Coronado National Memorial
It was a journey of conquest filled with exploration, wonder - and cruelty.
Photo: NPS Photo / D. Bly / NPS
About Coronado National Memorial
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.
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Driving times from Coronado National Memorial, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Park
- Mon
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Tue
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Wed
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Thu
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Fri
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Sat
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Sun
- Sunrise to Sunset
Activities
Getting there
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).
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Coronado National Memorial?
- Popular activities include Auto and ATV, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Caving, Food.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Coronado National Memorial?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Saguaro National Park (1 h 46 min), Tumacácori National Historical Park (2 h 1 min), Fort Bowie National Historic Site (2 h 29 min), Chiricahua National Monument (2 h 32 min), Casa Grande Ruins National Monument (2 h 56 min), Tonto National Monument (4 h 21 min).