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Coronado Cave: An Underground Adventure

Explore Coronado Cave in Coronado National Memorial: A historic limestone cavern offering a unique caving experience in southern Arizona.

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Explore the depths of Coronado Cave, a large, undeveloped limestone cavern within Coronado National Memorial. Hike a moderately steep trail to the cave entrance and discover a world of unique formations and historical significance.

A brief summary to Coronado Cave

Local tips

  • Bring at least two sources of light per person, as it is pitch black inside the cave.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for the rocky trail and slippery surfaces inside the cave.
  • Gloves are recommended for climbing over rocks and protecting cave formations.
  • Avoid touching cave formations to preserve their natural growth.
  • Check in at the visitor center for the latest information on cave conditions and safety.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Coronado Cave, navigate to the Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center located at 4101 E Montezuma Canyon Rd, Hereford, AZ 85615. From the visitor center, drive approximately 0.25 miles west on East Montezuma Canyon Road. The parking area for the Coronado Cave Trail will be on the north side of the road. Parking is free. From the parking area, the cave is accessed via a 0.5-mile hiking trail.

  • Walking

    From the Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center, walk west along East Montezuma Canyon Road for approximately 0.25 miles. The parking area for the Coronado Cave Trail will be on the north side of the road. From the parking area, follow the 0.5-mile hiking trail to the cave entrance. The hike is moderately steep, gaining 500 feet in elevation. No fees are required.

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Discover more about Coronado Cave

Coronado Cave, nestled within the Coronado National Memorial in southern Arizona, offers a unique opportunity to explore an undeveloped cave system. The cave is a large cavern, stretching approximately 600 feet in length and, in most places, about 70 feet wide. The cave's history is rich, with evidence suggesting use by humans as far back as 8,000 years ago. More recently, it served as a shelter and hideout for Apache peoples, Mexican and European miners, and settlers. Some even claim it was used by the Apaches as a hide-out when being pursued by the U.S. Army. In the late 1800s, arrowheads were commonly found within the cave. The adventure begins with a moderately strenuous 0.5-mile hike from the parking area to the cave entrance, gaining 500 feet in elevation. The trail is well-maintained but includes some steep sections and rocky stairs. The final approach to the cave entrance requires a bit of scrambling over slick rock boulders. Inside, the cave features a consistent temperature and is relatively easy to walk through, though some areas require crawling. Inside, you'll find a diverse community of insects and small animals, including beetles, millipedes, spiders, crickets, coatimundis, ringtails, and bats. Several species of bats are occasionally observed within the cave. If you are fortunate enough to see bats, please do not disturb them. The limestone that houses Coronado Cave formed approximately 250 to 300 million years ago when southern Arizona was covered by a shallow sea. Over time, water seeping through cracks in the limestone dissolved the calcite grains, creating the passages and caverns seen today. To ensure the cave remains protected for future generations, visitors are asked to observe several rules: The cave is closed between sunset and sunrise. Touching cave formations and walls is prohibited, as oils from skin can prevent new formations from growing. Eating, smoking, littering, and any form of graffiti are also prohibited.

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