Photo: NPS Photo / D. Bly
It was a journey of conquest filled with exploration, wonder - and cruelty.
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Inspired by tales of vast cities of gold, 339 European soldiers and over a thousand Aztec allies embarked on an epic journey through arid deserts and rugged mountains. They encountered rich traditions and brought new technologies.
The resulting collision and combination of cultures reverberates today.
Due to nearby construction and blasting, the 1-mile Yaqui Ridge Trail is closed starting April 13, 2026 until further notice to ensure visitor safety. The closure begins at the junction with Joe’s Canyon Trail, and access beyond this point is not permitted. This affects access to the southern terminus of the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
Smuggling and/or illegal entry is common in this area due to the proximity of the international border. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times and do not travel alone in remote areas.
3 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Birds abound at Coronado National Memorial. Certain varieties are migratory, while others can be seen throughout the year.
Learn more about Birding at Coronado on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Visit a wild cave within the Memorial. A great place to get out of the heat in the summer and out of the cold in the winter.
Learn more about Visit Coronado Cave on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Explore the exhibits about the Coronado Expedition, the legacy of Spanish and Native American cultures in the region, and the natural history of Coronado National Memorial.
Learn more about Visit Coronado Visitor Center on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 3 of 3
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The visitor center includes in-depth exhibits on the Coronado Expedition of 1540-1542, as well as thorough information about the natural history of the park. There are…
4101 E Montezuma Canyon Rd, Hereford, AZ (520) 366-5515 Directions
Daily, Sunrise to Sunset · Park
Coronado National Memorial is a day use park. The trails, picnic area, waysides, and Montezuma Pass overlook are open each day from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
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No entrance fees listed.
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Though the park shares a border with our southern neighbors, the elevation and the mountain ecosystem keep Coronado National Memorial relatively cool in the summer, and winter can bring snow. Summers are warm, with daytime temps in the 90s F (32-37 C) and low humidity in May, June, and July. The summer rainy season (monsoon) is between late June and early September. Monsoon thunderstorms can cause flash floods. Winter temps can fall below freezing at night, with highs 40-60 F (4-15 C).
🐦🍂 Fall migration is underway! Join us every 2nd and 4th Sunday, September through November, for a relaxed guided bird walk with park staff. It’s a great chance to spot migratory species passing through the region alongside birds that call the park home year-round.
🌞Bring: Water, sun protection, and binoculars (or borrow ours!)
🌄Terrain: Uneven in spots, but we don’t go far
🚶♀️➡️Who: All skill levels welcome, including families and first-time birders
As the days get shorter and cooler, our skies and woodlands welcome a changing cast of birds. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers, sparrows, warblers, and other species—some settling in for the winter and others simply stopping over on their journey south.
During the walk through the picnic area and back, park staff will help you sharpen your observation skills, identify the birds we encounter, and learn more about the important roles birds play in our ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious about what’s flying around, come see what we can find together!
🐦 Can’t make a scheduled walk?
Stop by the visitor center and ask a ranger what birds have been seen recently and where you might find them in different habitats around the park. You can also check our lobby whiteboard for recent sightings and pick up a printed bird checklist.
From the city of Sierra Vista continue south on Hwy 92 about 20 miles and turn right onto S. Coronado Memorial Drive.
Follow Coronado Memorial Drive (it will turn into E Montezuma Canyon Rd) 5 miles to the Visitor Center.
Mailing address: 4101 E Montezuma Canyon Road, Hereford, AZ 85615
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
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