Coronado National Memorial

Coronado National Memorial Official page for Coronado National Memorial Welcome to the official page for Coronado National Memorial.

The National Park Service cares for special places for American people so that all may experience our heritage. Coronado NMem commemorates our Spanish colonial history in the American Southwest and northwest Mexico, and interprets the cultural landscape and history of the Coronado Expedition of 1540-1542. It was a journey of conquest and exploration, filled with wonder and cruelty. Inspired by rum

ors of vast civilizations in the northern "Terra Incognita", 339 European soldiers, over 1100 Indian allies, and unknown numbers of servants and slaves embarked on an epic journey through arid deserts and rugged mountains of modern-day northern Mexico and southwest US. They brought rich traditions and new technologies along with disease and warfare, irrevocably changing the lives of the native peoples and continuing to influence the area today.

May’s rising temperatures brought a parade of familiar canyon residents to the watering hole behind the visitor center! ...
06/11/2026

May’s rising temperatures brought a parade of familiar canyon residents to the watering hole behind the visitor center! 🐾

A curious black bear, a stealthy bobcat, javelinas, white-tailed deer, a gray fox, a Chihuahuan raven, and a coyote all stopped by for a drink as the landscape grows hotter and drier.

In the Sky Islands of Southeastern Arizona, water shapes life. As seasonal pools and streams disappear, dependable water sources become gathering places for wildlife, drawing together species that might otherwise rarely cross paths. Each visit offers a glimpse into the strategies animals use to survive in an environment where every drop counts.

These sightings remind us that water is more than a resource — it's a lifeline connecting the plants, animals, and habitats that make this landscape unique.

Who will stop by next? Nature always has a surprise waiting! 🌿📸

Just in time for National Trails Day weekend, 16 soldiers from Fort Huachuca joined staff at Coronado National Memorial ...
06/08/2026

Just in time for National Trails Day weekend, 16 soldiers from Fort Huachuca joined staff at Coronado National Memorial for a morning of service on the park's trails.
Working alongside our law enforcement, trail crew, and natural resources staff, the volunteers removed an impressive 68 pounds of trash from the trail system, helping keep these special landscapes clean and welcoming for all visitors. They also contributed to restoration efforts along the Cave Trail by dispersing seed balls to support native plant recovery.

Before heading out, the group was welcomed by park interpretation staff and later thanked with park souvenirs, pizza, and drinks in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

National Trails Day is celebrated across the country each year, bringing people together to care for and enjoy public lands. We're grateful to these soldiers for spending their Friday giving back to the trails and natural resources that connect us all.

Thank you, Fort Huachuca, for your service — both on and off the trail! 🌵🥾



Image: Soldiers from Fort Huachuca pose with park staff in front of the visitor center after putting in hours of hard work on the trails. NPS Photo/C. Caplenor

🔥Yaqui Fire Update – Coronado National Memorial (May 17, 2026)Due to the May 14, 2026, Yaqui Fire, some areas of Coronad...
05/17/2026

🔥Yaqui Fire Update – Coronado National Memorial (May 17, 2026)

Due to the May 14, 2026, Yaqui Fire, some areas of Coronado National Memorial are temporarily closed or may be subject to rolling closures to support ongoing fire operations and allow crews safe, uninterrupted access. The fire, totaling about 60 acres, is nearly contained, but monitoring, damage assessment, and cleanup are ongoing.

👨🏾‍🚒We are extremely grateful to the many dedicated people who responded to the fire and kept this incident from growing in the midst of high winds. As you take in these photos, consider the hard work and determination of crews who work tirelessly day and night in all weather to ensure every spark and hidden hot spot is fully extinguished before calling the job complete.

Trail and parking area closures will be announced on the website as soon as information becomes available, but conditions remain fluid. Parking at Montezuma Pass Overlook may be limited, and visitors should expect fire personnel and changing conditions in the area. Please avoid blocking emergency vehicle access and be prepared for temporary closures or restrictions as operations continue.

For the latest conditions and updates, please visit www.nps.gov/coro. The visitor center and Cave Trail are open for visitors.

Photos: NPS/Joe Perrotta

🔥Yaqui Fire Update – Coronado National Memorial (May 15, 2026)Crews are actively working a fire within Coronado National...
05/15/2026

🔥Yaqui Fire Update – Coronado National Memorial (May 15, 2026)

Crews are actively working a fire within Coronado National Memorial. Montezuma Pass Road (scenic drive) and the Visitor Center are open, but Joe’s Canyon and Yaqui Ridge Trails remain closed.

If you plan to visit, please use caution—smoke and fire crews may still be in the area, and conditions can change quickly. For the latest information, please check local and regional fire and air‑quality updates.

🙏We extend our sincere thanks to the many brave firefighters, volunteers, and protection officers supporting this effort!

Photo: Air support drops fire suppressant while ground crews stand at the ready. NPS/J. Perrotta

www.nps.gov/coro

05/14/2026

The Coronado National Memorial is closed due to a fire.

It’s National Volunteer Month 🥳, and here at Coronado National Memorial, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredib...
04/15/2026

It’s National Volunteer Month 🥳, and here at Coronado National Memorial, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredible individuals who make a lasting impact every single day.

Our talented volunteers are truly the heart of the visitor experience. Whether they’re offering a warm welcome at the front desk, helping orient travelers from around the world, or sharing stories out on the trails, they spark curiosity and help visitors connect more deeply with this remarkable landscape. They guide exploration with knowledge, care, and enthusiasm—making each adventure safe, memorable, and fun.

Their dedication, generosity, and passion for this place inspire us daily. Simply put: we couldn’t do it without them.

To our volunteers: thank you for your time, your energy, and the countless ways you help bring Coronado National Memorial to life. 💚

Here’s a snapshot from our recent volunteer appreciation luncheon—just one small way we show our gratitude for everything they do.



NPS Photo / D. Martinez

⚠️Yaqui Ridge Trail Closure (Beginning April 13)Due to ongoing construction and associated blasting activities occurring...
04/10/2026

⚠️Yaqui Ridge Trail Closure (Beginning April 13)

Due to ongoing construction and associated blasting activities occurring near Coronado National Memorial, the Yaqui Ridge Trail will be closed beginning April 13 to ensure visitor safety. The closure encompasses the full length of the 1‑mile trail starting at the intersection of the Yaqui Ridge and Joe’s Canyon Trails.

This temporary closure is necessary to avoid potential conflict between hikers and active construction/blasting work. The trail will remain closed until construction has ceased and park staff can reassess trail conditions for safety hazards. Based on current projections, the closure may extend over a year.

Impacts:
• Access to the southern terminus of the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) will not be possible for the duration of the closure.
• Hikers are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternative hiking routes within the park.

Visitor Safety Reminder:
Blasting operations create unpredictable hazards. Please respect all closures, posted signs, and instructions from park staff. Your safety is our priority.

Updates:
The National Park Service will provide updates as conditions change. For current information, please visit our website, www.nps.gov/coro.

Image: International Boundary Marker 102 at the southern terminus of the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
NPS Photo/C. Caplenor

Update April 1, 2026 2:00pmThe Sierra Vista Ranger District will resume operations for the Border II Prescribed Burn pro...
03/26/2026

Update April 1, 2026 2:00pm

The Sierra Vista Ranger District will resume operations for the Border II Prescribed Burn project on April 2, 2026, if weather conditions are favorable. No closures are expected.

As noted at the onset of this project, light persistent smoke is expected to be present with some periods of heavier smoke which may be seen coming over the west side of the Huachuca Mountains. This will likely be visible from Sierra Vista and the surrounding communities. This burn will be taking place with light wind, and the smoke is expected to carry up and out of the area upon completion of the ignitions.

Sierra Vista Ranger District (520)378-0311 / [email protected]

All updates will be posted to the page for the U.S. Forest Service – Coronado National Forest.
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Update: March 27, 2026 9:30pm

The prescribed burn will not resume tomorrow, Saturday, March 28th and is likely to be postponed until conditions are more favorable next week. Montezuma Pass should be open. Please be aware of mop-up crews that may be working at and west of the pass.
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The following two updates were provided by U.S. Forest Service – Coronado National Forest:

March 27, 2026 4:35pm

Ignitions are complete for the day for the Border I portion with resources remaining on scene in monitoring status.
If conditions continue to be favorable, the Border II portion of this project will continue as planned for tomorrow, March 28, 2026.
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March 27, 2026 Prescribed Burn update:

Border I test fire took place at approximately 8:00 am with all conditions proving favorable. Ignitions have continued throughout the morning and afternoon building in depth along the perimeter. Wind continues to support ignitions. Smoke is visible in the surrounding area.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AYKnefP7D/
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Original Post:

The Sierra Vista Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest, in collaboration with multiple partner agencies, will be conducting a prescribed burn March 27-29, 2026, on the west side of the Huachuca Mountains in the Border I and II areas as indicated on the attached map, if environmental and safety conditions continue to be favorable.

The burn will include about 120 acres within Coronado National Memorial. Visitors should expect visible smoke and the following closures during this time: Yaqui Ridge and Coronado Peak trails, along with the Montezuma Pass parking and picnic area, will be closed Friday, 3/27 and Saturday, 3/28. Montezuma Pass Road will be closed beyond the Cave Trail parking area all day Friday, 3/27, with delays likely continuing into Saturday, 3/28. The hiker shuttle will not run on Friday, 3/27.

Prescribed burns reduce hazardous fuels, support healthy forest and grassland conditions, improve wildlife habitat, and help protect nearby communities.

Photo: Border I and II Prescribed Burn Map

While more people stopped by the visitor center last month, our trail camera told a quieter wildlife story. Even so, it ...
03/06/2026

While more people stopped by the visitor center last month, our trail camera told a quieter wildlife story. Even so, it still captured some wonderful visitors of the four‑legged kind — including a mountain lion passing through, several deer, and a javelina family on the move.

🌞🏞️ NOW HIRING SUMMER HELP! 🏞️🌞Looking for a seasonal job in a pretty incredible place?We’re hiring summer staff at Chir...
03/02/2026

🌞🏞️ NOW HIRING SUMMER HELP! 🏞️🌞
Looking for a seasonal job in a pretty incredible place?
We’re hiring summer staff at Chiricahua National Monument and Coronado National Memorial!
Spend your days helping visitors explore the trails, answering questions, sharing stories, and being part of a small, supportive team in Southeast Arizona.
If you enjoy being outside, talking with people, and working somewhere that doesn’t feel like a typical office job, this might be a good fit.

Applications are only accepted through the www.usajobs.gov website through March 8, 2026 or until 200 applications are received, whichever comes first.
Details + application here:
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/859379500

Image 1: Lantern Tour of Historic Faraway Ranch at Chiricahua National Monument / NPS Photo
Image 2: Ranger from Coronado National Memorial pointing out a bird during a guided walk / Western National Parks photo by Sean Parker

Address

4101 E Montezuma Canyon Road
Hereford, AZ
85615

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm
Sunday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+15203665515

Alerts

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