Coronado National Memorial
Explore the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert, hike to an undeveloped cave, and soak in panoramic views at this historic memorial.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting
Coronado National Memorial
Best Time
Ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert, hike to an undeveloped cave, and soak in panoramic views at this historic memorial.
"Practically deserted, can't recommend this enough if even remotely in the area."
🔦 Bring Multiple Lights for Cave
Essential for exploring Coronado Cave; pitch black inside!
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Recommended
For Montezuma Pass road. Be prepared for rough terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coronado Cave Exploration
Coronado National Memorial
Venture into an undeveloped cave, a thrilling adventure with no guides needed. Bring lights!
Montezuma Pass Views
Montezuma Pass
Panoramic vistas of the U.S. and Mexico from a rugged mountain pass. Worth the drive!
Arizona Trail Gateway
Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center
The starting point of the iconic 800-mile Arizona Trail, a gateway to Southwest exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer Coronado Cave: Essential Prep
Navigating Montezuma Pass
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring Multiple Lights for Cave
Essential for exploring Coronado Cave; pitch black inside!
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Recommended
For Montezuma Pass road. Be prepared for rough terrain.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Crucial for cave descent and trail stability.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty in this remote area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring Multiple Lights for Cave
Essential for exploring Coronado Cave; pitch black inside!
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Recommended
For Montezuma Pass road. Be prepared for rough terrain.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Crucial for cave descent and trail stability.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty in this remote area.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Desert environment, stay hydrated on trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views from Montezuma Pass and the unique adventure of exploring the undeveloped Coronado Cave. The park is praised for its quiet, almost deserted atmosphere and the opportunity for diverse hiking experiences. Some caution is advised regarding the rough road to the pass, which may require a high-clearance vehicle.
"Beautiful, quiet park with a slew of trails nearby offering different difficulties for different skillsets. Unfortunately very limited number of trails are dog friendly. Picnic areas located throughout park, traveling up the pass via the unimproved road offers a couple of other trails, including the dog friendly Crest Trail, and fantastic views of the U.S. and Mexico. Worth a day trip and probably multiple trips!"
Travis Haqqani
"We love this park! We've been here three times and would definitely go back. Definitely rough terrain on the vehicle going up and down the mountain. Dirt single path mountain road much of the way. But it's fun! Beautiful views and trails! They do have a junior ranger program here if you have kids that are interested in getting the badge! Park staff were friendly and helpful! Clean restroom facilities at the office and a few throughout the park. Lots of wildlife and vegetation observe!"
Alex
"The hiking trails are great, especially at the top of the pass. Very panoramic.The road up to the pass is rough and narrow but doable. The cave is not much, but worth visiting if you like caves. The trail up to it is in good shape and the rocks you have to climb down to get in are stable and easy. It's real dark, bring a good light and gloves are nice for the rock entrance."
Hank80920
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coronado National Memorial is located in Southern Arizona, about 30 minutes from Sierra Vista and Old Bisbee. +1
No, the road up to Montezuma Pass is largely unimproved and can be rough.
Public transportation options are very limited in this remote area. It's best to have your own vehicle for access.
Occasionally, a hiker shuttle may run up to Coronado Pass, providing access to the Arizona Trail.
The closest towns are Sierra Vista and the historic mining town of Bisbee, both offering amenities and lodging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Coronado National Memorial does not typically charge an entrance fee, making it a free destination to explore.
The memorial grounds are generally open from sunrise to sunset. Specific visitor center hours may vary, so it's best to check the official NPS website before your visit.
For general hiking within the memorial, no special permit is usually required. However, always check for any specific regulations or alerts.
While many trails are not dog-friendly, the Crest Trail is noted as being dog-friendly. Always check signage for specific pet regulations on trails.
Yes, Coronado National Memorial offers a Junior Ranger program for children interested in learning about the park's natural and historical significance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can explore hiking trails, visit the undeveloped Coronado Cave, enjoy panoramic views from Montezuma Pass, and learn about the area's history.
The hike to Coronado Cave is about 1 mile round trip with over 500 feet of elevation gain. It involves descending into the cave, which requires some rock climbing.
Crucially, bring at least two reliable light sources as the cave is pitch black. Sturdy shoes with good grip and gloves for the rocks are also recommended.
No, Coronado Cave is an open, undeveloped cave, and visitors explore it independently without guides.
The area is home to diverse wildlife and vegetation typical of the Sonoran Desert. Keep an eye out for various desert creatures and plant life.
📸 📸 Photography
Montezuma Pass offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and border region. The entrance to Coronado Cave also presents unique photographic opportunities, especially with good lighting.
While the memorial is near the border, it's a designated park area. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow park guidelines.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh due to the desert sun.
Yes, you can take photos inside Coronado Cave, but ensure your lighting is adequate to capture the shots and you have a secure way to hold your camera.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Check with park management for details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Adventure Seekers & Off-Roaders
Remember to come prepared with the right gear, especially reliable lighting for the cave and a vehicle suited for rough terrain.🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Spring is an ideal time for hiking, with pleasant temperatures and abundant wildlife. Don't forget to check trail conditions and pack plenty of water for your excursions into the Sonoran Desert.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Coronado Cave: An Unforgettable Adventure
+1 The cave is approximately 600 feet long and is completely undeveloped, meaning you'll be navigating in natural darkness. This is why bringing at least two reliable sources of light is absolutely critical; without them, finding your way back would be extremely difficult. The trail leading to the cave entrance involves some rocky descents, so sturdy footwear with good grip is essential. Many visitors describe the cave hike as a thrilling and adventurous experience, often citing it as a primary reason for their visit.
+1 While the cave itself might not be as grand as some developed caverns, its raw, natural state and the self-guided exploration make it a memorable outing. Key Takeaways for Coronado Cave:
* Bring multiple, powerful lights. This cannot be stressed enough.
* Wear sturdy, grippy shoes. The terrain is rocky.
* Gloves can be helpful for navigating the rock entrance.
* Explore responsibly and leave no trace.
* It's an undeveloped cave, so be prepared for a natural, unguided experience.
The Journey to Montezuma Pass: Views and Vehicle Advice
Despite the rugged road, the payoff is immense. The views from the pass are frequently described as fantastic and panoramic, making the journey worthwhile for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Montezuma Pass Driving Tips:
* High-clearance vehicle strongly recommended.
* Drive slowly and cautiously.
* Enjoy the breathtaking views along the way and at the summit.
* Consider shuttle options if available and your vehicle isn't suitable.
The Arizona Trail: A Southwestern Trek
The official trailhead marker at the memorial signifies the beginning of this epic journey, inviting hikers to explore everything from arid deserts to lush forests and rugged mountains. For day-trippers or those looking for shorter excursions, sections of the Arizona Trail accessible from the memorial offer a taste of the larger trek.
Visitors can hike portions of the trail, enjoying the unique flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. The memorial itself provides access to various trails that connect to or run parallel to the AZT, offering different levels of difficulty and scenic rewards. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit