Last weekend, my family and I decided to take a break from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives and immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature. Our destination of choice? The picturesque Chiricahua Monument Park. Here’s a little glimpse into our trip and all the unexpected joys that came with it.
For those unfamiliar, Bonita Canyon Campground is nestled within the heart of Chiricahua Mountain, offering breathtaking views and serenity like no other. Getting a spot here is not a cakewalk. We had booked our campsite, specifically Bonita Campground 10, a whole month in advance. The popularity of this site is such that reservations are often hard to come by.
With all the gear packed and excitement in the air, we drove to our destination and arrived between 3 to 4 pm. The first order of business was, of course, setting up our tents. This is always an experience in itself, involving a mix of teamwork, occasional disagreements, and eventually, satisfaction once the tent stands tall and proud.
Soon after, our stomachs began to grumble, signaling that it was time to cook dinner. We had envisioned a perfect evening with grilled steak, but alas, the charcoal we’d brought along refused to cooperate. But every cloud has a silver lining. Our son Luke, always the innovator, decided to cook his specialty steak in a frying pan instead. While it wasn’t the grilled experience we anticipated, the taste was just as scrumptious, if not more.
The evening had more in store for us. As the Chiricahua Monument Park is gearing up to celebrate its centennial next year, a stage had been set up for special shows. We had the pleasure of watching a performance that dived into the history of the park and its inception. It was not just informative, but incredibly entertaining too.
The night wrapped up, and we retreated to our tents. The night air in the canyon has a unique crispness to it. By morning, the temperatures had dipped to the 40s, making our snug sleeping bags feel even more comfortable.
Morning came, bringing with it a sense of calm. After a hearty breakfast, we took a leisurely stroll around the campground, soaking in the fresh air and the majestic sights around us.
By 10 am, it was time to pack up and head back to reality. As we folded our tents and packed our bags, we were filled with gratitude. For nature, for each other, and for the memories made.
If there’s one thing I’d recommend, it’s a trip to Bonita Canyon Campground. Just remember to book in advance! Safe travels.