National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Coronado National MemorialCORO Entrance sign
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Coronado National Memorial
Places To Go
 

Montezuma Pass

Open all year dawn to dusk

Location
The scenic overlook at Montezuma Pass (elevation 6,575 ft.) is three miles west of the visitor center, accessed by a winding mountain road.

Closures
The road is paved for one mile and is a graded dirt road for the upper two miles. It is usually passable year round for vehicles under 24 feet in length. Temporary road closures may occur after heavy rain or snow fall.

Exhibits
This site provides views of the San Raphael Valley to the west, the San Pedro Valley to the east, and Mexico to the south. Montezuma Pass is also the trailhead for the southern terminus of the great Arizona Trail. See the hiking page for more information on trails.

Available Facilities
Restrooms are available all year and two picnic tables are available under the shade ramada.

A Special Use Permit is required for activities at Montezuma Pass with more than 50 people and/or 35 cars.


Picnic Area

Open all year dawn to dusk

Location
The picnic area is located near the visitor center. You can drive directly to the picnic area or walk there from the visitor center along a short (0.1 mile) trail.

Closures
The Memorial is open for day use only; camping is not allowed. Fires are permitted only in grills, but may be prohibited during high fire danger. Hunting, woodcutting, and gathering of minerals and vegetation are prohibited. Pets should never be left unattended in vehicles and must be kept on a leash. Mild temperatures and low humidity provide pleasant opportunities in all seasons.

Available Facilities
There are 25 sites located beneath the trees, three ramadas, and several water faucets and fountains. Restrooms are accessible to persons in wheelchairs, and the area is relatively level. Outdoor grills are provided for cooking fires. Visitors need to bring their own charcoal or wood, as no wood gathering is allowed. Overnight camping is prohibited.

A Special Use Permit is required for activities in the picnic area with more than 30 people and/or 15 cars.

Montezuma Canyon from the pass
Montezuma Canyon Road
A winding dirt road leads up Montezuma Canyon to the pass
more...
Hikers check their map at a trail junction
Checking the map
Hikers check their map at the Coronado Peak-Joe's Canyon trail junction
more...
Cave formation shaped like a dragon
There's a dragon in the cave!
Limestone formations of all shapes and sizes can be found in Coronado Cave
more...
Roadrunner
Birds abound at Coronado National Memorial
A roadrunner stops for a moment just outside the visitor center.
more...
Oil painting of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado  

Did You Know?
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado was born in 1510 in Salamanca Spain. He was only 30 years old when he began his expedition into what is now the American Southwest. His expedition was considered a failure and he died in obscurity in 1554.

Last Updated: December 29, 2008 at 14:09 EST