Spelunking Coronado Cave

Experience the adventure of exploring Coronado Cave on a scenic one-mile hike that leads visitors to one of southern Arizona’s remarkable natural formations. Discover the rich history of the cave, which may have served as shelter and hideout for middle archaic people thousands of years ago, and later as a refuge for the Chiricahua Apache. Learn about the diverse groups who may have visited the cave, including European miners, Mexican travelers, and early settlers, each leaving their mark on this hidden natural wonder. Explore the cave’s vast interior, stretching several hundred feet in length and wide enough to provide a spacious environment for both human and wildlife activity. Along the trail, hikers gain a sense of the region’s geological history, with rugged terrain leading to the mouth of the cave and offering glimpses of surrounding desert landscapes.

Discover more as you step inside the open, undeveloped cave, one of the few of its kind in southern Arizona. Experience the unique atmosphere of the cavern, with its natural rock formations, shadows, and cool interior contrasting with the desert outside. Learn how the cave has been preserved over centuries and continues to tell stories of the people and wildlife that have passed through it. Explore at your own pace, taking time to appreciate the size and scale of the cave while imagining its historical use. The combination of a manageable hike, rich history, and fascinating geology makes this adventure both educational and memorable for all visitors.