Hidden Gems: Why National Monuments Deserve A Look
Everyone’s talking about national parks these days—after all, there are only 63 (or is it 64?), and collecting stickers from each one has become something of a competitive sport. But while everyone else is waiting in line for Old Faithful or cramming into Yosemite Valley, we’ve discovered the true unsung heroes of America’s public lands: national monuments.
How many national monuments are there? 130. That’s more stickers than your water bottle can handle, unless you’re prepared to double-layer. Unlike national parks, which require an act of Congress, national monuments can be designated by presidential proclamation, which means they still include some of the most unique, historically rich, and scientifically significant landscapes in the country. And best of all? Less traffic, more ranger attention, and—our personal favorite—often dog-friendly trails.
Chiricahua National Monument: A Hidden Wonderland
On our latest adventure, we visited Chiricahua National Monument in southeastern Arizona. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re missing out. The park is a ‘Sky Island,’ a labyrinth of towering rock formations—otherworldly pillars sculpted from volcanic ash that erupted 25 million years ago. They balance precariously, defying gravity and common sense, while trails wind through narrow passageways and across high ridges with sweeping views.
Unlike some national parks where rangers are too busy handing out maps to make eye contact, the Chiricahua staff had time to chat, give us extra stickers (yes, extra stickers), and make the kids’ Junior Ranger experience even more memorable. And while we’ve spent too much money in overpriced national park gift shops, here, the same gear was refreshingly discounted.
Best of all? Dogs were welcome on some of the trails, so Poky could come along for the adventure.
A Place of History
Chiricahua isn’t just about the rocks. This was once Apache territory, home to the Chiricahua Apache, including the legendary Geronimo. His story—one of resistance, visions of invincibility, and over a decade of warfare against the U.S. military—adds a sobering depth to the landscape. The tragic aftermath, with the Apache held as prisoners of war for nearly 30 years, was a grim reminder of the nation’s complicated history with Native Americans.
The wind was fierce at our picnic spot—perched at 6,200 feet, we had to keep a firm grip on the pita and hummus, while the raspberry container and the Doritos required constant monitoring to prevent them from launching into the abyss. But no one was blown over a ledge, so we’re calling it a success.
Almost Stopping at Fort Bowie
We nearly made a detour to Fort Bowie National Historic Site, where the U.S. Army clashed with the Apache in a brutal campaign of expansion and resistance. The site offers a deep dive into the region’s history—but to get there, you have to hike 1.5 miles in just to reach the visitor center. With seven of us (plus a dog), a setting sun and a long drive still ahead, we made the tough call to skip it.
Even with Arizona’s delightful 75 mph speed limits, Tucson wasn’t getting any closer on its own.
Why Visit National Monuments
If you’re on a mission to see America’s greatest landscapes, national parks are an obvious choice. But if you want fewer crowds, equally rich history that doesn’t always make the headlines, and a chance to experience something truly off the beaten path, national monuments are where it’s at. Bonus: You’ll probably get extra stickers.
So, next time you’re planning a road trip, pull out a map and check for those lesser-known brown signs. You might just stumble on your new favorite adventure.
