Bonita Canyon Drive and Campground scheduled to reopen today | Sports & Recreation

Chiricahua National Monument will be reopening Bonita Canyon Drive and Campground today at noon.

The roadway and campground had been closed due to heavy monsoon rains, and flash flooding in the area closed the facility on August 17.  After the waters subsided staff members began assessing and cleanup of the campground, but additional rains did not help the effort any. 

“The safety of our visitors and staff is always our first priority,” Superintendent Lane Baker said earlier this week.  “Now that the roadway is safe for travel we are looking forward to welcoming folks that want to get outside and enjoy their Labor Day weekend in a National Park Service site.”

Visitors and residents are reminded though the monsoon rains are not over yet.  Weather during the summer months can change quickly, and areas affected by past wildfires, like the Chiricahua National Monument was with the Horseshoe II fire, are more prone to flash flooding.  Never camp in low lying areas, or near washes. 

For more information about current conditions at Chiricahua National Monument please call the Visitor Center at (520)824-3560 or visit the website at www.nps.gov/chir.