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National Memorial · Arizona

Coronado National Memorial

National Memorial in Arizona. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Memorial
StateArizona
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkSaguaro (64 mi)
Closest airportTUS (66 mi)
Agave stalks and wildflowers with mountains in the distance
A field of wildflowers blooms in the grasslands, one of the many life zones in the park Photo: NPS Photo / D. Bly

Coronado National Memorial is a national memorial run by the National Park Service in Arizona.

In the park service’s words

It was a journey of conquest filled with exploration, wonder - and cruelty. 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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Visit Coronado Visitor Center (10 to 25 Minutes): 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.
  • Birding at Coronado (15 to 120 Minutes): Birds abound at Coronado National Memorial. Certain varieties are migratory, while others can be seen throughout the year.
  • Visit Coronado Cave (1 to 2 Hours): 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.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, Sunrise to Sunset. 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.

Getting there

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.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Tucson International Airport (TUS) Tucson, AZ No road route 66 Large hub
Grant County Airport (SVC) Silver City, NM No road route 152 Regional
Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) Mesa, AZ No road route 158 Regional

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

Weather

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 National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Saguaro, about 64 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Coronado National Memorial?

No entrance fee.

Where is Coronado National Memorial?

In Arizona. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Tucson International Airport, about 66 miles away.

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