Travel Guide to Coronado National Forest

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeAdios
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• NoNope
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• Please/You're welcomePlease/Welcome
  [pleez/wel-come]
• Thank youThanks
  [th-anks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [par-dun mee]
• How are you?Howdy partner?
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• Fine. And you?Just dandy. And you?
  [just dan-dee. and yuh]
• Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
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• I don't understandI reckon I don't get it
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• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I take a gander at the bill, please
  [kan I take uh gan-der at the bill, pleez]
• I don't eat meatI don't fancy no meat
  [I dohnt fan-see noh meat]
• Cheers!Bottoms up!
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• I would like to pay, pleaseI reckon I need to settle up
  [I rek-uhn I need to set-ul up]

• Help!SOS!
  [ess-oh-ess]
• Go away!Git!
  [jit]
• Call the Police!Phone the Sheriff!
  [fone the sher-iff]
• Call a doctor!Get the doc!
  [get the dok]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [I'm turnd uh-round]
• I'm illI ain't feelin' right
  [I aint fee-lin rahyt]

• I'd like to buy...I reckon I need to purchase...
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• I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
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• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [whats the dam-ij]
• That's too expensiveThat's mighty pricey
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• Can you lower the price?Can y'all do a better deal?
  [kan yawl doh uh bet-ter deel]

• What time is it?What's the time o' day?
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• It's one o'clockIt's one
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• MorningMornin'
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• TodayToday
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• TomorrowTomorry
  [tom-or-ee]
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  [wuhn]
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• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
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• A ticket (to ....)A pass (to ....)
  [uh pass to]

Coronado National Forest was officially established on April 11, 1902, by President Theodore Roosevelt. Named after the Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, the forest spans over 1.78 million acres and includes various mountain ranges in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. The forest was created to conserve natural resources and provide a public space for recreation, while also protecting the watershed from overgrazing and deforestation.

In 1540, the Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado embarked on an expedition to find the Seven Cities of Gold, rumored to be located in the American Southwest. Although he never found the mythical cities, his journey took him through areas that would later become part of the Coronado National Forest. His expedition marked one of the first European explorations into the region, significantly impacting the local indigenous cultures and setting the stage for future Spanish colonization.

Throughout the 19th century, the area now known as Coronado National Forest was a battleground during the Apache Wars. Native American tribes, including the Chiricahua Apaches led by famous chiefs like Cochise and Geronimo, resisted European-American settlers encroaching on their lands. The rugged terrain of the forest provided a strategic advantage for the Apaches, who utilized it for ambushes and as a hideout during conflicts with U.S. military forces. The Apache Wars eventually ended in the late 1880s, leading to the relocation of many Apache people to reservations.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a boom in mining and ranching activities within what is now Coronado National Forest. Rich deposits of minerals, including copper, silver, and gold, attracted prospectors and mining companies to the region. Simultaneously, ranchers established cattle and sheep operations, utilizing the fertile grasslands. This era of economic activity left a lasting legacy on the landscape, with remnants of old mines and ranches still visible today.

During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a significant role in developing infrastructure within Coronado National Forest. From 1933 to 1942, the CCC built trails, roads, fire lookout towers, and campgrounds, many of which are still in use today. Their work not only provided employment for thousands of young men but also improved access and facilities for future generations of visitors.

In 1976, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the Coronado National Forest's San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area as a Biosphere Reserve. This designation recognizes the area's unique ecological and cultural significance, highlighting its importance for conservation, research, and education. The San Pedro River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the Southwest, serves as a critical habitat for numerous species and a vital corridor for migratory birds.

Coronado National Forest is located in southeastern Arizona. The nearest major airports are Tucson International Airport (TUS), approximately 70 miles away, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about 180 miles away. From Tucson, you can rent a car and drive to the forest, which typically takes around 1.5 hours. There are no direct public transport options to the forest, so renting a car or hiring a shuttle service is recommended.

Once you arrive, the best way to explore Coronado National Forest is by car, as public transportation within the forest is limited. Many of the forest's scenic drives and trailheads are accessible by well-maintained roads. Ensure your vehicle is equipped for mountain driving, especially if you plan to venture into more remote areas. Additionally, consider renting a 4WD vehicle if you plan to explore off-road trails.

The official currency in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in nearby towns such as Tucson and Sierra Vista. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, entrance fees, and other miscellaneous expenses within the forest. ATMs are available in nearby towns but are not present within the forest itself.

Coronado National Forest is generally safe for tourists, but it is essential to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables in your car, be cautious of wildlife, and stay on marked trails. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas, especially at night. While crime rates targeting tourists are low within the forest, always stay vigilant, particularly in nearby urban areas. Check local advisories for any high-crime neighborhoods in Tucson if you plan to stay there.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The forest is patrolled by US Forest Service rangers who can provide help. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Carry a first-aid kit and know the locations of the nearest medical facilities, which are in Tucson and Sierra Vista. Inform someone of your travel plans and expected return time when hiking or exploring remote areas.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Avoid wearing flip-flops or open-toed shoes when hiking. Religion: Do respect any cultural or spiritual sites you may encounter. Public Transport: Do note that there is limited public transport; renting a car is the best option. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly wave or nod. Eating & Drinking: Do carry sufficient water and snacks, as amenities can be sparse within the forest. Don't litter; always pack out what you pack in.

To experience Coronado National Forest like a local, consider visiting during the cooler months when the weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities. Participate in ranger-led programs to learn about the forest's ecology and history. Visit lesser-known spots like the Madera Canyon for bird watching, or the Sabino Canyon for unique desert flora and fauna. Engage with locals in nearby towns to get recommendations on hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path trails.