We headed up the mountain to see the "Wonderland of Rocks." Long ago there was a volcano that erupted leaving behind lava flows that over time eroded and left many interesting rock formations. Ed Riggs owner of Faraway Ranch was instrumental in getting the area declared a National Monument in 1924. It is breathtakingly beautiful looking out into the far distance so seeing miles and miles of these rock formations. There are many different hikes you can take from easy to moderate to strenuous and many different lengths and elevations. The longest hike is nine miles which allows you to see many of the famous rock formations. We did the Massai Trail that had many steps and went in a loop.
It was really windy and the kids were a little nervous taking this picture.
The rock formations have names like Mushroom, Finger, Organ Pipes & Duck on Rock
Some of the formations were slender.
Look at my baby birds in a rock nest made by the CCC
This is Cochise's (Apache Warrior & Leader) Head. It is a the profile of a man's face looking up.
Eddy & Quinton in front of Cochise's Head
Pa & Zany on Massai Nature Trail
After the hike at the top of the mountain we went back to the Ranger Station so Quinton, Declan & McCoy could turn in the packets they had been working on so they could be official Junior Rangers.
The Park Ranger checked their work and found it acceptable and swore them in as official Junior Rangers and had them take an oath. They received a nice patch to commemorate this event.
A plaque for the members of CCC (civilian conservation corps)
Quinton poses like the guy on the plaque.
We had just a small taste of the rock formations and I would love to go back and see some more and take other hikes. We had a full day as we left at 9:30 a.m. and didn't return until 5:30 p.m. We stopped for an ice cream treat in Willcox, Az. Before we knew the day was done and everyone was worn out from all the hiking and sun and ready for bed.
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