Things To Do Near Coronado National Memorial
One of the Coronado National Memorial’s main attractions is Montezuma Pass, where conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado entered what is now Arizona. Visitors can also check out Coronado Cave, which was used by middle archaic people as long as 8,000 years ago. Bird watching is common at the national memorial, and some of the common species include the Mexican jay, Montezuma quail, Scott’s oriole, vermillion flycatcher, hummingbird, and warbler. Miles of scenic trails direct visitors through the nearby oak forests and Huachuca Mountains. A few examples of the beautiful wildflowers you can view here include tansy-asters, morning glories, and Mexican vervains.
Hiking Trails
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Coronado Cave Trail
Coronado Cave Trail starts about half a mile from the entrance to Coronado Cave. It then leads down a rocky slope for 25 feet until reaching the cave floor. The cave has a length of 600 feet and a height of 20 feet. The cave is pitch black, so it is important to bring multiple light sources in case one runs out of battery.
Location
0.5 Miles West of the Visitor Center
Length
1 Mile
Intensity
Moderate
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Coronado Peak Trail
Coronado Peak Trail is a relatively short hiking route that starts at Montezuma Pass and climbs to Coronado Peak. Once you reach the peak, you can enjoy sweeping views of Sonora, Mexico. The trail provides not only great scenery but also historical education related to the Coronado Expedition.
Location
1 Mile West of the Visitor Center
Length
0.8 Miles
Intensity
Easy
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Joe’s Canyon Trail
Joe’s Canyon Trail is a fairly lengthy route that offers great views of the San Pedro River Valley and the Montezuma Canyon in the first mile. It then extends to the saddle atop Smuggler’s Ridge until reaching the beautiful grasslands of Sonora. It is a great trail for those who want to appreciate the variety of birds and plants that exist in the area.
Location
1.75 Miles Northwest of the Visitor Center
Length
6.2 Miles
Intensity
Strenuous
Sightseeing
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Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument is a wonderful tourist destination in the Chiricahua Mountains known for its numerous balancing rocks and hoodoos. Also on the premises of the national monument is the Faraway Ranch, which was owned by Swedish immigrants at the time of the monument’s founding. The visitor center offers a variety of merchandise and exhibits related to the history of the region.
Location
E Bonita Canyon Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643
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Kartchner Caverns State Park
Kartchner Caverns State Park is a public recreation area that features a show cave with 2.4 miles of pathways. The caverns are hidden from view, which is why they weren't discovered until 1974 by local cavers and biologist Erick Campbell. The state park includes Palaeozoic rocks from the eastern portion of the Whetstone Mountains.
Location
2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602
Museums
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Bisbee Council On the Arts
Bisbee Council On the Arts is a mining and historical museum located near the Coronado National Memorial. It details the role that copper mining in Bisbee played in the industrialization of the region. The museum store offers a variety of apparel and souvenirs you can purchase to remember the location.
Location
5 Copper Queen Plz, Bisbee, AZ 85603
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Amerind Museum
Amerind Museum is a historical location and research facility that works to preserve Native American history and culture in the region. It was established by William Shirley Fulton, a prominent archaeologist, in 1937. The museum contains a variety of ethnological and archaeological artifacts as well as a vast research library.
Location
2100 N Amerind Rd, Dragoon, AZ 85609
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Talking Irons Coffee Saloon
Talking Irons Coffee Saloon is a popular local restaurant known for its homey atmosphere, delicious coffee, and breakfast options. It is a great stop for a hearty breakfast and a cappuccino in the morning.
Location
113 N Frontage Rd, Pearce, AZ 85625
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Po’Boys to Geaux
Po’Boys to Geaux offers quick service and some of the best sandwiches in Cochise County. A few items the spot is known for include the shrimp po’boy, bean soup, and the hot egg sandwich.
Location
402 Bisbee Rd, Bisbee, AZ 85603
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Cafe Roka
Cafe Roka is an upscale restaurant that features delicious full-course meals as well as live music. The slow-cooked pork is one of the most popular entrees, and the cheesecake is a great dessert.
Location
35 Main St, Bisbee, AZ 85603
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Cochise Trading Co
Cochise Trading Co sells unique trinkets that represent Cochise County and the Coronado National Memorial. This is a great place to shop for items that will remind you of the incredible experience you had in Arizona.
Location
439 E Allen St, Tombstone, AZ 85638
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SouthWest PowerWear
SouthWest PowerWear is a quality leather goods store nearby that offers fair prices and a very hospitable atmosphere. It is one of the best locations in the area for apparel such as boots and hats.
Location
116 S 4th St, Tombstone, AZ 85638
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Big 5 Sporting Goods
Big 5 Sporting Goods is a great place to go for outdoor equipment, apparel, and shoes. It offers durable hiking gear that can help you trek through the region efficiently.
Location
135 AZ-92, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635