|
The Chiricahua National Monument Wilderness now contains a total of 10,290 acres and is managed by the National Park Service. All of the wilderness is in the state of Arizona. Public land becomes wilderness through legislation passed by the United States Congress in the form of public laws. For the Chiricahua National Monument Wilderness, this process began in 1976 when 9,440 acres were designated by Public Law 94-567. The Chiricahua National Monument Wilderness is part of the 106 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. This System of wild lands contributes significantly to the ecological, economic, and social health of our country. Wilderness provides clean air and water, a shelter for endangered species, sacred places for indigenous peoples, a living laboratory for research, and a classroom for exploring personal values while experiencing risk, reward, and self-reliance. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities like hiking, backpacking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, horse packing, bird watching, stargazing, and extraordinary opportunities for solitude.
| 
