Large limestone formation shows how calcium drips slowly form these unique structures.
NPS / Rossman
Experience a completely undeveloped cave. Follow the 1/2 mile trail straight up (500 ft). When you reach the rocky, uneven entrance, scramble over and down the slick rock boulders to the cave floor. Once inside, your are the explorer!
The cave may have been used by humans as a shelter and hideout by middle archaic people (up to 8000 years ago) and more recently by Apache peoples, Mexican and European miners, and settlers (however, no archaeological evidence remains in the cave today). Coronado Cave is a large cavern 600 feet long and in most places about 70 feet wide.
NPS photo
Cave Safely, Cave Softly
Coronado National Memorial protects the cave, its inhabitants, and its ever-changing formations. These rules help our valuable bat population stay healthy and keep the cave natural for future visitors.
No permit needed. Keep it that way by respecting the rules.
Encouraged
Prohibited
Check Visitor Center for Info
Pets (No dogs on trail or in Cave)
Open dawn to dusk
Nighttime visits
2 sources of light
Fire, flames, or smoking
Extra flashlight batteries
Vaping
Gloves
Defacing, scratching, or painting
Hiking essentials
Urinating
Clothing Layers
Eating
Head protection
Alcohol
Bring a buddy
Littering
Inform others of your plan
Loud noise or music
Sanitize your gear
Collecting or removing anything
Parts of the cave require technical knowledge to explore. If you don’t have solid footing and knowledge, turn around.
Column formation reflects the light in Coronado Cave.
NPS
A cave explorer looks at a stalagmite
NPS
Cave Safely
Never explore caves alone
Caving can be difficult and technical -- know your limitations and do not take risks beyond your endurance or comfort level
Always tell someone where you are going and when you'll be back (if you forgot, stop in the visitor center and tell a ranger!)
Have an emergency plan
Pay close attention to footing, in steep or technical situations maintain three points of contact (two feet, one hand; one foot, two hands)
If your light fails - stay put!
NPS Photo
Regulations
In order to preserve and protect the cave for now and future generations please observe the following rules:
Cave is closed between sunset and sunrise each day
Do not touch cave formations and avoid touching the cave walls - oils from skin can prevent the growth of new formations
No smoking in the cave or around the cave entrance
No littering - Pack it in, pack it out
Refrain from eating inside the cave
Do not scratch, paint, or place any form of graffiti in, or around the cave - your names and comments are welcome in the register at the visitor center but not on cave walls
Do not strike or deface cave formations
Do not remove rock fragments, cave formations, or artifacts from the cave
Fires, candles, torches, fireworks, and other open flames are not permitted
Dogs are not allowed in the cave or on the cave trail
Possession of alcoholic beverages and/or containers is the cave or on the cave trail are prohibited
Please do not urinate in the cave - restrooms are located at Montezuma Pass, the visitor center, and the picnic area
No camping
Avoid talking loudly, yelling, or playing music in the cave as bats are sensitive to noise
Be Prepared
In order to enjoy your caving experience it is wise to be prepared for the hike to the cave entrance in addition to the cave itself. Here is a list of important items to bring with you on your caving adventure:
At least TWO sources of light - it is absolutely pitch black dark in the back of the cave and it would be difficult to find your way out without a light (a smartphone flashlight does not count as a source of light).
Extra batteries
Gloves (touching cave walls and formations without gloves damages the cave and prohibits the growth of new formations)
The 10 essentials ! (many search and rescue incidents begin with the phrase "it's only a short hike").
Water, sturdy shoes/boots, sun protection, map/compass, food/snacks, extra clothes and rain gear, saftey items (whistle), first aid kit, knife, backpack.
Although no park regulation requires a helmet, it is recommended in any caving excursion and is good practice.
Please help preserve Coronado Cave for tomorrow's explorers. Report all violations to a park ranger at the visitor center or on the trail.
Park scientists remove and document the effects of graffiti on cave walls
