It’s been 2 years since we last explored Chiricahua National Monument so we were long overdue for another visit there. Upon recommendation from a park employee, we hiked the Heart of Rocks Loop trail.
The Heart of Rocks Loop consists of the Lower Rhyolite Canyon, Sarah Deming, and Heart of Rocks Loop Trails for a total of 7.3 miles. We rate this as moderately easy however there are a lot of rock steps.
The trail begins through an easy, level walk through the Lower Rhyolite Canyon Trail…
..And ascends slowly into Rhyolite Canyon, to Sarah Deming Canyon for an 880ft gain to reach the top of the ridge.
Before we knew it, the hoodoos were practically falling on top of us! Good thing we lift weights! Those rocks are heavy to hold up!
The entire hike is fascinating but our favorite section of the trail was when we were deep into the Heart of Rocks Loop, where many of the most unusual rock formations in the monument can be found.
Husband taking a rest after holding up some hoodoos…
My other throne is made of porcelain. 😉
We made it to the top!
Heart of Rocks Loop Overview
- Address: 12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643 (Access via the visitor center parking lot)
- Fees: FREE
- Length: 7.3 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: 880 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Usage: Light
- Pets allowed: No
- Camera info: Canon EOS-M + Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM