue skies, acceptable temperatures and sometimes a slight breeze. We all look forward to our next trip to the Chiricahua National Monument. There are many other trails to explore.

Next week we will stay closer to home, hiking in South Fork. It will be an out-and-back hike so you can go as far as you wish. Note that there have been reports of significant amounts of poison ivy along the trail so wear long pants. Bring the usual — water, lunch, hat, sunscreen, etc. Meet at the Silver Peak Trailhead at 8 a.m. AZ, 9 a.m. NM.

Happy trails!

Report by Carol

Photos by Carol and Eskild