Chiricahua Becomes a New National Park (cntraveler.com)

Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona has been redesignated as Chiricahua National Park, the first new US national park in six years, spanning roughly 12,000 acres of grasslands, desert scrub, riparian areas, and pine woodlands. The park is home to almost 200 bird species, over 70 mammal species, 46 reptiles, and 8 amphibians, and offers the scenic drive to Massai Point, Echo Canyon, and Sugarloaf, 17 miles of wilderness trails, the Faraway Ranch historic district, and dark sky stargazing. Because the land was already protected as a national monument, the entrance fee and parking remain free and little changes on the ground beyond the name and signage, though national park status is expected to draw more visitors, spending, and overnight stays to the remote area near Willcox, about 30 to 45 minutes away, and Tucson, roughly two hours away.