Be advised that the NPS has issued alerts for this park.
Coronado National Memorial in Stage 2 fire restriction
Due to extreme drought, Coronado NMEM is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. All open flames and spark-producing devices without on/off switches are banned, including charcoal grills, fire rings, and outdoor smoking.
Be Aware of Illegal Traffic
Smuggling and/or illegal entry is common in this area due to the proximity of the international border. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times and do not travel alone in remote areas.
It was a journey of conquest filled with exploration, wonder - and cruelty. Inspired by tales of vast cities of gold, 339 European soldiers and hundreds of Aztec allies embarked on an epic journey through arid deserts and rugged mountains. They e...
Visit one of the few open, undeveloped caves in southern Arizona.
The cave is made of a gray colored limestone. It extends 600 feet into the mountain. The entrance of the cave is made up of large boulders that have to be carefully navigated about 30 feet down. Once in the cave it is very dusty and does not require any technical equipment. The first large room is around 70 feet wide with 20-foot-high ceilings. Few formations can be found in this first room. An upward slope takes you to the narrowest part of the cave approximately four feet wide and into the second room which is similar in size to the first. The second room has larger formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. A steep slope at the back of the cave will take you to a skylight where daylight can be seen streaming in.
The cave trail is a steep half-mile hike on a rocky, dirt surface. Just before the cave entrance are many uneven stone steps. Many native plants grow along the trail such as yucca, agave, sotol, and bear grass. Cholla and prickly pear cactus are also common plants near the trail. As the trail gains elevation there are views looking back down the canyon, as well as views of San Jose Peak in Mexico. One bench is located at about the halfway point of the trail.
Short trail that takes you to a 360 degree view looking at the San Pedro River and San Rafael Valleys.
Coronado Peak trail gains 300 feet from the parking lot up to the viewpoint at the end of the .4-mile trail. This is an interpretive trail with a few waysides to that discuss the expedition and the native people that lived in the area. There are many uneven stairs and a few benches to rest on along the trail. Once at the top of the peak the views look into Mexico, and the San Pedro and San Rafael valleys.
A great place to share a meal with friends or family. Bring binoculars with you and check out the local and migratory birds in the area.
Located along and at the end of the picnic road are many picnic spots. Some are mixed in with the oak trees and four are under shelters or ramadas. Some of the spots have a grill to cook on. Two of the ramadas are accessible by a concreate sidewalk.
Located at the halfway point of the Picnic road are the restrooms. The building is made of red adobe brick that faces the road. The men's restroom is located on the right side and the women's restroom is on the left. The restrooms have flush toilets, sinks with running water, and a water fountain. There is one accessible stall in each restroom.
This short trail connects the visitor center and picnic area. It does not meet accessibility standards because the grade is too steep, but it is paved and a wheelchair could be used with assistance. A short foot bridge spans the Montezuma Canyon Wash which usually only has water in it after heavy monsoon rains. The trail is shaded by oak trees and many native plants line the trail.
The crest trail is a steep, rocky, dirt trail that starts on the north end of the Montezuma Pass parking lot on the other side of the road. It is part of the Arizona National Scenic Trail and only the first two miles are within the park boundary. Beyond the park boundary it continues onto Forest Service land that is part of the Miller Peak Wilderness area. The hike to Miller Peak, the highest peak in the Huachuca Mountains, is five miles one-way.
One of the most popular trails at Coronado National Memorial.
This trail can be accessed from two trailheads. The trailhead near the visitor center starts with a few stone stairs and then continues on a steep, rocky, dirt trail. The first mile gains 1000 feet in elevation. This portion of the trail is surrounded by many oak trees and other native grasses and plants as you ascend the canyon. The trailhead at Montezuma Pass also starts with some stone steps, but then has a gradual decline along Smuggler's Ridge for the first two miles. This portion of the trail has cactus, agave, and yucca plants with less oak trees.
Access for this trail is from the main park road. Parking is available at the paved pull-out near the fire danger indicator sign. Start by walking down the Windmill Rd, a rough dirt road. When you reach the barbed wire fence follow it to the left to find the opening to the trail. The trail is an old two-track road that was once used by the ranch owners. The trail is uneven, mostly dirt, and in the summertime may be overgrown with tall grasses. It passes by an old windmill and corral before gently ascending into the foothills of Montezuma Peak. This can be a hotspot for birds that live in this habitat.
This trail is a spur trail off of Joe's Canyon Trail. Access to it is from either trailhead of Joe's Canyon. The trail descends 600 feet and one mile to the U.S./Mexico border on a rocky, dirt trail. The end of the trail is marked with a silver obelisk that marks the international boundary. Just outside the park boundary is a 30 foot by 200-yard section of the border wall made of metal slats.
The visitor center includes in-depth exhibits on the Coronado Expedition of 1540-1542, as well as thorough information about the natural history of the park. There are hands-on displays of 16th century clothing and armor for visitors to try on, and interactive exhibits in English and Spanish. A 14-foot picture window provides visitors with a wonderful opportunity to view and photograph the flora and fauna in a relaxed atmosphere.
Explore the exhibits about the Coronado Expedition, the legacy of Spanish and Native American cultures in the region, and the natural history of Coronado National Memorial.
Birding at Coronado
Birds abound at Coronado National Memorial. Certain varieties are migratory, while others can be seen throughout the year.
Visit Coronado Cave
Visit a wild cave within the Memorial. A great place to get out of the heat in the summer and out of the cold in the winter.
