Echo Canyon Loop Hike - Chiricahua Nat'l Monument - February 19, 2026

Описание: At Chiricahua National Monument, the Echo Canyon, Hailstone, and Ed Riggs Trails combine to form a triangular loop through some of the most extraordinary rock formations in the park. Though just 3.4 miles in length, this moderate hike delivers an immersive journey through a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.

We began from the Echo Canyon parking area and followed the loop counterclockwise, heading right as recommended. The decision quickly proved worthwhile. The Echo Canyon Trail descends roughly 400 feet into a maze of towering rhyolite pinnacles, balanced rocks, and sculpted spires that rise dramatically from the canyon floor. Around every bend, new formations appeared - some slender and delicate, others massive and fortress-like. The trail itself is a testament to craftsmanship, originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Their careful stonework and thoughtful grading still guide hikers safely through this rugged terrain.

The descent demanded attention. Sections of loose rock and uneven surfaces required steady footing, and occasional steep drop-offs added a sense of exposure. Yet the engineering of the trail made the journey feel purposeful rather than precarious.

Transitioning onto the Hailstone Trail, the canyon widened and offered broader perspectives. From this vantage point, the formations seemed to stretch endlessly, a vast “sea of stone” glowing in the desert light. It was a natural pause point - a place to reflect, photograph, and fully absorb the scale of this volcanic landscape.

The final leg, the Ed Riggs Trail, climbed steadily back up approximately 400 feet toward the parking area. The ascent was gradual but persistent, rewarding each gain in elevation with expanding views across Echo Canyon and beyond. Looking back at the spires from above gave a renewed appreciation for the route we had just traveled.

In just a few miles, the loop delivered dramatic geology, historic craftsmanship, elevation change, and constant visual reward. It is a hike that feels larger than its mileage suggests -- an unforgettable passage through one of Arizona’s most remarkable rock landscapes.