Trip report
Apr 5, 2016 — This is a big loop that visits most of the best hoodoos within Chiricahua National Monument along official trails. I started along the Lower Rhyolite Canyon Trail, which gradually ascended along the south side of the canyon. Initially the trail is forested, but the views get progressively better toward the hoodoo formations on the north side, across the canyon. The trail met a junction. Left would lead up the Upper Rhyolite Trail (the way I’d be returning later), and right led to the Heart of Rocks by taking the Sarah Deming Trail. This trail leads south and ascends to a junction with the Heart of Rocks Loop.
The Heart of Rocks Loop is probably the featured area of the hike. There are many named rock hoodoos to look out for, including things like “Kissing Rocks” and “Big Balanced Rock”. The trail leaves the Sarah Deming Trail and heads north, creating a short detour loop that winds around amongst the formations. Once back at the junction with the Sarah Deming Trail after completing the small loop, I continued east along the Mushroom Rock Trail. A short detour to Inspiration Point was definitely worthwhile, the immense viewpoint overlooking Rhyolite Canyon and all the hoodoos that line the canyons.
After checking out Inspiration Point, I headed north along the Ed Riggs Trail. This trail led through a canyon and down into the head of Rhylolite Canyon. It then ascends north out of Rhyolite Canyon and up to a spur trail leading to Massai Point. This overlook is popular due to its proximity to the road, and the view is great. I continued along the popular Echo Canyon Trail which led through really cool formations complete with grottos and narrow passages. The trail brought me to a junction, where I followed the Upper Rhyolite Trail back down to the Lower Rhyolite Trail and took this back the way I came to my car.