Trump Signs Act Creating Chiricahua National Park in Arizona

President Donald Trump signed the Chiricahua National Park Act into law on October 20, 2026, redesignating the Chiricahua National Monument as the 64th national park in the United States. Located in Cochise County in southeastern Arizona, the park protects 12,000 acres of rhyolite rock spires and balanced rocks formed by volcanic activity nearly 30 million years ago. The site is also recognized for its biodiversity and its history as the homeland of the Chiricahua Apache.

The designation follows a bipartisan effort led by Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani, who introduced the bill in 2023. Chiricahua now joins the Grand Canyon, Saguaro, and Petrified Forest as one of Arizona's four national parks. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Cochise County Chairman Frank Antenori stated the new status is expected to increase tourism and strengthen local economies in gateway communities like Willcox.

Despite the celebration, the expansion occurs as the National Park Service faces a $24 billion maintenance backlog and the loss of nearly 3,000 jobs last year. Concerns have been raised by the National Parks Conservation Association regarding these staffing and funding challenges, particularly as some park entrance fees have been redirected toward public works projects in Washington, D.C. Secretary Burgum indicated that Congress may pass the Great American Outdoors Act 2.0 in late 2026 to provide necessary capital expenditures for the service.