Gila Herald Staff Reports
COCHISE COUNTY — Chiricahua has officially transitioned from a national monument to Arizona’s fourth national park and the nation’s 64th, after President Donald Trump signed the legislation into law.
The approximately 12,000-acre park in Cochise County joins the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro as the state’s crown jewel national parks. Known among Native Americans as the Land of Standing-Up Rocks—and often called the “Wonderland of Rocks”—the site features hundreds of towering rock spires carved by an ancient volcanic eruption.
President Calvin Coolidge originally established the site as a national monument in 1924.
“Today is a historic day for Arizona. Making Chiricahua a national park has been a priority of mine since I first came to the Senate, so I’m thrilled this day has finally arrived,” said Sen. Mark Kelly. “A bipartisan effort from the start, this is a win for the communities in southeastern Arizona and for everyone who worked to protect this extraordinary place so our kids and our grandkids can enjoy it.”
The successful designation culminated a decade of bipartisan push by Arizona lawmakers. U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly first introduced legislation to upgrade the monument in 2021, eventually partnering with Sen. Ruben Gallego in the Senate, while U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) and Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04) championed the effort in the House. The House cleared the measure in March, and the Senate passed it in September.
“I’m incredibly proud that my Chiricahua National Park bill is officially law, establishing Arizona’s fourth national park,” said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. “After nearly a decade of work, persistence has finally paid off, and this historic effort has reached the summit. I’m incredibly grateful to our local partners, whose dedication and collaboration with my office were instrumental in getting this across the finish line. This achievement will preserve Arizona’s rich heritage for generations to come. As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, I cannot think of a better way to honor our history and natural beauty than by welcoming Arizona’s fourth national park, and the second national park in Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District.”
To mark the milestone, Rep. Ciscomani was joined by U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for a celebration, remarks, and tour at the park shortly after the bill was signed.
“As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, President Trump is writing an exciting new chapter in our nation’s conservation history with the designation of Chiricahua as America’s 64th National Park,” Secretary Burgum said.
Economic and Community Impact
As a monument, the site draws roughly 60,000 visitors annually, and local leaders expect the new national park status to significantly boost regional tourism and support hotels, restaurants, and small businesses throughout southeastern Arizona.
“More visitors can mean more customers for our hotels, restaurants, and small businesses,” said Willcox Mayor Greg Hancock in a statement.
“This is a historic day for Willcox, Cochise County, and the entire State of Arizona. The Chiricahuas are one of our nation’s greatest natural treasures, and designating them as a National Park will ensure future generations can experience their extraordinary beauty. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Congressman Juan Ciscomani, Senator Mark Kelly, HECHO, and the many partners who worked together to make this a reality. We are especially grateful to President Trump for signing this legislation and recognizing the importance of protecting this remarkable landscape,” Hancock said.
Willcox City Manager Caleb Blaschke echoed those sentiments, noting that Willcox’s position as a gateway to the mountains makes it primed for increased visitation and new tourism-related investments.
“This designation will strengthen our local economy, support our small businesses, and introduce more visitors to everything southeastern Arizona and Cochise County has to offer. The economic benefits of this decision will be felt for generations,” Blaschke said.
Protections and Access
Under the new law, the park’s existing boundaries remain unchanged. Crucially, the legislation explicitly protects tribal access for traditional ceremonies and cultural uses on land that was once home to the Chiricahua Apache.
While conservationists and community leaders have praised the long-awaited designation for providing permanent protections and economic opportunities, National Park Service officials have not yet indicated whether additional staff will be allocated to handle potential increases in tourism.
