This is a location in southern Arizona that we’ve meant to get to for a long
time and it finally fit into a little mid-winter trip with the camper. The
Coronado National Memorial commemorates the Coronado expedition and the cultural conflict and
exchange between indigenous peoples and Spaniards during the 1500s. The story
is interesting but don't expect to be deluged with information. It has a very small
visitor center with a summary of information. There is more information
available on their website than at the location. Granted, there isn't a huge amount of information even known about the expedition so I guess I probably had my expectations too high.
That being said the location is beautiful. It is at the base
of the mountains and there is some good hiking if you don’t mind mountain
hiking. I did part of the Joe's Canyon trail and really enjoyed it. You can also drive to an overlook and see for many miles along the United
States-Mexico border or hike to a cave that can be explored if you bring your own equipment (flashlights, etc).
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| Visitor Center |
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| View from part way up the Joe's Canyon trail |
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| View from picnic area to where the Joe's Canyon trail goes |
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| View across border to mountains in Mexico |
