Coronado National Forest

Coronado National Forest is a protected forest spanning multiple mountain ranges across Arizona and New Mexico with varied terrain and habitats. The landscape transitions from drier lower elevations to cooler, more forested mountain areas that support different types of plants and wildlife.

The forest was established in 1902 as part of a forest reserve system and later combined with other national forests to reach its current size. This consolidation created a large protected woodland system across the region.

Apache and other Native American tribes maintain deep roots here through generations of living and working the land. These communities continue traditional practices that remain visible in how the forest is used and valued today.

The forest offers many hiking trails of varying difficulty and campgrounds suitable for different experience levels and camping styles. Visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions and significant elevation changes, especially in the mountain areas.

A 2017 wildfire sparked during a gender reveal party burned thousands of acres and resulted in legal consequences for those involved. This incident drew international attention to the risks of human activities in forest areas.

Location: Arizona

Location: New Mexico

Operator: United States Forest Service

Website: http://fs.usda.gov/coronado

GPS coordinates: 31.99640,-110.30900

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:08