Chiricahua National Forest was established as the Chiricahua Forest Reserve in Cochise County, Arizona by the United States General Land Office on July 1, 1902, with 169,600 acres (686 km2).

On July 1, 1908, it absorbed Peloncillo National Forest, including lands in Hidalgo County, New Mexico.

On July 1, 1917, Chiricahua was absorbed by Coronado National Forest and the name was discontinued.

[1] The forest included part of the Chiricahua Mountains, one of the Madrean Sky Islands.

The remaining lands are presently administered by the Douglas Ranger District of Coronado.