Coronado Picnic Area, Coronado National Memorial
Attractions in Arizona
Photo: Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA / CC BY 2.0
Part of Coronado National Memorial
Near Hereford, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Coronado Picnic Area, Coronado National Memorial
Pack with the terrain and wildlife in mind, and you'll be ready for anything here.
A well-prepared pack for Coronado Picnic Area covers 3 categories: essential, wildlife gear, terrain gear.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
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First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
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Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
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Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
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Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
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Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
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Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.
Wildlife Gear
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
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Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
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Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
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First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.
Terrain Gear
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Wide-brim hat — Desert and alpine environments with little tree cover leave you fully exposed; a hat is your primary shade source.
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Sunscreen SPF50+ — Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours; sweating and pack straps rub sunscreen off faster than expected.
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Extra water (desert) — Even well-mapped springs can go dry after low-snowpack years; always carry surplus and check recent trip reports.
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SPF50 lip balm — Reapply every 2 hours and after eating or drinking, as lip balm wears off faster than body sunscreen.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
- Winter: Microspikes/traction devices
Activities & Best Time to Visit Coronado Picnic Area, Coronado National Memorial
The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
The mix of Desert terrain and Semi-Arid conditions here supports everything from photography, picnicking, walking.
The scenery here earns a 60/100 photography rating — Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 2 excellent meteor showers.
Activities
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photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
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picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
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walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
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wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.
Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Terrain: Desert — Rocky outcrops, sand, and dry washes are common features.
Wildlife Safety at Coronado Picnic Area, Coronado National Memorial
Before heading out, it helps to know which wildlife to be cautious around.
The danger score of 30/10 at Coronado Picnic Area accounts for Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Remote (180mi from city) in the area.
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (180mi from city)
- Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
- 2 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Venomous Snakes
0 venomous snake species are found in this area: .
- Watch where you step and place hands
- Stay on trails
- Wear boots and long pants in snake country
- Do not reach under rocks or logs
- If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
- Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol
Nature & Wildlife at Coronado Picnic Area, Coronado National Memorial
The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The ecosystem around Coronado Picnic Area is defined by its Desert landscape, supporting everything from Arizona sycamore and silverleaf oak to Ruddy Duck and Rock Pigeon.
Trees (2)
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Arizona sycamore — Round seed balls hang on long stalks. -
silverleaf oak — The bark is dark and furrowed.
Wildflowers (1)
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Arizona poppy — Low mounded annual with silky petals.
Shrubs (4)
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Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain. -
tree cholla — Older stems form a woody trunk-like base, giving it a branching tree form. -
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Bright cup-shaped flowers open in sunlight and are followed by spiny fruits. It thrives in rocky desert slopes and well-drained soils.
Other Plants (5)
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fishhook barrel cactus
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ocotillo
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rainbow hedgehog cactus
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Palmer's agave
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saguaro
Mammals (5)
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White-tailed Deer — Bucks grow antlers annually, shedding them each winter. -
Arizona Gray Squirrel — Strong climber in riparian forests. -
White-nosed Coati — Often carries tail upright when moving. -
Pronghorn — Built for speed with long legs and large lungs. -
Rock Squirrel — Often stands upright on rocks to scan for predators.
Birds (30)
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Ruddy Duck — Stiff upright tail -
Rock Pigeon — Dark charcoal form with iridescent neck -
Ring-necked Duck — Subtle chestnut neck ring rarely visible -
Gambel's Quail — Forward-curving head plume -
Neotropic Cormorant — Yellow facial skin
Reptiles (9)
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Yarrow's Spiny Lizard — Typically 5–8 inches long. -
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — Adults commonly 3–5 feet long. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long. -
Clark's Spiny Lizard — Usually 5–8 inches long. -
Sonoran Spotted Whiptail — Usually 8–12 inches long.
Amphibians (3)
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Sonoran Desert Toad -
Canyon Tree Frog -
Red-spotted Toad
Insects (20)
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Marine Blue -
Pipevine Swallowtail -
Arizona Sister -
American Snout -
Bordered Patch
Other Wildlife (1)
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Stripe-tailed Scorpion
Nature Bingo at Coronado Picnic Area, Coronado National Memorial
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Coronado Picnic Area, Coronado National Memorial Climate & Sun
The numbers behind the best (and worst) times to visit Coronado Picnic Area.
Month-by-month temperatures at Coronado Picnic Area range from °F to °F.
Climate type: Semi-Arid
Annual avg temp: 61.1°F
Annual precipitation: 19 in
With an average annual temperature of 61.1°F and 19 inches of precipitation, Coronado Picnic Area has warm, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 76°F, while winter lows drop to 46°F.
Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46°F | 1.4 in |
| Feb | 48°F | 1.2 in |
| Mar | 53°F | 1.0 in |
| Apr | 59°F | 0.3 in |
| May | 67°F | 0.3 in |
| Jun | 76°F | 0.7 in |
| Jul | 76°F | 4.2 in |
| Aug | 74°F | 4.4 in |
| Sep | 71°F | 1.9 in |
| Oct | 63°F | 1.1 in |
| Nov | 53°F | 1.0 in |
| Dec | 46°F | 1.5 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 10.1 hours in winter to 14.2 hours in summer — a difference of 4.1 hours.
Summer: 5:15 AM – 7:26 PM
Winter: 7:12 AM – 5:19 PM
Coronado Picnic Area, Coronado National Memorial Trip Planning & Access
Time to plan the details — access, cost, and travel information for your visit.
Access to Coronado Picnic Area is primarily via Phoenix, 180 miles away.
Visitor Friendliness
Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (highly_suitable).
- Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
- Families: excellent
- Elderly: highly_suitable
- Strollers: excellent (100/100)
- Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Easy difficulty - perfect for beginners (+20))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (100/100)
Places Near Coronado Picnic Area, Coronado National Memorial
Looking for more? Here's what else is close by.
The region around Coronado Picnic Area is rich with options — 15 nearby destinations are worth exploring.
Nearby Trails
- Picnic Trail, Coronado National Memorial 0.15 mi
- Joe's Canyon Trail, Cochise 0.39 mi
- Coronado Cave Trail, Cochise 0.46 mi
- Windmill Trail (N, 0mi), Coronado National Memorial 0.92 mi
- Yaqui Ridge Trail, Cochise 2.05 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
- Reef Townsite Group Area, Cochise 6.28 mi
- Ramsey Vista Campground, Cochise 6.58 mi
- Lakeview Campground, Cochise 13.04 mi
- Rock Bluff Group Site (N, 0mi), Cochise 13.44 mi
- Rock Bluff Campground, Cochise 13.44 mi
Nearby Attractions
Stargazing & Night Sky at Coronado Picnic Area, Coronado National Memorial
Clear nights in this area reveal more stars than most people expect.
Light pollution at Coronado Picnic Area is Typical truly dark site (Bortle 2), which means bright constellations and planets are visible.
Constellations
Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.
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Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole. -
Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.
Meteor Showers
The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.
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Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (good)Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
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Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.
Planets
Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:
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Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star -
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky -
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light -
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue
Equipment Guide
- Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
- Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
- Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune
Viewing Tips
- Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
- Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
- Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
- Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
- Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
- Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)
Best Viewing Months
- Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
- Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep
Seasonal Highlights at Coronado Picnic Area, Coronado National Memorial
What you'll encounter here shifts with the calendar — here's a seasonal overview.
Seasonal changes at Coronado Picnic Area bring — each offering a distinct experience.
Spring Wildflowers
Peak bloom: March - April
Check local park websites for bloom reports
Fall Foliage
Peak color: October 25 – November 15
Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen
Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier
Bird Migration
Spring peak: March - April
Fall peak: October - November
Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges
Indigenous Land at Coronado Picnic Area, Coronado National Memorial
The history of this land reaches back long before it became a recreation destination.
We acknowledge that Coronado Picnic Area is located on the traditional lands of O’odham Jeweḍ, Sobaipuri, Ópata (Tegüima-Eudebe-Hoba).
Languages
The languages traditionally spoken in this area include Tohono O’odham, Ópata (Tehuima), Chiricahua.
Data from Native Land Digital
Coronado Picnic Area, Coronado National Memorial Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Coronado Picnic Area sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.
Bedrock Geology
- Rock Type
- Late Cretaceous sedimentary
- Lithology
- sedimentary
- Age
- Late Cretaceous
Fossils
- Fossil Occurrences
- 69
- Unique Species
- 45
- Oldest
- 312.8 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 36
- Richness
- High
- Minerals Found
- Gold, Silver, Tungsten, Lead, Copper, Stone, Crushed/Broken, Gypsum-Anhydrite
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 114°F (1994-06-25)
- Record Low
- 1°F (2011-02-03)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 29
- Largest Fire
- Monument (32,074.4 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2023
- Fire Risk
- Extreme
Watershed
- Watershed
- 150502020207
Coronado Picnic Area, Coronado National Memorial Safety & Conditions
Plans set? Check the latest conditions before you head out.
Up-to-date weather, fire, and flood information for the area around Coronado Picnic Area.
Coordinates: 31.345142, -110.250043