"Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona was redesignated as the United States' 64th national park on Oct. 20, 2026, offering unique geological features, wildlife and dark‑sky conditions, but it remains small and under‑resourced."
"President Donald Trump signed the Chiricahua National Park Act into law on Oct. 20, 2026, creating the 64th national park in the United States.
Chiricahua covers about 12,000 acres, making it the fourth smallest U.S. national park and slightly smaller than Manhattan.
The area was first protected as a national monument in 1924 to preserve its volcanic rock formations known as the "Wonderland of Rocks," formed roughly 27 million years ago."
Ignacio Calderón and Janet Loehrke report for USA TODAY October 21, 2026.
SEE ALSO:
"America's Newest National Park, Chiricahua, Is a Wonderland. I Spent My Honeymoon Hiking There." (Outside)
https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/national-parks/chiricahua...
