I got to Chiricahua NM right as the only thunderstorm for 100 miles let loose with a deluge. So I hung out in the Visitor Center for awhile, waiting out the rain. It soon moved on, so I went out to take a picture of Rhyolite Creek next to the parking area, which was flowing nicely. Just after climbing out of the creek bed, I heard a roar. A second later a big wall of brown, frothy water filled the creek bed. I could hear boulders knocking around in the water as the debris filled flash flood rolled downstream.
My plan for this brief afternoon visit to the Monument was to check out the Silver Spur Meadow Trail. I got to do the west end of it, up to where it crosses Bonita Creek. No chance of finishing the hike today, due to the still raging flash flood. I enjoyed learning a little about the history of the area while I hiked. Lots of summer greenery and wildflowers were out from plentiful monsoon activity.
I imagine most hikers just skip by this trail and head straight for the hoodoos in the Heart Of Rocks area. If you don't have time for a long hike at the Monument (I never seem to ), this is a good one. Enjoyable, and easy enough for kids to hike.