Massai Nature Trail

Nestled in the southeastern corner of Arizona, Chiricahua National Monument features numerous hikes with picturesque vistas. With nearly 360-degree views of the hoodoos in the surrounding park and wilderness area, Massai Nature Trail is no exception. There are interpretive signs along the trail that explain the region’s natural history, including how the pinnacles were formed by volcanic activity approximately 27 million years ago.

Hikers may choose to begin from either the northern or southern trailhead at the Massai Point parking lot. Heading in a counterclockwise direction, the trail gradually descends and views of Echo Canyon as well as Rhyolite Canyon open up. Both canyons, as well as the surrounding mountains, are densely packed with hoodoos as far as the eye can see. As the trail ascends back to the parking lot, keep an eye out for interesting rock formations and balancing rocks.