Chiricahua becomes the 64th U.S. national park after 102 years as a monument
President Donald Trump signed the Chiricahua National Park Act on Oct. 20, 2026, redesignating the 102-year-old Chiricahua National Monument in southeastern Arizona as the country's 64th national park. The 12,000-acre site, known for its volcanic rock spires and Apache heritage, is the first new national park added in six years. Officials expect increased visitor numbers and economic investment for the nearby town of Willcox, though the National Park Service faces significant deferred maintenance costs.