Coronado National Memorial • Arizona

Agave stalks and wildflowers with mountains in the distance

A brilliant red bird in a tree

Two cavers inspect a series of calcite cave formations

Sun setting over the San Rafael Valley with a cane cholla in the foreground.

Pink morning glories with mountain and grasslands

Rocky trail along a hillside with a tall stock of a blooming yucca.

It was a journey of conquest filled with exploration, wonder - and cruelty. Inspired by tales of vast cities of gold, 339 European soldiers and over a thousand Aztec allies embarked on an epic journey through arid deserts and rugged mountains. They encountered rich traditions and brought new technologies. The resulting collision and combination of cultures reverberates today.

A field of wildflowers blooms in the grasslands, one of the many life zones in the park
NPS Photo / D. Bly

A great diversity of birds are found in and near Coronado National Memorial
NPS Photo

Coronado Cave is a large limestone cavern with cave formations such as stalactites and stalagmites
NPS Photo

Sunsets from Montezuma Pass provide a beautiful opportunity to gaze out into the Sky Islands.
NPS Volunteer Ron Stewart

Each year the pink-throated morning glories bloom during monsoon season in the grasslands
NPS Photo / D. Bly

View from the Coronado Cave trail.
NPS

Trailhead sign with dirt trail, mountains, blue sky, and clouds in the distance.

What to remember when hiking, biking, or driving near the border.

A hiker on a trail, mountains and valleys in the distance.

Enjoy eight miles of trails leading into the grasslands, mountains, and oak forests, including a trail to the US-Mexico border.

Mural depicting Spanish rider on horseback and armed Aztec allies

The Coronado Expedition

Spanish arrival in the Southwest & northwest Mexico, while often violent, brought about a dramatic biological and cultural exchange.

Visitors silhouetted in flashlight beams, cave formations illuminated

Visit Coronado Cave

Are you planning a trip to Coronado Cave? Start here! Get information about what to expect, what gear to bring, and cave safety tips.

Gray flycatcher with pale yellow belly perches on a branch

Birding at Coronado

The park is a great birding destination with a variety of habitats. Find a .pdf of the park's bird list here.

ranger sitting on a stool holding a javelina skull with mountain in background

Distance Learning

Using technology, we can bring the wonders of Coronado to YOUR classroom or organized group. Our programs are fun, informative, and free!

Silhouette of a person wearing a priest's robe standing in a field of tall grasses, holding a cross.

People on the Expedition

Many people made up the expedition, including priests, Aztec allies, herders, and more.

Last updated: July 25, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

4101 E Montezuma Canyon Road
Hereford, AZ 85615

Phone:

520 366-5515

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