Volunteers In Parks - National Parks Gallery
Volunteers help with a school group activity.
Volunteers In Parks - National Parks Gallery
A high school student volunteer and teacher volunteer work with a local school group during a hands-on activity.
Corrals at Faraway - National Parks Gallery
A round pen at Faraway Ranch
Bird's Eye View - National Parks Gallery
Another view of the Faraway Ranch house, looking north. Notice the lighter-colored one story part of the house on the left. That is probably the original cabin that Emma bought in 1886. It was later torn down.
Garfield Monument - National Parks Gallery
Buffalo Soldiers in the 10th Cavalry made this monument to President Garfield in 1886, while they were stationed in Bonita Canyon. In the 1920s, Lillian and Ed Riggs dismantled the monument and turned the stone... More
Guest Dining Room - National Parks Gallery
This guest dining room used to be a screened in porch, and was converted to a dining room in the 1920s. The fireplace is made of stones carved by Buffalo Soldiers who were stationed in Bonita Canyon during the ... More
Cabin Diagram, Chiricahua national monument
Emma bought a two room, picket style cabin in December, 1886. Neil's first job was to dig a well. He used the mud and stone from that 80 foot well to build a fort. Designed to protect his family from Apache att... More
Cabin and Box Addition - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The log cabin Emma bought in 1888 was connected to the stone fort around 1899. Notice the two chimneys.
Looking down the stairs - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Neil Erickson built these stairs when he added on to the log cabin around 1899. Later, a gate was added at the top of the stairs, to help Lillian, who became mostly blind, to know where the edge of the steep stairs were.
Front view of cabin - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Neil and Emma, and their children, Lillian, Ben, and Hildegard, lived in this cabin from 1888 to 1899, when they expanded by connecting the cabin to the stone fort. The expanded house was called the Box House.
Kitchen looking towards small dining room
This kitchen is part of the original 1899 addition Neil and Emma Erickson made to their log cabin. To the left is the doorway down to the cellar, the original "stone fort" the Ericksons built shortly after they... More
Ben Erickson - National Parks Gallery
Ben Erickson served in the Army during World War I. Public domain photograph of army uniform, military, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
View from living room into family dining room
The living room was added in 1915, adjacent to the family dining room.
Tree Among Rocks and Plants - Public Domain image, National Parks Gall...
A dead tree found along a trail in the park.
Fall Colors Along Bonita Canyon Drive
Many scenic view await you as you drive through the park.
A View From Massai Point - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Enjoy the scenic view from Massai Point at the end of the scenic drive.
"Land of Standing Up Rocks" - Public Domain image, National Parks Gall...
Enjoy the scenic views from various points while driving through the park.
Stafford Cabin in the 1930s - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
Lillian and Hildegard Erickson bought the Stafford Cabin around 1917 and used it for guest accommodations at Faraway Ranch.
White-nosed coati (Nasua narica), Chiricahua National Monument, 2015.
A relative of the raccoon, the coatimundi or white-nosed coati, live in wooded areas of the Americas. These omnivores easily climb trees but prefer ground foraging. Like its relative, the raccoon, coatis adapt ... More
White-nosed coati (Nasua narica), Chiricahua National Monument, 2014.
A relative of the raccoon, the coatimundi or white-nosed coati, live in wooded areas of the Americas. These omnivores easily climb trees but prefer ground foraging. Like its relative, the raccoon, coatis adapt ... More
The campground in 1935 - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The stop sign entering the campground in Chiricahua National Monument. Public domain photograph - park, sign, monument, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Neil Erickson and the Garfield Fireplace
Neil Erickson wanders in front of the Garfield Fireplace in 1935.
50th Anniversary - National Parks Gallery
Emma and Neil celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1937.
Observation Station at Massai Point in 1940
This "Orientation Station" was designed by the well-known park architect Cecil Doty in the park's rustic architecture style. It hasn't changed much over the years, although windows and doors were added.
Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona
Twenty seven million years ago a volcanic eruption of immense proportions shook the land around Chiricahua National Monument. One thousand times greater than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, the Turkey Cr... More
Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona
Twenty seven million years ago a volcanic eruption of immense proportions shook the land around Chiricahua National Monument. One thousand times greater than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, the Turkey Cr... More
Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona
Twenty seven million years ago a volcanic eruption of immense proportions shook the land around Chiricahua National Monument. One thousand times greater than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, the Turkey Cr... More
Sunset at Massai Point - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Chiricahua National Monument is open 24 hours/day, which means you can come for sunrise, and stay for sunset and star-gazing!
Lillian Erickson Riggs - National Parks Gallery
Lillian spent a lot of time with her horses and dogs.
Another view of the ranch house
In this view of the ranch house, still facing north, notice that it is closer to its current appearance.
Ben, Lillian, and Andy - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Ben Erickson owned his own ranch close to Faraway. He sometimes visited his sister Lillian and her ranch foreman, Andy.
Hildegard Erickson - National parks scenic trails
Not all women used sidesaddles. Often it was more practical for trail riding and ranch work to ride "astride."
National parks: Cowboy - public domain image
A cowboy riding (probably) a mare (female horse) with a foal (baby horse) following.
Neil and Emma Erickson in front of their house
Neil was in the Army during the Indian Wars, and is wearing his medal here in this portrait with his wife Emma.
Stage 3 with labelled rooms - Public Domain image, National Parks Gall...
The upstairs did not change much, except for the addition of a bathroom, sleeping porch, and small office (accessed through the "Green Room (NPS storage)," above the new guest dining room.
Holiday Cheer, Chiricahua national monument
The Garfield Fireplace ready for the holidays.
Rhyolite Rocks, Chiricahua national monument
Rhyolite Canyon Tuff is a volcanic rock formed from a massive volcanic eruption 27 million years ago. It is compressed ash.
Colorful Sunset, Chiricahua national monument
This colorful sunset was seen at Massai Point.
Sergeant Neil Erickson - National Parks Gallery
Neil Erickson was a sergeant in the 4th Cavalry during the Indian Wars.
Lillian in her later years - Public Domain image, National Parks Galle...
Lillian eventually became mostly blind and mostly deaf. She is seen here in the guest dining room, standing by the Garfield Fireplace.
Neil and George (horse) - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Neil Erickson explored the Chiricahua Mountains by horseback. Here is is on his horse, George.
Trail Ride - National parks scenic trails
Trail rides were a popular way to explore the unique rocks of Chiricahua National Monument.
Neil at Walnut Canyon - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Neil Erickson worked as a United States Forest Service Forest Ranger at Walnut Canyon National Monument, before it became a National Park Service site.
Ed Riggs on horseback - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Ed Riggs explored the Chiricahua Mountains before the monument was established.
Bonita Creek Campground with a flooded road.
Look how high the "high water mark" was in the campground.
Visiting Faraway Ranch and the "Wonderland of Rocks."
Many people came to Faraway Ranch to explore Chiricahua National Monument by horseback.
Lillian at Fort Bowie - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Lillian explored the old army fort where she was born.
Stage 3 diagram - National Parks Gallery
The upstairs did not change much, except for the addition of a bathroom, sleeping porch, and small office (accessed through the "Green Room (NPS storage)," above the new guest dining room.
National parks: Cattle - public domain image
Faraway Ranch kept beef cattle. Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Horseback Tour, Chiricahua national monument
Ed Riggs showed Governor Hunt around the Wonderland of Rocks, in what would become Chiricahua National Monument.
Ranch Scene, Chiricahua national monument
Faraway Ranch was not only a guest ranch, but it was also a working cattle ranch.
Layout of the Stafford Cabin - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
The phases of the Stafford Cabin, according to Livingston's report.
Neil and Emma Erickson - Public domain print
An early portrait of Neil and Emma Erickson
Vintage Holiday Decorations - National Parks Gallery
Vintage decorations at Faraway Ranch. Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Guest Dining Room decorated for the holidays
Festive decorations Public domain photograph of restaurant tables, dinner, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Neil's den, Chiricahua national monument
Here is Neil working on his den/shop, a short distance from the ranch house. The den is now an exhibit building which is open when there are tours of the Faraway Ranch House.
Stage 3 house with labelled rooms (and future rooms).
The upstairs did not change much, with the exception of a long narrow addition of bathroom, hallway, sleeping porch, and a small office (accessed from the "Green Room (NPS storage)" above the new guest dining room.
Young Emma Peterson - National Parks Gallery
Emma Peterson came to the US from Sweden when she was 19 years old. Later she married Neil Erickson, another Swedish immigrant, and they homesteaded in Bonita Canyon. Their homestead later became known as Faraw... More
Visiting Fort Bowie - National Parks Gallery
Neil Erickson (far right) visited the remains of Fort Bowie, where he was stationed.
Heart of Rocks - National Parks Gallery
The Heart of Rocks area in Chiricahua National Monument offers unparalleled views of hundreds of rhyolite rock pinnacles. In the distance is Cochise Head, named for the impressive Chief Cochise of the Chiricahu... More
Exploring the Rocks - National Parks Gallery
Many visitors preferred riding horses instead of hiking to experience the rock pinnacles.
Pinnacle Balanced Rock - National Parks Gallery
Pinnacle Balanced Rock is one of the most famous rocks in the Heart of Rocks area. To see this balancing rock in person, be prepared for a strenuous hike of at least 7.3 miles (~12 kilometers) round trip. Brin... More
Flooding on Arizona Highway 186
Have you ever wondered what those highway says mean when they say "Do Not Enter if Flooded"? Park staff worked to help clear the road of gravel washed down by the flash flood.
CCC camp tents - National Parks Gallery
Tents in what is now the Silver Spur Meadow.
Working on the Stafford Cabin - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
Working on the Stafford Cabin in Bonita Canyon Public domain photograph of a cabin, log house, dwelling in National Park, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Horses at Faraway Ranch - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Horseback riding was a popular pasttime for guests at Faraway Ranch.
Lillian and Hildegard - National Parks Gallery
Sisters Lillian (left) and Hildegard (right) Erickson ran Faraway Ranch together for a few years.
Ja Hu and his daughter Clara - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
Ja Hu Stafford was an early homesteader in Bonita Canyon. Later, his daughter Clara, managed their land.
National parks: Exploring - public domain image
Possibly Ja Hu Stafford and his family exploring the Chiricahua Mountains.
Ranch horse, Chiricahua national monument
Horses played an important role in ranch life. Public domain photograph of a national park, horse riding, rangers, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Governor Hunt and photographer JJ Armstrong
Governor Hunt (white suit) and photographer JJ Armstrong visited Faraway Ranch and explored the rock formations in the Chiricahua Mountains. Later Governor Hunt would advocate for the monument to be established.
Festive Living Room - National Parks Gallery
Lights, garlands, and presents under the tree make Faraway Ranch festive for the holidays.
Family Portrait, Chiricahua national monument
Emma and Neil Erickson (seated) with their children (standing), Lillian, Ben, and Hildegard.
Canyon Tree Frog - National Parks Gallery
The small (usually less than 2.5 in/6.35 cm) canyon tree frog (Hyla arenicolor) is known for its loud voice.
Landscape view of Fort Bowie National Historic Site in August 2005
Landscape view of Fort Bowie National Historic Site taken in August 2005
Big Balanced Rock - National Parks Gallery
A view of Big Balanced Rock and other rock formations found in the Heart of Rocks Loop. To see these impressive pinnacles, be prepared for a 7.3 mile (12 kilometer) round trip hike.
Natural Bridge - National parks scenic trails
This small natural bridge is at the end of the Natural Bridge Trail. Bridges are formed by water running underneath, and arches are formed by wind erosion.
Chiricahua National Monument - National Parks Gallery
Chiricahua National Monument Public domain photograph of mountain range, national park, nature view, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Sugarloaf Mountain, Chiricahua national monument
A view of Sugarloaf Mountain, the highest point in Chiricahua National Monument. The elevation is 7,310 feet (2228 meters).
Swollen Bonita Creek (in the campground)
Flash floods aren't just composed of water. Often sediments, trees, tree branches, rocks, and other debris are carried along by the rushing water.
Palmer agave, Sonoran desert - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
Palmer agave Public domain photograph of cactus plant, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
National parks: Woodland1 - public domain image
Madrean evergreen woodland at Chiricahua National Monument
Red spotted toad - National Parks Gallery
Red spotted toads are one of five amphibians found in Chiricahua National Monument.
Thornscrub vegetation - National parks scenic trails
Dense underbrush, Massai Nature Trail, Chiricahua National Monument Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.
National parks: Chaparral4 - public domain image
Interior chaparral, Chiricahua National Monument Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
National parks: Chaparral2 - public domain image
Interior chaparral, Chiricahua National Monument Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.
National parks: Thornscrub - public domain image
Underbrush, Massai Nature Trail, Chiricahua National Monument Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.
National parks: Semidesert1 - public domain image
Semidesert grasses and yucca plants Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
National parks: Semidesert2 - public domain image
Hillside of semidesert grasses Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
National parks: TemperateForest3 - public domain image
Temperate forest, Chiricahua National Monument Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
National parks: TemperateForest1 - public domain image
Temperate forest, Chiricahua National Monument Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Deer Print, Chiricahua national monument
Deer track Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Big Balanced Rock - National Parks Gallery
Big Balanced Rock is a notable landmark on the Big Balanced Rock Trail, the Heart of Rocks Loop, and the Sarah Deming Trail. That small that the rock is balanced on is only 5 feet (1.5 meters) across.
Rime on Sotol - National Parks Gallery
Frosted sotol leaves Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Entrance road to Chiricahua National Monument, a unit of the National ...
The monument was established in 1924 to protect its extensive hoodoos, balancing rock, and other formations. The mountain range and park are named after the Chiricahua band of Apache Indians that at one time ro... More
Forested Scene 2 - National Parks Gallery
Forest in snow Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Snowy Slope, Chiricahua national monument
Peak in snow Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Cochise Head, Chiricahua national monument
Cochise Head rises above snowy hills. Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.
Arizona White Oak - National Parks Gallery
Arizona white oak Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
National parks: Chaparral3 - public domain image
Interior chaparral, Chiricahua National Monument Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description