Management

Chiricahua National Monument is a unit of the National Park Service (NPS). Early ranching families and settlers advocated for the monument to be established. On April 18, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge protected the "Wonderland of Rocks" for the education, enjoyment, and inspiration of this and all future generations.

NPS Mission

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The NPS cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout the country and the world.

Park’s Purpose

Chiricahua National Monument preserves and interprets the distinctive rhyolite rock formations known as “the Pinnacles,” designated wilderness, and features of vital historical and scientific interest for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations.

Laws & Policies

Balancing the contradictory missions of preservation and visitor use can be challenging. The park works to ensure that visitors can experience Chiricahua’s incredibly diverse and dynamic ecosystems while keeping the promise of preservation for future generations. The Super Intendent's Compendium documents the primary rules and regulations of the park.

Some of the main laws, policies, and plans that guide decision making in the park are listed below.

• Federal Preservation Laws
• Foundation Document The document describes the park's basic purpose, significance, resources, and values. It serves as the foundation for future planning and management. Foundation Document Overview (852 kb) - Foundation Document(7 MB)
• President Calvin Coolidge's Proclamation No. 1692 (43 Stat. 1946) establishing the monument

Statistics

This 12,000 plus acre park receives about 60,000 visitors annually.