Just when you think you’ve experienced everything the Grand Canyon has to offer, Mother Nature continues to reveal new hidden gems. Tucked beneath the mountainous landscape, Coronado Cave is a 600-foot abyss beckoning hikers into its heart.

Part of the Grand Canyon, Coronado National Memorial pays homage to a Spanish expedition that passed through the area nearly 500 years ago.

TripAdvisor/Gregory J. The event forever changed the culture of the Southwest, rendering it a melting pot that has yet to lose its beautiful diversity.

Over eight miles of hiking trails wind through the landscape, with several different types of terrain offering a variety of experiences.

AllTrails/Darnell Stokes Trail lengths range from 0.8 to 4 miles, so there’s something for all ages and skill levels.

Coronado Cave is easily the most popular park feature.

Google/Taylor Hebenstreit It was opened to the public in 1978, but was likely used as a shelter for various groups up to 8,000 years prior. It’s one of very few undeveloped caverns that allows laypeople to visit.

Spanning 600 feet and measuring about 70 feet wide in most spots, this pitch-black abyss is definitely not for the faint of heart.

Facebook/Coronado National Monument Make sure to bring at least two sources of light so as not to lose your way!

While no archaeological evidence of prior habitation remains, the energy is undeniable.

Facebook/Coronado National Memorial With each step you take, the powerful spirits of indigenous peoples grow increasingly stronger.

To access the cave itself, head toward the visitor center on East Montezuma Canyon Road.

AllTrails/Melissa Vansickle Keep driving until you see a parking lot, then hike a short half-mile to the entrance.

The Coronado National Memorial is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Google Maps Address: 4101 West Montezuma Canyon Road, Hereford, AZ 85615

For more information, visit Coronado Cave’s page on the National Park Service website and follow along on the Coronado National Memorial Facebook page.

TripAdvisor/Gregory J.

The event forever changed the culture of the Southwest, rendering it a melting pot that has yet to lose its beautiful diversity.

AllTrails/Darnell Stokes

Trail lengths range from 0.8 to 4 miles, so there’s something for all ages and skill levels.

Google/Taylor Hebenstreit

It was opened to the public in 1978, but was likely used as a shelter for various groups up to 8,000 years prior. It’s one of very few undeveloped caverns that allows laypeople to visit.

Facebook/Coronado National Monument

Make sure to bring at least two sources of light so as not to lose your way!

Facebook/Coronado National Memorial

With each step you take, the powerful spirits of indigenous peoples grow increasingly stronger.

AllTrails/Melissa Vansickle

Keep driving until you see a parking lot, then hike a short half-mile to the entrance.

Google Maps

Address: 4101 West Montezuma Canyon Road, Hereford, AZ 85615

Have you ever hiked into Coronado Cave? If so, we’d love to hear all about the experience. Check out our previous article for more caverns to explore: Going Into These 7 Caves In Arizona Is Like Entering Another World.

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Address: Coronado National Memorial, 4101 W Montezuma Canyon Rd, Hereford, AZ 85615, USA