The
Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers
visited Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona
July 20, 2012
visited Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona
July 20, 2012
The two RV Gypsies photographed a bit of scenery on Arizona Highway 186 in Willcox, Arizona while traveling to Chiricahua National Monument. These photos were taken through the window of the two RV Gypsies' toad (their truck). Their RV was parked in the campground.
The
Chiricahua National Monument is located about 36 miles southeast
of Willcox, Arizona. Geologists believe that it preserves the remains
of an immense volcanic eruption that shook the region some 27 million
years ago. The thick white-hot ash spewed forth from the nearby Turkey
Creek Caldera, cooled and hardened into rhyolite tuff, laying down almost
two thousand feet of dark volcanic ash and pumice, highly siliceous in
nature which eventually eroded into the natural features visible that
we see at the monument today.
Below: These photos were taken from the main road around the bottom of the mountain. No hiking required.
Rocks: The formations at Chiricahua are similar in size and shape to the sandstone spires of Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks in Utah, although without as much color - the rocks were grey or brown, but often with a covering of bright green lichen. They were formed by erosion of compacted pumice and ash, resulting from a huge eruption around 27 million years ago
Below: One of many trails at Chiricahua National Monument. Instead of hiking trails like they did last time they were here, the two RV Gypsies chose to photograph the amazing scenery from the road area.
Below: The only trail the two RV Gypsies went on in Chiricahua National Monument on this date; but they only went to the first corner of the trail (about a one minute walk). There they took a few photos and decided not to walk or hike the rest of the trail.
Below: Lee Duquette about one-minute in on the Massai Nature Trail.
Below: Karen Duquette had to zoom in on the hill - because there is a building up there.
Below: Near where the two RV Gypsies parked their truck was another chance to photograph some amazing scenery without having to hike any trails.
Filming in another direction, Karen Duquette saw even more amazing scenery at Chiricahua National Monument.
The
two RV Gypsies were at Chiricahua National Monument in 2009.
At that time, they hiked the Lower Rhyolite Canyon Trail, which was a
difficult trail, but they are NOT doing any difficult hiking this trip.
However, in 2009, the two RV Gypsies saw The Heart of Rocks area
which had very unusual named formations. If you would like to see these
amazing formations photographed in 2009, 
