Today we camp at Chiricahua National Monument - in the southeast portion of Arizona. At Bonita Canyon Campground, we tour the facility, explore the Visitor Center, and show you what it is like camping in this remote but stunning area of Arizona. Bonita Canyon Campground is located within Chiricahua National Monument. The campground offers 25 sites as well as one group site. Due to the remoteness of the campgrounds, ground fires are not permitted, however, standing grills are included on every site for cooking purposes. The open season at Bonita Canyon Campground runs from early October to early July, closing for summer months during monsoon season when flooding is potential. There are some tricky areas to navigate within the campgrounds and as such RVs, motorhomes, and trailers are limited to a length of 29 feet. The campground has no nearby general store and the nearest town of Willcox, AZ is approximately 37 miles away so it is best to be prepared and bring supplies on your way in. Bonita Canyon Campground is located in bear and mountain lion country. Food, utensils, cooking appliances, pet items, coolers, and scented items must be stored when not in use. If campers arrive in a closed hard-sided vehicle, that may be used to store items or campers should use the National Park Service storage containers which are provided at every site.

Chiricahua National Monument is one of our favorite places in the American Southwest, if not the entire world. It is a mesmerizing land of "standing up rocks", as the native people call them. It is often referred to as a "wonderland of rocks". It truly is just that! In order to fully experience the beautiful landscape of Chiricahua and get up close and personal with the hundreds of rock spires, or "hoodoos", as they are often called, you will need to hike into the heart of the wilderness area. On a recent trip to Chiricahua, we hiked almost every trail in the park with the exception of a few and experienced most of what Chiricahua has to offer. We felt that the Heart of Rocks Loop trail represents the best of Chiricahua. It certainly contains many of the most famous, named rock formations, such as "The Old Maid", "Thor's Hammer", "Punch and Judy", and "The Kissing Rocks". In addition to some of these more well-known formations, hiking the Heart of Rocks loop will immerse you within one of the densest collections of beautiful rock spires in the park. You truly will feel like you are at the heart of it all when you hike this iconic trail. Not only will you get to walk deep within the hoodoos, but this trail also offers several beautiful views of Chiricahua from pretty high up. You will be able to see out to the desert beyond Chiricahua and get a good feel of why Chiricahua is referred to as a "sky island". You will also see some great views of the park from other angles. The only way to experience the Heart of Rocks is to hike to it. It is not accessible by vehicle. There are multiple trailheads you can begin from, and multiple ways you can configure a hike. We included this destination as part of a larger hike known as the "Big Loop", which we will be releasing another video on soon on that. But for those looking for a more casual experience, you can hike to Heart of Rocks from the visitor center, taking the Lower Rhyolite Trail to the Sarah Deming Trail, to the Heart of Rocks Loop trailhead, and then back the way you came. If you don't want to do an out-and-back hiking experience, you could also consider catching a daily hiker shuttle from the visitor center at 9:00 AM that will take you to the top of the park, so you can configure a hike through one of several trails down to Heart of Rocks, for a mainly downhill experience. No matter how you do it, if you have never visited Chiricahua, and especially if you are not sure you will have a chance to return and it is a once in a lifetime experience for you, we feel strongly that the Heart of Rocks loop should be the focal point of your Chiricahua itinerary.

The Big Loop Trail is a configuration of trails that cuts through the Chiricahua National Monument. It will take you through the best collections of rock spires and overlooks the park has to offer. It's a long hike though, so visitors should be well prepared. It can get pretty hot here in the summer months too. This video details the main hike and choice features you'll see along the way.

Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground, nestled within the enchanting landscape of Organ Pipe Cactus National Park, offers a unique camping experience that beckons adventurers seeking a connection with nature. Despite its rustic charm, the campground provides essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay amidst the desert's rugged beauty. Each of the four campsites boasts a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for cozy evenings spent under the star-studded sky. While there are no designated RV hookups or modern restroom facilities, the campground offers vault toilets for basic needs, blending convenience with the essence of primitive camping. Set against the backdrop of towering saguaros and rocky outcrops, Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground serves as a base for exploration, with numerous hiking trails weaving through the surrounding wilderness. From leisurely strolls along the Desert View Trail to more challenging treks up Arch Canyon, adventurers of all skill levels can immerse themselves in the park's natural wonders. Wildlife enthusiasts may catch glimpses of desert inhabitants such as bighorn sheep, javelinas, and a variety of bird species, adding an element of excitement to every outdoor excursion. At Alamo Canyon, the absence of modern distractions fosters a sense of serenity and connection with the land, allowing campers to recharge their spirits in a truly wild setting. Whether gathering around a crackling campfire, admiring the vibrant hues of a desert sunset, or simply basking in the tranquility of the desert landscape, visitors to this primitive campground are sure to depart with cherished memories of their rugged retreat into nature's embrace.