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 MemorialSan Jose Peaks, Mexico from the cave trail at Coronado National Memorial
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Coronado National Memorial
Caving
 
A limestone formation shaped like a dragon inside Coronado Cave.

Coronado Cave is located 0.75 mile from the Visitor Center up a moderately steep trail. The cave is approximately 600 feet in length, 20 feet high and 70 feet wide with several crawl ways and passages, none of which is very extensive. Allow two hours for a leisurely, round trip hike and visit to the cave. Bring water, hiking shoes and at least one flashlight per person (no candles, flares or lanterns).

The cave has been called by several names including Montezuma's Treasure Vault and Geronimo's Cave. Legends claim that it was used by the Apaches as a hide-out when being pursued by the U.S. Army and in the late 1800's it was not uncommon to find arrowheads in the cave.  

 

 

 

 

Roadrunner
Birds abound at Coronado National Memorial
A roadrunner stops for a moment just outside the visitor center.
more...
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...
Monument 100 along the American/Mexican Border in Coronado National Memorial  

Did You Know?
There are boundary markers along the US/Mexico Border. Coronado National Memorial has three boundary monuments, 100, 101, and 102. The markers are placed within line of site. They begin in El Paso, Texas and end in San Diego, California.

Last Updated: December 28, 2008 at 15:20 EST