About Your Visit
You may obtain information and can register at monument headquarters, about 1 mile beyond the entrance. There is a small exhibit room here, and free interpretive service is provided. When personnel is available, visitors are accompanied to points of interest by park rangers who explain the geologic phenomena.
A paved mountain road will take you up scenic Bonita Canyon to Massai Point from which you can get an extensive view of the monument and of the Sulfur Springs Valley to the west and San Simon Valley on the east. The geological story is told at the Massai Point Exhibit Building. For added enjoyment, we suggest you take one or more of the following trips:
Massai Point Trail.—A self-guiding trail. Interesting features include a balanced rock, lookout point with telescope, and Transition Life Zone plants. Secure leaflet at the Exhibit Building. Time, 20 to 30 minutes.
Echo Canyon.—One of the most scenic sections of the monument. The walk of 1¼ miles to Echo Park is very spectacular.
Heart of Rocks.—A nice 4- or 5-hour hike to interesting rock formations, such as Punch and Judy and Big Balanced Rock. Take water.
Sugarloaf Peak.—One of the highest points in the monument with an extensive view of entire region. One mile from Sugarloaf parking area by trail.
Foothill Forest Trail.—A self-guiding trail, starting at the museum parking area, will take you past plants of the Upper and Lower Sonoran Life Zones. Time, 15 to 20 minutes.
Horseback Trip.—Horses are available at the Faraway Ranch and all trails are open to horseback parties.
There is a campground in Bonita Canyon, one-half mile above monument headquarters, at 5,340 feet elevation. Drinking water, fireplaces, wood, and picnic tables at 30 campsites; restrooms, showers, and laundry room are centrally located. Campers may heat water for showers or laundry in a wood-burning waterheater. Although the campground is open all year, shower rooms may be closed during freezing weather.
“Punch and Judy.”
Temperatures are generally moderate—the mean daily temperature in January is 40° and in July, 74°. Most of the average yearly precipitation of 18 inches occurs during the rainy season of July and August. Except for light snowfall in winter, the rest of the year is comparatively dry.
Camping and picnicking are restricted to the campground area. As wood is provided here, the gathering of firewood is prohibited.
Housetrailers can be accommodated, but no special facilities, such as electricity, are available. There is a 30-day limit on camping, which may be reduced during periods of heavy use. All pets must be leashed or kept in a vehicle.
Meals and lodging can be obtained at Silver Spur Ranch and housekeeping cabins and meals at the Faraway Ranch, both of which are on private lands.
“Duck on a Rock.”
Hunting, or injury to any plant, animal, or feature of the monument, is prohibited.