The Coronado National Forest is located in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. It is comprised of 1,718,187 acres in Arizona and 68,936 acres in New Mexico. There are thirty-four developed campgrounds, twenty-one of which meet our selection criteria. Coronado National Forest is widely scattered across southeastern Arizona. Composed of individual up-thrust mountain blocks called “sky islands,” the Forest offers a broad spectrum of experiences. The fifteen “sky islands,” reaching elevations of 10,720 feet, contain a variety of environments with plants and animals unique to the ecology. This biological diversity was first noted in the late 1800’s and has laid the framework for today’s study of eco-systems. Like those earlier visitors to the Forest, today, one encounters every eco-system found between Mexico and Canada and, at least two of the four seasons in each journey up a “sky island.”
Recreation
The Coronado National Forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities year-round. The higher elevations are most popular during the summer, offering temperatures 20 or more degrees cooler than the desert on any day of the year. These mountaintop sites also provide opportunities to ski and play in the snow during the winter months. Many of the low elevation recreation areas are located in scenic canyons or foothills and these sites are most popular during the fall, winter and spring. Over 1,100 miles of trails are available. Interpretive trails in and around prehistoric and historic sites allow you to experience the Forest’s heritage. Four small lakes provide water-based activities. Eight wilderness areas encompassing 338,536 acres offer visitors solitude and primitive recreation.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Coronado National Forest
300 W. Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: 520-670-4552
TTY: 520-670-4584
