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Coronado National Memorial: Where History Meets the Horizon

Explore Coronado National Memorial: Where Spanish history meets Arizona's stunning landscapes. Hike, discover, and reflect on the US-Mexico border.

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Commemorating Francisco Vásquez de Coronado's 1540 expedition, this memorial on the US-Mexico border offers a blend of history and stunning natural beauty. Explore hiking trails, a limestone cave, and panoramic views from Montezuma Pass.

A brief summary to Coronado National Memorial

Local tips

  • Visit the Coronado Cave; bring two flashlights per person and obtain a free permit at the visitor center.
  • Drive up to Montezuma Pass for panoramic views, but be aware that the road is unpaved and not suitable for vehicles over 24 feet.
  • Hike a combined three miles on the park's trails and earn a commemorative pin from a park ranger.
  • The visitor center is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Hereford, AZ, head west on E Montezuma Canyon Rd/Coronado Memorial Dr for approximately 5 miles to reach the Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center. The road is paved for most of the distance. From the Visitor Center, continue west on E Montezuma Canyon Rd for 3 miles to reach Montezuma Pass. Note that the final 2 miles to the pass are on a graded dirt road with steep grades and tight switchbacks, not suitable for vehicles over 24 feet in length. There are no entrance fees for the memorial.

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Discover more about Coronado National Memorial

Coronado National Memorial, nestled in the Huachuca Mountains on the US-Mexico border, commemorates Francisco Vásquez de Coronado's expedition into the American Southwest in 1540. The memorial marks the area where Coronado and his men entered what is now Arizona, seeking the mythical Seven Cities of Cíbola. Though they never found gold, their exploration significantly impacted the region's cultural landscape. The memorial spans 4,750 acres, encompassing diverse ecosystems from oak woodlands to grasslands. Visitors can explore the visitor center with its museum exhibits, try on period costumes, and learn about the expedition's history. A scenic drive up Montezuma Pass offers breathtaking views of the San Pedro and San Rafael Valleys. Hiking trails lead to Coronado Cave, Coronado Peak, and even the US-Mexico border. The Coronado National Memorial is a place to reflect on the cultural exchange and natural beauty of the borderlands. It's a reminder of the complex history that shaped the American Southwest and the enduring ties between the United States and Mexico.

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