Experience a completely undeveloped cave. Follow the moderately strenuous 1/2 mile trail straight up (500 ft). When you reach the rocky, uneven entrance, scramble over and down the slick rock boulders to the cave floor. Once inside, your are the explorer!

The cave may have been used by humans as a shelter and hideout by middle archaic people (up to 8000 years ago) and more recently by Apache peoples, Mexican and European miners, and settlers (however, no archaeological evidence remains in the cave today). Coronado Cave is a large cavern 600 feet long and in most places about 70 feet wide.

Watch the video below to learn more!

Cave Safely, Cave Softly

Coronado National Memorial protects the cave, its inhabitants, and its ever-changing formations. These rules help our valuable bat population stay healthy and keep the cave natural for future visitors.

No permit needed. Keep it that way by respecting the rules.

Parts of the cave require technical knowledge to explore. If you don’t have solid footing and knowledge, turn around.

Cave Safely

• Never explore caves alone
• Caving can be difficult and technical -- know your limitations and do not take risks beyond your endurance or comfort level
• Always tell someone where you are going and when you'll be back (if you forgot, stop in the visitor center and tell a ranger!)
• Have an emergency plan
• Pay close attention to footing, in steep or technical situations maintain three points of contact (two feet, one hand; one foot, two hands)
• If your light fails - stay put!

Regulations

In order to preserve and protect the cave for now and future generations please observe the following rules:

• Cave is closed between sunset and sunrise each day
• Do not touch cave formations and avoid touching the cave walls - oils from skin can prevent the growth of new formations
• No smoking in the cave or around the cave entrance
• No littering - Pack it in, pack it out
• Refrain from eating inside the cave
• Do not scratch, paint, or place any form of graffiti in, or around the cave - your names and comments are welcome in the register at the visitor center but not on cave walls
• Do not strike or deface cave formations
• Do not remove rock fragments, cave formations, or artifacts from the cave
• Fires, candles, torches, fireworks, and other open flames are not permitted
• Dogs are not allowed in the cave or on the cave trail
• Possession of alcoholic beverages and/or containers is the cave or on the cave trail are prohibited
• Please do not urinate in the cave - restrooms are located at Montezuma Pass, the visitor center, and the picnic area
• No camping
• Avoid talking loudly, yelling, or playing music in the cave as bats are sensitive to noise

Be Prepared

In order to enjoy your caving experience it is wise to be prepared for the hike to the cave entrance in addition to the cave itself. Here is a list of important items to bring with you on your caving adventure:

• At least TWO sources of light - it is absolutely pitch black dark in the back of the cave and it would be difficult to find your way out without a light (a smartphone flashlight does not count as a source of light).

• Extra batteries

• Gloves (touching cave walls and formations without gloves damages the cave and prohibits the growth of new formations)

• The 10 essentials ! (many search and rescue incidents begin with the phrase "it's only a short hike").

• Water, sturdy shoes/boots, sun protection, map/compass, food/snacks, extra clothes and rain gear, saftey items (whistle), first aid kit, knife, backpack.

• Although no park regulation requires a helmet, it is recommended in any caving excursion and is good practice.

Please help preserve Coronado Cave for tomorrow's explorers. Report all violations to a park ranger at the visitor center or on the trail.