coronado national memorial

sweetatr

Visit the visitor center first then drive up the auto tour for excellent views in all directions. The visitor center created a small pond in the back with a huge window for wildlife viewing.

DavisK270

After a quick stop at the visitor center we drove up to the Montezuma Pass Overlook for a hike to the starting point of the Arizona Trail located on the U.S.-Mexico Border. The overlook has picnic tables, informational signs about the history of Coronado's trek north and restrooms. From the trail head of Joe's Canyon trail we hiked about a mile and a half to the junction with the Yaqui Ridge Trail. This one-mile one-way trail descends steeply to the Mexican border. The border is marked by an obelisk and a wire fence. The trail head for the 800 mile Arizona Trail is also marked with a sign. The approximately three and a half mile round trip hike provides panoramic views of mountains and canyons, grasslands of Sonora, Mexico, birds and plant life unique to the Southwest. The trails are well marked and maintained. As you might expect, Border Patrol has a large presence in the National Memorial. Next time we get near the northern end of the Arizona Trail on the Arizona-Utah border we will hike out to that sign, photograph it, and call it good. Someone else will have to hike all the middle distance.

48fenc

Nice attraction close to the Mexico border. If you are like me, enjoy short trail hiking without too much going up and downs, this is perfect for you. The popular trail lead to peak is short and can easily be done even with small kids. The dirt road is narrow but any car should be able to do it with a little caution. We haven't tried the cave yet, but it sounds very cool. Best of all, it opens year round and is free admission. We were there on the first day of new year and everyone enjoyed it.

peterdr1956

Enjoyed view greatly, granddaughter loved the view of Mexico and the "fence" Did not do the cave Road is unimproved but passable and goes up mountain in switchbacks Fun for me Wife scared of heights

NancyJ152

We went here the day after Christmas and it was Cold! The view from the top was worth it though and the grandsons had a great time throwing snowballs! They also loved the helmets, swords and other things down at the visitor center that they could touch and try on. Worth the drive and it's free!

billcV9371SM

The views from Montezuma Pass and up on the ridge at the southern end of the Huachuca mountains (above the memorial) is inspiring... the memorial's visitor center tells a good story, but could use a bit more interactive and engaging media...

993catherineh

Had no idea this was such a remarkably beautiful area. Well worth the drive to get there and the short walk, climb, to the cave area is fine for all levels of hikers.

mongols

I was driving around the area and saw the signs for the park. The place was wonderful and beautiful, Also very interesting as there was a lot of border patrol agents and the border patrol blimp was overhead. Interesting as you can see the border fence from there as well.

786dianeg

This little National Park was a nice surprise. What we read about it didn't resonate with us, be we were in the area and visiting every National Park and historic site possible, so off we went! The drive was beautiful with many black oak trees dotting the rolling hills as we got closer. The town of Sierra Vista and the mountains around it are worth a second look we decided as well! At the park entrance we checked out the temp building as construction was going on in the visitors center, but restrooms were open, and nice. Then we headed up the 6 mile dirt road to see what made this place special, and we were not disappointed ! Wow, amazing views!! So glad we had binoculars as we could follow the boarder fence for miles! While there were many signs to be aware of our surroundings, boarder patrol vehicles were everywhere!! Take a picnic as well and just take it all in! Lovely!

pitufo00

So close to Mexico my cellphone provider sent me a "Welcome to Mexico" text. This is in the middle of nowhere, located in the Coronado National Forest, but fairly easy to get to. Just south of Tucson on Highways 90/92. Only an hour and a half from Saguaro East National Park in Tucson, easy to find. Once you leave the Visitor Center, you drive a short distance on paved road, which then turns to a dirt road until you reach the top of Montezuma's Pass. The view from the top is spectacular.

EdgeW_12

If you're in the Sierra Vista or Bisbee area, this little gem in the care of the National Park Service is worth the time to get to and enjoy. It is accessed by a paved road, has a small, pleasant visitor center, a large picnic area, trails ranging from the very short nature trail at the visitor center to major hiking trails, and a scenic view drive (see where the Coronado expedition of 1540 entered what is now the US.Seeking wildflowers, birds, or scenic beauty, this one has it.It is also an example of what one determined person can do, for this national memorial site is the dream-made-true by the efforts of one woman, Grace Sparkes.It is free, but conscience dictates a donation!

Phun-seekers

I had no idea what Ito expect after reading the info on the NPS website. The facility is very nice. The drive to the top provides an spectacular view. Along the way nice displays of wild flowers. We saw deer, too.The "hike" to the cave was more of a death march. It was like climbing a mile-long staircase. The payoff was disappointing but unique. Certainly not a Carlsbad Caverns. If you make the "hike," be aware that the entrance to the cave requires climbing or sliding down rocks....No path. The interior of the cave is not much to look at.However, the memorial is worth the trip and the staff at the visitor center is excellent.I will certainly visit again whenever I am in the area.

JayzeeQA1

This is a no-fee National Park. This park is worthwhile if you are interested in a little touch of the history of Spanish exploration in Central and North America. They offer a very informative video. The hours are very limited in that the Visitor Center closes at 4:00 PM. I would recommend driving up to the top of Montezuma Pass. The last two miles of the natural surface road demand low speed and total concentration on the many twists and turns. Once you reach the summit, there are restrooms and picnic tables. You will also find great views and an opportunity to talk Border Control with the Border Control Agents that have high-tech detection equipment set up at the top of the pass. Elsewhere, the park does have hiking trails best utilized early in the day.

biberae

Getting into the cave is tricky any time of year because of all the boulders that one must descend just inside the entrance. Right now (Aug. 2014) the slope with the boulders to maneuver around is wet from all the rain and quite slippery. It is beautiful in there but only for the strong, sure- footed person. Wear hiking boots with lots of tread. Take extra-bright flashlights. Stop at the Visitor Center for info. The 1/2-mile trek to the cave is tricky with uneven steps in places, a steep climb in other places but oh so beautiful this time of year with many kinds of flowers along the way. A little waterfall greeted us near the entrance! Even if one decides not to enter the cave, the hike to get there is fun.

Hilary4271

This area is a lovely respite from the desert. Drive up the canyon, hike the trails, visit the cave and stop by the museum and learn about Coronado who visited this area in the 16th century. To learn about Coronado and his expedition was fascinating. Very nice rangers too.