Designation: National Memorial
Location: Arizona
It was a journey of conquest filled with exploration, wonder - and cruelty. Inspired by tales of vast cities of gold, 339 European soldiers and hundreds of 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.
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).
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.
A field of wildflowers blooms in the grasslands, one of the many life zones in the park
Credit: NPS Photo / D. Bly
Coronado Cave is a large limestone cavern with cave formations such as stalactites and stalagmites
Credit: NPS Photo
Sunsets from Montezuma Pass provide a beautiful opportunity to gaze out into the Sky Islands.
Credit: NPS Volunteer Ron Stewart
No entrance fees listed.
No entrance passes listed.
Friday, Feb 27
Sunny
High: 84.7°F | Low: 56.7°F
Humidity: 24%
Wind: 7.8 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.7
Sunrise: 06:50 AM
Sunset: 06:17 PM
Moon: Waxing Gibbous (77%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 53.8°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Feb 28
Sunny
High: 84.9°F | Low: 53.4°F
Humidity: 30%
Wind: 11.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.8
Sunrise: 06:48 AM
Sunset: 06:18 PM
Moon: Waxing Gibbous (86%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 53.3°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, Mar 1
Sunny
High: 84.7°F | Low: 55.4°F
Humidity: 27%
Wind: 11 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.8
Sunrise: 06:47 AM
Sunset: 06:19 PM
Moon: Waxing Gibbous (93%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 52.7°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Beginning December 11, take the FREE hiker shuttle from Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center to Montezuma Pass. The shuttle service runs every Thursday and Friday, one time, at 8:30 am. Join a ranger or park volunteer for a short orientation program at Montezuma Pass and take in the views. You can either hike the three mile Joes Canyon Trail back to the visitor center and your vehicle, or ride the shuttle back to the visitor center. Shuttle service is subject to weather and staff availability and may be canceled without notice.
If hiking, bring water and sun protection, wear sturdy shoes, and layered clothing.
Joe’s Canyon Trail is just over 3 miles from Montezuma Pass to the visitor center with an elevation loss of 1300 ft.
Shuttle is free; larger groups of 6 or more should call the park to arrange a special shuttle well in advance. Special shuttle requests are dependent on staffing and may not be available on busy days (holidays and Saturdays).
Seats are available on a first-come first-served basis. Check in at the visitor center to sign-up the day of the shuttle - the visitor center opens at 8:00am. Each rider must sign liability waiver before riding the shuttle.
Due to capacity limits of the shuttle van, we cannot accommodate large groups (hiking groups, etc). The van holds 11 passengers. To arrange a shuttle service for a special group please contact the park for more information.
Date: Dec 11, 2025 12:00am to Apr 30, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
📍 Physical Address:
4101 E Montezuma Canyon Road
Hereford, AZ 85615
🏤 Mailing Address:
4101 E Montezuma Canyon Road
Hereford, AZ 85615
📞 Voice Phone: 5203665515
✉️ Email: coro_interpretation@nps.gov