Bike the Parks

Parks / Arizona

Chiricahua National Park

America's newest national park: an 8-mile paved climb through a forest of rock spires.

2/5
Limited riding

One 8-mile paved climb to Massai Point among the rock spires; trails and wilderness are closed to bikes.

Riding here

Chiricahua became the 64th national park in October 2026. For cyclists it means one memorable road: Bonita Canyon Road winds eight miles up from the entrance, steepening as it goes, to Massai Point, with the park's 'wonderland of rocks' all around. It's a good out-and-back on a road bike, and quiet compared with the big-name parks.

Where you can ride

Bicycles may use roads and paved surfaces open to vehicles, chiefly Bonita Canyon Road to Massai Point and the spur toward Echo Canyon and Sugarloaf.

Where you can't

Bikes are prohibited on all hiking trails and in the designated wilderness. Roads closed to vehicles are closed to bikes too. Riding side by side is prohibited on all park roads.

Rides

  • Bonita Canyon Road to Massai Point

    • Road
    • 8 mi one way from the entrance
    • Paved
    • Hard

    The park's scenic drive, narrowing and climbing steeply near the top. Vehicles over 24 feet are barred beyond the campground, which keeps big RVs off the upper road.

    Start: Park entrance / visitor center

When to go

Spring and fall are best. Summer brings heat and July–August monsoon storms; winter can bring snow to the upper road.

Safety

Ride single file: side-by-side riding is prohibited. The upper road is narrow and steep with blind curves. Carry water.

E-bikes

E-bikes are allowed only on park roads open to the public (unless the superintendent restricts them), and riding for long stretches on the motor alone isn't allowed.

Fees

No entrance fee (the entrance booth is often unstaffed for that reason).

Rentals, tours and shuttles

  • Your bike shop hereSample listing

    This spot is for one rental shop, guide service or shuttle near Chiricahua: your name, what you offer, and a link straight to your booking page, at the top of this section.

    Feature your shop on this page, free until spring 2027

Run a shop near Chiricahua? Add it here.

Sources

Checked November 2026 against these sources. Rules, closures and fees change; confirm with the park before you ride.

  1. Laws & Policies — Chiricahua National Park (NPS)
  2. Scenic Drive — Chiricahua National Park (NPS)
  3. Chiricahua becomes the newest national park (AZFamily, Oct 2026)

Edited by David Bussell. Spot something out of date? Tell us.

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