Coronado National Memorial Things to Do

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The Coronado Peak Trail is a .4 mile each way hike to the top of Coronado Peak. You go up almost 300 feet to 6864 feet. At different scenic viewpoints along the way, there are signs giving quotes from Coronado's soldiers showing what the trip was like and what they were thinking. When you get to the peak there are benches so you can rest and enjoy the views of the San Pedro and San Rafael Valleys. You can also see a number of distant mountain peaks. One of the most interesting of these is Baboquivari Peak which is the most sacred place for the Tohono O’odham people. According to their ancient beliefs it is the home of the creator.

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There are two main ways to get to Montezuma Pass Overlook. You can drive the dirt and gravel road which is narrow with lots of hairpin turns, or you can walk 3.1 miles up the Joe's Canyon Trail. Once you get to Montezuma's Pass you are treated to some magnificent views of Arizona and Mexico. This is also the trailhead for the Coronado Peak Trail, a .4 mile hike to the top. This is where Coronado first entered the new world.

There are several picnic tables near the Visitor's Center where you can sit and eat lunch. There are a few that are under cover in the case of inclement waether (rare in Arizona). There are restrooms throughout the picnic area.

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Joe's Canyon Trail leading to Montezuma Pass Overlook (3.1 miles each way; great views of Arizona and Mexico, and joins up with the Montezuma Pass Parking Area), Yaqui Ridge Trail (a 1 mile detour off Joe's Canyon Trail with a steep descent) leads to the Mexican Border and represents the start of the Arizona Trail a trail leading from Mexico to Utah (not complete yet), and the Coronado Peak Trail a short detour from Joe's Canyon Trail leading to the top of Coronado Peak offering historical information along the way. Joe's Canyon Trail rises 1300 feet in the first mile and is not easy. The road leading to Montezuma Pass is closed from 15 October to mid or late November so Joe's Canyon Trail is the only way to get up to Montezuma Pass. Bring water and protection from the sun.

The photos show some of the views of Mexico along the trail.

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Joe's Canyon Trail leading to Montezuma Pass Overlook (3.1 miles each way; great views of Arizona and Mexico, and joins up with the Montezuma Pass Parking Area), Yaqui Ridge Trail (a 1 mile detour off Joe's Canyon Trail with a steep descent) leads to the Mexican Border and represents the start of the Arizona Trail a trail leading from Mexico to Utah (not complete yet), and the Coronado Peak Trail a short detour from Joe's Canyon Trail leading to the top of Coronado Peak offering historical information along the way. Joe's Canyon Trail rises 1300 feet in the first mile and is not easy. The road leading to Montezuma Pass is closed from 15 October to mid or late November so Joe's Canyon Trail is the only way to get up to Montezuma Pass. Bring water and protection from the sun.

The photos show some of the views of Arizona along the trail.

The Coronado Cave Trail is a steep and rocky climb 3/4 mile in length. Exercise caution going up and coming back down. The usual trail is under construction but a temporary trail to Coronado Cave is open! Because there is still some construction work occurring on the trail near the cave, visitors are asked to pay close attention to areas that are flagged off and to use areas of the trail that have been re-routed around the work zones. Bring a flashlight and sturdy waking shoes. Photos next visit.

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Joe's Canyon Trail leading to Montezuma Pass Overlook (3.1 miles each way; great views of Arizona and Mexico, and joins up with the Montezuma Pass Parking Area), Yaqui Ridge Trail (a 1 mile detour off Joe's Canyon Trail with a steep descent) leads to the Mexican Border and represents the start of the Arizona Trail a trail leading from Mexico to Utah (not complete yet), and the Coronado Peak Trail a short detour from Joe's Canyon Trail leading to the top of Coronado Peak offering historical information along the way. Joe's Canyon Trail rises 1300 feet in the first mile and is not easy. The road leading to Montezuma Pass is closed from 15 October to mid or late November so Joe's Canyon Trail is the only way to get up to Montezuma Pass. Bring water and protection from the sun.

The photos show some of the views along the trail.

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Your first stop in the Coronado National Memorial should be the Visitor's Center. The ranger there, Denise, was very nice and helpful. You can get brochures for Coronado and other nearby parks. If you plan on hiking get the map of the trails there. There is also a small museum with several paintings explaining Coronado's Expeditions. There is a short trail by the Visitor's Center and the other main trails start there. There is also a picnic area near the center. As of 14 October 2007 the Visitor's Center is open from 8 AM to 4 PM daily. The Visitor's Center is closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.