Coronado National Memorial

Coronado National Memorial Review

Those driving to Coronado National Memorial, dedicated to Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, will see many of the same stunning vistas of Arizona and Mexico the conquistador saw when he trod this route in 1540 seeking the mythical Seven Cities of Cibola. Hikers come here for both the excellent views and the opportunity to walk the 1-mile Yaqui Trail, the southernmost leg of the 800-mile Arizona Trail, that ends at the Mexico border. It's a little more than 3 miles via car or hike up a dirt road from the visitor center to Montezuma Pass Overlook, and another 0.5 mile on foot to the top of the nearly 7,000-foot Coronado Peak, where the views are best. Miller Peak Trail is a difficult but rewarding 12-mile round-trip to the highest point in the Huachuca Mountains (Miller Peak is 9,466 feet). Kids ages 5 to 12 can participate in the memorial's Junior Ranger program, explore Coronado Cave, and dress up in replica Spanish armor. The turnoff for the monument is 16 miles south of Sierra Vista on AZ 92; the visitor center is 5 miles farther.