A pile of rocks ceases to be a rock pile when somebody contemplates it with the idea of a cathedral in mind. -A. De Saint-Exupery

Rising to 9700 feet, the Chiricahua sky island is home to the most exquisite rock sculptures imaginable.  The Apache called the pinnacles “standing up rocks”.   

The hoodoo/pinnacles were formed by volcanic activity 27 million years ago.  Over time, water repeatedly filled the vertical cracks widening them with freezes, expansion, and melts.  

To look out at the hoodoos from Massai Point, feels like you are watching the guardians of this sacred land.   And the Apache people will tell you the head of Cochise is watching over the land as well.

The mountain range is surrounded by meadows  of typical desert flora, and morphs quickly into mountain terrain with a drive up Bonita Hill Road. It is the most diverse landscape in Arizona, and one of the most diverse in the country. It is also home to rare birds and curious animals. We searched pretty hard for the ferret-like coatimundi with no luck. We did enjoy the company of blue jays and juncos.

My favorite hike was Echo Canyon Trail. It was mesmerizing to enter The Grotto area and watch how the illumination of light changed the views by the minute.

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And dusk? Seems to wake up those guardians, doesn’t it?

A day well spent.

Wind Kisses, Donna

Inspired by: Cellpic Sunday, Weekend Sky