Outing: Chiricahua National Monument-Hike to Faraway Ranch

We decided to have another outing before Ashlee goes to Spain for her trek and so we selected another National Park. Chiricahua National Monument is located in the in Chiricahua Mountains in southeast Arizona. It is famous for its extensive vertical rock formations. It was created on April 18, 1924. The national monument also preserves the Faraway Ranch, owned at one time by Swedish immigrants Neil and Emma Erickson.

It was a really lovely drive and we learned from our last outing to leave a car at the place we were hiking to so we could easily ferry people back. It was a beautiful day and the weather was a perfect 75 degrees. We hiked along a trail through the forest.

Hiking group.

A view of the scenic mountains.

Eddy was the photographer for the day.

Zany insisted on holding Pa's hand, Pa found a giant walking stick.

In the 1930's the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) did extensive work in this area and this was the fireplace for one of the cabins they built.

Carlton kids perched on a log burned by a fire.

Quinton, Declan, Zany & Pa on a bridge 

 On the way to the Faraway Ranch, we stopped to check out one of the oldest cabins still standing in Arizona the Stafford Cabin. It was a darling two room cabin that a pioneer family built and lived in with their four children. It makes my small house seem huge. They were so brave to build and live in an area that was still dangerous with Apache Indians who could attack at any time.

Eddy called this picture, "Ye olde pasty leg."

Declan and Pa (to the left) McCoy, Nona, Zany, Quinton, Archy, Ashlee & Eddy (far right)

Peering into the interior of the cabin.

We arrive at the large Faraway Ranch House. It is a museum but sadly they cancelled the tour due to shortage of staff. I really wanted to see the interior.

Archy, Coy, & Zany check out the view from the second story.

We stopped for our picnic lunch near the Ranch House. We had subway sandwiches, cheetos, doritos, Amish potato salad (sweet with Miracle Whip), baby carrots & pickles. We really enjoyed watching the birds and the stunning surroundings. 

The kids all enjoyed the hike even Zany walked most of the way. We didn't even encounter any other hikers on the way so it really felt like we were alone in the expansive wilderness. Being there solidified my dream to one day own a vacation cabin in the mountains. I would love a rustic cabin to use as a getaway from the summer heat. It could even be a primitive one without electricity. That's my dream a rustic mountain cabin how fun would that be to decorate!