Uncover the Mysterious Underground World Hiding in Arizona’s Coronado National Memorial

While towering mountains and canyon walls seem abundant in the Grand Canyon State, many may not realize that there's an entire underground world just waiting to be discovered. Hidden beneath the surface of Arizona's landscape, close to the U.S.-Mexico border, is the mysterious Coronado Cave. As one of the lesser-known underground attractions in Arizona, there are no crowds and no lines to enter. What is required of you, however, is an uphill trek to reach its entrance. Are you intrigued? Let's uncover this mysterious underground world in Arizona.

Where is Coronado Cave?

Close to the international border between the U.S. and Mexico, in Cochise County, is the Coronado National Memorial. Named for the armed 1540-1542 Coronado Expedition, led by Captain General Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, the memorial commemorates the expedition's "lasting impacts on the culture of northwest Mexico and the southwestern United States."

Throughout the 4,750 acres of the Coronado National Memorial, there is a visitor center where you can stop and learn more about the Coronado Expedition, the scenic Montezuma Pass drive, a picnic area, and eight miles of trails. One trail is the Coronado Cave Trail, which leads hikers on a moderate 1-mile hike to the entrance of the hidden gem Coronado Cave. The trek is uphill most of the way, with sweeping views of the mountains during the climb. Parking near the trailhead can be found on Montezuma Pass Road, close to the Coronado Memorial Headquarters.

Do I need a permit?

While you are not required to obtain a permit to enter the Coronado Cave, you should check in at the Visitor Center for an overview of the location, cave safety, and cave preservation efforts. Of course, this information can change over time, so check the National Park Service website before you visit the cave.

Exploring the Coronado Cave

Once you make the uphill climb to the Coronado Cave Trail, you'll climb a set of stone stairs to the mouth of the cave. Enter the rocky entrance with uneven footing and scramble over boulders, which may be slick in some areas, to reach the cave's floor. It's imperative to wear hiking shoes or boots with good grip and take a few light sources, including your cell phone with a flashlight and a regular flashlight with extra batteries. A headlamp may also be a good idea.

The cave's interior is massive, at over 600 feet long and 70 feet wide in most places. There are also several "rooms" to explore, some of which are incredibly small, so avoid these areas if you're claustrophobic. As you walk through, notice the stalactites formed by calcium deposits and stalagmite rock formations. It's an utterly fascinating underground world that may have been used as a hideout or shelter for ancient people who lived in the area thousands of years ago.

A Subterranean Arizona Adventure

If you're ready to explore the mysterious hidden gem cave in southern Arizona, you can view Coronado Cave Trail information on AllTrails before you go. You should also visit the National Park Service website for tips on visiting and keeping safe. Prepare yourself for a subterranean adventure you won't soon forget!

Explore these mysterious caves to discover Arizona's other subterranean worlds. You can also read about my unforgettable personal experience exploring the Lava River Cave in Flagstaff.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Arizona underground trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.