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    Coronado National Memorial

    4.7 (23 reviews)

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    Travis T.

    I really enjoyed my day trip to the southern border to visit this site. Coronado National Memorial was built to commemorate Conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado's first expedition into the southwest in 1540. Mexico was supposed to build an adjoining memorial on the other side of the border to make this a joint international memorial. But that never happened and so this became a national memorial. There is a small visitor center on site that has educational material about Coronado and his expedition and maps of the surrounding area. There are a number of hikes you can do while here. I highly suggest doing the one mile Coronado Cave Trail and explore the cave at the end of the trail. The cave is about 600 feet long and was probably used as a hideout or for shelter. Make sure you bring a light source and water (my cellphone light wasn't enough). I also took the drive up to the Montezuma Pass overlook. The scenery is incredible and provides views of the San Raphael Valley to the west, the San Pedro Valley to the east, and Mexico to the south. There are picnic tables and a hiking trail at this overlook. Some places of interest on the drive to Coronado National Memorial are Fort Huachuca and Kartchner Caverns State Park. Bisbee and Tombstone are to the east.

    Alma C.

    Out of the way, but completely worth the drive. Park Service lady was above average and Ive been to a lot of parks. I wish I would've caught her name to recognize her. We saw a Coatis (raccoon on steroids) through the glass, while watching a video on Spanish Expansion, while my sister tried on replicated Spanish Armor. The half a mile hike is moderate and the views are beautiful. Each with our own flashlight, we ventured into the cave. The bigness of the rooms was surprising compared to other caves I've been in. Perfect temp. No guides, No commercialism, No lit paths -A good thing. Not gonna tell you too much about it, just go see for yourself.

    Lisa M.

    If you like caves this one is a really fun cave you can do on your own. No tour guide. Take two forms of lights like head lamp or flashlight (cell phone isn't great light for cave). Good hiking shoes is best. Once you get inside you have to climb down to floor of cave. Very open rooms. One part required getting on belly and squeezing through. Opens up once we crawl a bit. 10+ would be fine in here. I wouldn't take younger kiddos. Teens would love it. Great visitor center. Friendly rangers. Funny side note* When we came out of cave temperature had dropped significantly and it had hailed a lot! See pic of hail.

    Amazing views especially sunrise and sunset on top of Montezuma pass. Also the cave at the bottom of the mountain is amazing. Such a beautiful are of AZ.

    Jenni K.

    The park service lady (Kim) was very helpful and kind. The history of Coronado National Memorial is interesting! The road to Montezuma Pass is unpaved! I was a little nervous as a passenger because the gravel was loose. The view from the top was breathtaking though. Fun fact, there's a Pokémon gym up there for my fellow pogo players. We continued to drive on the dirt roads to Patagonia and it was really bumpy at times. Thankfully it wasn't too dusty because of the rain from the day before. We saw deer, cattle, vultures, and even a donkey when passing through. We also saw Harshaw, Duquesne, and Lochiel, which are ghost towns. There was even a small cemetery in one. Driving on the back roads felt like an adventure. If you have the right car, I recommend it.

    View from Yaqui Trail
    Aria L.

    Beautiful place for hikes! I am new to the area and haven't hiked for a while due to covid so this was a nice place to walk around. Some trails are quite narrow so bring appropriate clothing/shoes for hiking.

    Richard F.

    We did not know what to expect here since they are closed due to the government shutdown. What we found was a beautiful, clean wonderland. Disappointed that the Visitor Center was closed but, you can still drive through and go out to the Montezuma Pass. And you can use the picnic area which was spotless clean. The drive out to the pass is on an unpaved road so you need an appropriate vehicle to drive a road with switchbacks and potholes all along the way. If you make it to the top you will be rewarded with amazing views and you can see the Mexico border. The picnic area is one of the best we've seen in a National Park. We had a Park Ranger stop to say hello. One of the nicest, most polite Rangers we've met. He was working without pay but, he said he did not mind as he loved what he was doing and would get paid with backpay sometime down the road. He told us some stories about the Illegals that come through the area and showed us some of the surveillance devices that are around. If you visit the this area make sure you take the drive here. It's only 5 miles off Hwy 92.

    Paul V.

    Breathtaking views of the San Pedro River Valley. Enjoy the beautiful drive through E. Montezuma Canyon Rd to the visitor center. Then continue on to the overlook to see the great views! There is a steep 2 mile drive up a dirt road which is fine for two wheel drive vehicles. The speed limit is 15 mph and some big cliff drops so be careful and pay attention! Once you get to the top you can have lunch at the picnic table or continue on to the .4 mile hike (300ft climb in elevation) to the top of Coronado Peak. I didn't do the Coronado Cave hike, but if you plan to do so, bring a flashlight for the cave at the end of the half mile trail (500ft climb).

    History
    Jerry A.

    Made a stop here on the way from California to Texas, beautiful location with clean and informative facilities. Wildlife was fascinating including the large Arizona blonde tarantulas sauntering across the road. Be careful not to run them over during the summer months. Looking forward to another visit!

    Desert blooms.
    Scott W.

    When I planned a trip to Chiricahua NM in the morning and Coronado NM in the afternoon, I assumed the latter would be a nice thing to do after the highpoint of the morning. But with no disrespect meant to Chiricahua, I found that it was Coronado that truly blew me away. I drove east from Bisbee to get there. The drive was great, with these lovely mountains off in the distance. Only to find out that those mountains were indeed where I was going! A nice surprise. The drive into the Memorial and the Visitor Center was scenic as well (though a drop in the bucket of what was to come). The VC has a small interactive display on the hombre, himself, Coronado, relaying the traces of Spanish influence in the region and how it mixed with the indigenous culture to present the Southwestern customs that we know of today. This is done in several creative ways - a scent display showcasing the spices brought to and taken from the New World, headphones playing the music of the border region, chain mail worn by the Spanish on their quests - past and present, you get a good feel for where you are. There's also a small garden outside the VC that shows you the flora of the region - if you haven't been schooled yet, it's a decent tutorial. Now the fun begins - the drive to the top. It's one mile paved and two miles unpaved though the road is maintained well. I was driving a Prius and I confirmed with a Park Ranger beforehand that I could do the drive. He explained that the car could handle it - it's the driver that is called into question, as there are lots of switchbacks, narrow passageways at times, and no guardrails. But really, it's not so scary. I had to cede to a truck that blew major dust my way at one point, but it's not like this is I-10 - not a heavily trafficked road. (And believe me it's to the detriment of humanity that it is this way.) I got frankly giddy when I allowed myself a split glance out at the landscape, but it gets even better once you're up at the top. At the top you have amazing views, even in the parking lot, of the mountains/grasslands view to the east and the Coronado National Forest to the west. You also have restrooms and water if you need it. A 0.4 mile trail takes you to the top of Coronado Peak, a 360 panorama that unveils our glorious Mexican border (and may it always be as unspoiled of a view as this, stated 1/23/17). It's one of those "this is the most beautiful moment ever" places, so savor it. I also wanted to see the Yaqui Trail, which is accessible from the Joe's Canyon trail (the JC trail is 3 miles one-way from the VC to the peak - if you're interested mainly in doing Yaqui and not the full JC trail, the Park Ranger advises to begin from the peak). It's about a mile to the part where the Yaqui splits off of Joe's Canyon (marked clearly - don't see how you could miss it though some reviews claim to, and I'm the type of guy who is prone to missing things). Big switchbacks down on Yaqui leading to the fence that literally divides the two countries, with a monument proclaiming as such, which of course means there are big switchbacks heading back to the top. But it's worth it - while the view is not necessarily that much different than at the peak, it's a small adventure to get there and my gringo ass was thrilled to hear Mexican music faintly echoing up from the flatlands to where I stood. It was a quiet, meditative trail too - not a single soul was on any of these trails on a Friday afternoon in January, and I came back to find my car alone in the parking lot (aside the ubiquitous Border Patrol vehicles). There's a lot of beauty in Southern Arizona so it's hard to go wrong, but any time you can devote here will make it that much more right.

    Awesome Place to Visit!!!! Just moved to the area and will be going here more often!!! Actually I'm going again today!!
    Mikko C.

    Love this place!!! Just moved to Sierra Vista from Florida and this has been my first little adventure and it was awesome!!

    Breathtaking views in Coronado National scenic drive.
    Iris H.

    We took an absolutely lovely scenic drive through Coronado National Memorial. It makes for a lovely day trip out of Tucscon, provided your car can handle the elevation. The views from the top are absolutely fantastic, and the cactus views near the bottom are also pretty awesome.

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    Ask the Community - Coronado National Memorial

    Review Highlights - Coronado National Memorial

    I highly suggest doing the one mile Coronado Cave Trail and explore the cave at the end of the trail.

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    Ramsey Canyon Preserve

    Ramsey Canyon Preserve

    4.7(20 reviews)
    7.6 mi

    What a beautiful place to walk around! You need to come early to really see many birds but its…read morestill a worthwhile stop for a nature walk later. There's a guide at the visitor center who has a lot of information about the preserve and shared which birds have been seen lately -- and there are reference photos. The walking area is shaded and easy walking, with quite a few benches throughout. There's also a very nice gift shop that of course supports the preserve. I got a great full zip hoodie for a reasonable price.

    A beautiful nature preserve managed by the Nature Conservancy. The first 1/2 mile of so of the…read moretrail has several historical and natural points of interest ( example ponds where you can find the leopard frogs). Lots of benches through out the area. Trail is well marked. Of note it is a gradual ascend. The 2nd half if you wish to get to the overlook continues ascend even more with switchbacks and more rugged stairs... a lot more climbing. There are benches scattered to catch a breath. I did not make it to the top this time but I am told by everyone who did that there are no benches towards the last leg before the top and this is a strenuous trail especially if you are not acclimated to the elevation plus 700ft ascent. Regardless of your hiking goals, the views are lovely, amazing biodiversity and immersion in nature. If you are into birding, this area is a hotspot. The staff at the visitor center are helpful and can provide information too. Hydrate and wear good shoes. Parking is free. There is a small fee. The area does close at 4... so plan accordingly.

    Photos
    Ramsey Canyon Preserve - Many benches along the trail!

    Many benches along the trail!

    Ramsey Canyon Preserve - The turkeys will talk back to you!

    The turkeys will talk back to you!

    Ramsey Canyon Preserve - What birds you may see. The guide can tell you a lot about the birds

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    What birds you may see. The guide can tell you a lot about the birds

    Chiricahua National Monument - Fungus on a tree

    Chiricahua National Monument

    5.0(68 reviews)
    69.7 mi

    Fee free park!…read more Beautiful scenic drive, reminiscent of Bryce Canyon and the red hoodoos they have there. I'm insane and did the Big Loop (~13.5 miles, ~4.5hrs). Also camped at Bonita Campground. When I visited, they have a shuttle on Saturdays and Sundays (~9am departure) to so you can do a point to point (one way) decline hike back to your car. Rangers very friendly!

    I've been here twice and each time I have visited, it is mesmerizing and I don't want to leave!…read more This place is famous for their hoodoos and amazing rock formations that will leave you speechless and in awe! And while this place is a national monument, one thing our government could do instead of all the other nonsense going on is to upgrade this place to a national park. We stopped in here after spending time at Kartchner Caverns and today the scenic drive beyond the campground was closed because of the rain and snow that came down steadily last night. And because of this and due to the amount of time we had, we did a shorter walk along the Silver Spur Meadow. This trail is very easy, well shaded and what a beautiful place to view birds! I think may have seen 15 or more species in just the short walk we did here today. I was also here about 2 years ago and did the Echo Canyon Trail to the Grotto and that was such a lovely easy hike with all sorts of cool rock formations and I enjoyed climbing around. Id like to come back and do a more strenuous hike and when I get a chance, will come back and do the Heart of the Rocks trail! Visitor center is very cool with a really nice gift shop, museum, bathrooms and very informative rangers. Parking lot can be a bit tight but more parking available down the road. I was able to get a fun stuffed sandhill crane! I could spend a lot more time here and just love this place! Great place to get a dose of nature and love how the air feels at close to 5500 feet!

    Photos
    Chiricahua National Monument
    Chiricahua National Monument - Fungus on a tree

    Fungus on a tree

    Chiricahua National Monument

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    Lehner Mammoth Kill Site - Trailhead near the plaque.  This is a 3-mile perimeter loop trail.

    Lehner Mammoth Kill Site

    3.0(2 reviews)
    9.9 mi

    I live 11 miles from this place, but it's only been ten days since I found it. A friend lives…read morenearby and said this is where she parks her car and walks her dog on a three-mile loop down to the San Pedro River and back. She took me here with another dogwalker and I've been coming here daily ever since. There isn't much at the actual kill site other than a plaque describing how Ed Lehner in 1952, landowner of this site, who found butchering tools along with tapir, mammoth, bison and horse bones dating 11,000 years ago when Clovis people lived here. There's nothing here now but the plaque on a high spot in the area. It's now used mostly for other things: It's a great place to set up a telescope on a new moon, or a camera tripod for those gorgeous sun rises and sunsets, and moon rises and moon sets. You have a panoramic view of the Huachuca Mountains. About 50 meters east is a trail that locals use for their dogs and horses. It is a perimeter trail that loops around the field. Birders at the nearby San Pedro B&B use this trail along the river early in the mourning and near dusk to spot birds of all kinds. There are harriers that fly over the field looking for a meal. I would not suggest anyone come here after dusk, as it's six miles from the border with Mexico.

    Just a plaque. Nothing there. But nice to think there were mammoths there and was probably a kill…read moresite for prehistoric people.

    Photos
    Lehner Mammoth Kill Site - Plaque

    Plaque

    Lehner Mammoth Kill Site - View west toward mountains

    View west toward mountains

    Lehner Mammoth Kill Site

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    Tompkins Park

    Tompkins Park

    3.0(6 reviews)
    13.1 mi

    There is no fee to use this dog park. People are only asked not to bring sick or aggressive dogs…read more Dogs must be onleash until inside the fenced-in area. There are metal benches for humans to sit on. I have two 6-month old German Shepherd Dogs that need socialization. I've now taken them to this park several times. I like that there are two large sections, one for small dogs and the other for large dogs. Mature trees and a hard-top canopy provide for shade. My dogs are all fully vaccinated; I only hope the other dogs visiting are, too. I've been there in the morning and also early evening. This dog park is part of Tompkins Park, where a half-mile paved path finishes my visit with the dogs as they get used to the sights and sounds and smells of other people, kids and dogs of all breeds. The fenced-in area is visible from Buffalo Soldier Boulevard, the main thruway on the town's west side. The water fountains inside the dog park have been turned off during this covid pandemic, and visitors are bringing their own water jugs and leaving left-over water behind. There are also poop bags that I wish more dog owners would use, as my one complaint is that not all dog owners make use of this convenience. Also, recently some dogs have been digging holes that the owners leave exposed for people to trip over. While lights come on at night along the paved fitness path, the dogpark itself remains dark. It's therefore recommended to only visit during daylight hours. The park's parking lot is on the opposite end of this park, but people can also park in the cul-de-sac on the park's north end , off S Savanna Drive.

    Huge park! Well maintained. Picnic areas that have tables and shade. Water fountains, restrooms,…read moreetc. great open area to walk dogs or let the kids run!!

    Photos
    Tompkins Park
    Tompkins Park
    Tompkins Park

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    Brown Canyon Ranch - Under the cottonwoods

    Brown Canyon Ranch

    4.6(7 reviews)
    8.7 mi

    Brown Canyon Ranch is a very popular local hang-out all times of day. Retirees walk here early in…read morethe mornings, then come the mountain bikers, and then the hikers, runners, equestrians. Weddings and Senior pics are also popular. Day use is now $8. There is a restroom and several picnic areas by the pond to sit back and relax. To avoid the fee, park off Ramsey Canyon Road and walk the 0.8 mile to the ranch house. My hiking group does weekly loop hikes in Brown Canyon. The ranch house is open during daylight. The pond is a habitat for the endangered Chiricahua Leopard Frog. There are several trails that start at the ranch house. The Brown Canyon trail is a four-mile trail that one can take into Ramsey Canyon. The Garden Connector trail, which begins off the Buffalo Soldier Trail and SR92, ends here. The Brown Canyon Loop trail also starts here, although it's not marked. Just make sure you turn left at the horse trough two miles into the hike. This is a 4.6-mile loop. Just watch out for speeding mountain bikers. There is also a 1.5-mile Nature Trail loop with a duck pond. Dogs are allowed on these trails, but must be leashed. This place can get busy on the weekends. Watch out for rattlesnakes, javelina, coyote and deer.

    Breathtaking views of the mountains with excellent beginner's walking path for the entire family…read more Very informative displays inside the cabin. There's a tiny duck pond on the walking path and a small bench to rest and take in the beautiful scenery. Pet's are welcome as long as you clean up after them to preserve the walking path. Watch out for snakes and other little critters.

    Photos
    Brown Canyon Ranch - Pond

    Pond

    Brown Canyon Ranch - Dark-eyed Junco

    Dark-eyed Junco

    Brown Canyon Ranch - Information

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    Information

    Coronado National Memorial - parks - Updated May 2026

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