Congressman Juan Ciscomani has reintroduced legislation to designate Chiricahua National Monument as Chiricahua National Park. The move is intended to increase the national profile of the site, support local jobs, and bring more visitors to Southeastern Arizona.
“Chiricahua is one of Arizona’s true gems — a place with incredible natural beauty, rich cultural history, and deep meaning for the communities surrounding it,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “Upgrading the monument to a national park will strengthen its national profile, support local jobs, and bring even more visitors to Cochise County and the surrounding region. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort once again and continue moving this across the finish line.”
Ciscomani visited Chiricahua in January 2024 to meet with staff and see the monument’s trails. He emphasized the importance of expanding Arizona’s presence among national parks.
Known as the “Wonderland of Rocks,” Chiricahua National Monument attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. If approved, national park status would raise its visibility, improve funding opportunities, and promote conservation efforts while recognizing the history of the Chiricahua Apache and unique regional landscapes.
“This change is long overdue, and it’s an exciting opportunity to spotlight Southeastern Arizona on a national stage,” Ciscomani added. “I will keep working with my colleagues in both parties to advance this bill and make Chiricahua National Park a reality.”
Local officials have voiced their support for the bill. Clea McCaa, Mayor of Sierra Vista, stated: “The Chiricahua Mountains are a globally unique landscape, boasting awe-inspiring volcanic formations and extraordinary biodiversity. This natural treasure deserves the recognition and prestige of national park status, which would also honor its deep cultural significance as the homeland of the Chiricahua Apache and a gateway to the Southwest.”
Greg Hancock, Mayor of Willcox, commented: “As the Mayor of Willcox and a small-business owner, I can tell you firsthand that redesignating the Chiricahuas as a National Park would be transformational. Tourism isn’t just helpful to our community — it’s essential. A National Park designation would bring more visitors, support local jobs, and strengthen the entire economy of rural Arizona.”
Other organizations have also expressed their backing. Melany from Sky Island Regional Partnership (SIRP) said: “Transforming Chiricahua into a National Park honors the historic and environmental legacy of our region and serves to strengthen both conservation and the tourism economy in Cochise County. Congressman Ciscomani’s leadership on this effort reflects his strong commitment to our community, and we are proud to support it.”
Matthew Nelson from Arizona Trail Association noted: “Chiricahua contains some of the greatest natural wonders in Baja Arizona. Having a National Park and a National Scenic Trail in Cochise County is going to have a profoundly positive impact on our rural communities. The Arizona Trail Association fully supports Congressman Ciscomani’s bill, and we look forward to working with our local partners to make this long-awaited dream a reality.”
Camilla Simon from HECHO added: “HECHO proudly supports the Chiricahua National Park Act, a bill introduced by Representative Juan Ciscomani, which would designate the Chiricahua National Monument as Chiricahua National Park. Its stunning rock formations attract hikers, campers, birders, and families from Arizona and beyond. This designation would enhance conservation protections of this breathtaking landscape, increase tourism, maintain Tribal access, and boost the outdoor recreation economy in Southern Arizona, supporting local jobs and small businesses in Cochise County.”
Chiricahua National Monument was established in 1924 on over 12,000 acres in Cochise County. The proposed legislation does not change land management practices or existing uses; it has received bipartisan support in previous sessions.
On December 11th, 2025 Congressman Ciscomani testified before a House Natural Resources Legislative hearing regarding this legislation. The bill now moves forward for further consideration by committee.
Juan Ciscomani currently represents Arizona’s 6th district in Congress after defeating Kirsten Engel in both 2022 (50.7%–49.2%) and 2024 (50%–47.5%) general elections. He succeeded Ann Kirkpatrick as representative beginning in 2023.
