You may obtain information and can register at monument headquarters,
about 1 mile beyond the entrance. There is a small exhibit room here,
and free interpretive service is provided. When personnel is available,
visitors are accompanied to points of interest by park rangers who
explain the geologic phenomena.
A paved mountain road will take you up scenic Bonita Canyon to Massai
Point from which you can get an extensive view of the monument and of
the Sulfur Springs Valley to the west and San Simon Valley on the east.
The geological story is told at the Massai Point Exhibit Building. For
added enjoyment, we suggest you take one or more of the following trips:
_Massai Point Trail._--A self-guiding trail. Interesting features
include a balanced rock, lookout point with telescope, and Transition
Life Zone plants. Secure leaflet at the Exhibit Building. Time, 20 to 30
minutes.
_Echo Canyon._--One of the most scenic sections of the monument. The
walk of 1¼ miles to Echo Park is very spectacular.
_Heart of Rocks._--A nice 4- or 5-hour hike to interesting rock
formations, such as Punch and Judy and Big Balanced Rock. Take water.
_Sugarloaf Peak._--One of the highest points in the monument with an
extensive view of entire region. One mile from Sugarloaf parking area by
trail.
_Foothill Forest Trail._--A self-guiding trail, starting at the museum
parking area, will take you past plants of the Upper and Lower Sonoran
Life Zones. Time, 15 to 20 minutes.
_Horseback Trip._--Horses are available at the Faraway Ranch and all
trails are open to horseback parties.
There is a campground in Bonita Canyon, one-half mile above monument
headquarters, at 5,340 feet elevation. Drinking water, fireplaces, wood,
and picnic tables at 30 campsites; restrooms, showers, and laundry room
are centrally located. Campers may heat water for showers or laundry in
a wood-burning waterheater. Although the campground is open all year,
shower rooms may be closed during freezing weather.
[Illustration: "Punch and Judy."]
Temperatures are generally moderate--the mean daily temperature in
January is 40° and in July, 74°. Most of the average yearly
precipitation of 18 inches occurs during the rainy season of July and
August. Except for light snowfall in winter, the rest of the year is
comparatively dry.
Camping and picnicking are restricted to the campground area. As wood is
provided here, the gathering of firewood is prohibited.
Housetrailers can be accommodated, but no special facilities, such as
electricity, are available. There is a 30-day limit on camping, which
may be reduced during periods of heavy use. All pets must be leashed or
kept in a vehicle.
Meals and lodging can be obtained at Silver Spur Ranch and housekeeping
cabins and meals at the Faraway Ranch, both of which are on private
lands.
[Illustration: "Duck on a Rock."]
_Hunting, or injury to any plant, animal, or feature of the monument, is
prohibited._