Homepage
photo: A cholla atop Montezuma Pass. (NPS photo)Experience America's Best Idea
National Park Getaways
A New National Park Getaway Every Month
Coronado National Memorial
Arizona
Be ready to learn and explore when you arrive at Coronado National Memorial. The memorial is situated in
southeastern Arizona along the US–Mexico border to commemorate and interpret
the influence of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado's expedition of 1540–1542. While
Coronado and his expedition may have been unsuccessful in finding gold, the
blend of cultures between the Spanish and the American Indians he came across
helped shape what we know today as the American Southwest. Though no tangible
evidence of his explorations was left behind in the park boundaries, visitors
can appreciate the effect of this vast journey as they explore the park and its
brand-new exhibits in the visitor center.
Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a Spanish conquistador? If so,
then stopping in the visitor center is a must. The new exhibits are designed to
appeal to a wide variety of audiences with many hands-on activities and
interactive displays. You can try on replica chainmail and helmets to feel what
it was like to be a Spanish conquistador or practice the art of making
tortillas by using imitation masa balls and a tortilla press. The exhibits are
in both English and Spanish and celebrate the unique blend of cultures between
the Spanish explorers and American Indians.
After you have spent some time in the visitor center, get ready to venture
outside and explore the grounds. Coronado National Memorial is at the
southernmost point of the Huachuca Mountain Range and a part of the sky islands
region. Isolated mountain regions tower over desert valleys, creating huge gaps
in elevation and an array of habitat.
Come and admire this scenic vista from the Montezuma Pass Overlook by driving
three miles west of the visitor center on an accessible unpaved, winding
mountain road. From the overlook you can access a variety of trails, including
a quick half-mile hike up to Coronado Peak, or experience some of the Arizona
National Scenic Trail by hiking down the Yaqui Ridge to a US-Mexico
International Boundary Marker. Whether you are hiking or driving up to the pass,
you will have an opportunity to see the variety of natural resources the
memorial has to offer.
Craving an adventure underground? Then quench your thirst with a trip into
Coronado Cave. This limestone cave was formed about 250–300 million years ago
when southern Arizona was covered by a shallow sea. Take some time and enjoy
the undeveloped depths to view beautiful formations like stalactites and
stalagmites. But remember, cave safely and cave softly. Learn how to prepare
for your spelunking journey.
Located approximately 98 miles southeast of Tucson, Arizona, Coronado National Memorial is easily accessible. It's a great day trip for the entire family. For directions and more information, visit our website. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Para obtener informacíon en español visite www.nps.gov/coro/español.
By Libby Shaaf, Acting Chief of Interpretation, Coronado National Memorial
