Cindy Hayostek

Chiricahua National Monument Cindy Hayostek

Chiricahua National Monument, located in Arizona's southeast corner, is famous for its scenic and biological wonders. Every year, thousands of people visit the largest of the "Sky Island" mountain ranges to marvel at fantastic rock formations, hike scenic pathways, bolster a birding list, or simply gaze into starry skies while relaxing in a quiet campground. Thorough visitors soon discover that there is much more to the "Wonderland of Rocks" than just rocks. Those rocks are the backdrop to the story of Chiricahua Apache leader Geronimo and the black 10th Cavalry Regiment soldiers pursuing him. James Logan, John Robinson, and other "Buffalo Soldiers" assembled local rocks into a one-of-a-kind monument. Ed and Lillian Riggs, owners of Faraway Ranch, preserved rocks from that monument partially because their families homesteaded and ranched in the area with the soldiers' protection. Faraway Ranch became one of Arizona's first guest ranches, and it provided a way for sightseers to appreciate the Wonderland of Rocks' unique history and appearance.