Coronado National Forest

Travel Guide

Coronado National Forest showing tranquil scenes, landscape views and desert views
Coronado National Forest
Sabino Canyon featuring desert views and a gorge or canyon
Coronado National Forest showing desert views and touring
Sabino Canyon featuring desert views

Just a short drive from the arid deserts, these spectacular ranges are home to lush trails, caves, lakes and snowy mountains.

Coronado National Forest spreads across nearly 2 million acres (700,000 hectares) of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. The forest includes 12 mountain ranges or “sky islands” that shoot high above the desert below, some reaching almost 11,000 feet (3,300 meters). Head to the Coronado National Forest to escape from the bustle and heat of the city and explore the outdoors.

If you are feeling energetic, take your pick from a number of activities, such as horseback riding or mountain biking. Head out in a boat or have a swim in one of the forest’s five lakes. Coronado National Forest is the ideal spot for hiking with over 1,100 miles (1,700 kilometers) of trails that range vastly in both environment and difficulty level. Hike through the unspoiled greenery, breathe in the fresh mountain air and do some wildlife spotting. The Coronado National Forest is home to more than more than 500 native species.

Take the family camping at one of the dozens of campsites spread throughout the forest’s eight designated wilderness areas. If you are after a more rustic experience, set up camp in one of the roadless areas and enjoy the tranquility.

Pack lunch and relax at the Madera Canyon Picnic Area in the Santa Rita Mountains. If you are interested in rock climbing, head to the Santa Catalina Ranger District. Onyx Cave and Cave of the Bells in the Santa Rita Mountains offer a fascinating look at the underground ecosystem of the area. In winter, try skiing or snowboarding at Mount Lemmon, just outside Tucson, which is home to the United States’ southernmost ski resort.

Coronado National Forest is about an hour’s drive from Tucson. In contrast with the sweltering desert temperatures of the surrounding flats, the forest climate is mild. The tops of the mountains are often dusted with snow, even in summer. Dress for cooler temperatures and if you are hiking, wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.

Where to stay in Coronado National Forest

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Summerhaven

While Summerhaven may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mt Lemmon Ski Valley and Santa Catalina Mountains.

Summerhaven
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills

3 Palms Tucson North Foothills

3 out of 5
7411 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ
The price is €49 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€49
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,280 reviews)
"Excellent stay! Nice little hidden gem"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine

3 out of 5
720 W. Silverlake Road, Tucson, AZ
The price is €90 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€90
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,818 reviews)
"Everything is effortless from check in to the pool and bar! Rooms are so dope and spacious! The staff are all amazing, friendly and ready to assist! The hotel is quiet with plenty of fun activities!"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Lodge on the Desert

Lodge on the Desert

4 out of 5
306 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ
The price is €111 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€111
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly resort in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,893 reviews)
"This place was peaceful. The rooms are very spacious. Beds are comfortable and the towels are soft and fluffy. The pool is a little small and the room didn't have a microwave. The onsite restaurant food was great."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Lodge on the Desert
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Storybook Mt Lemmon Log Cabin

Storybook Mt Lemmon Log Cabin

Mt Lemmon
Stay at this cabin in Mount Lemmon. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (199 reviews)
"We have rented this cabin in the past and as always we enjoy every minute we get to spend there. The accommodations are very clean and comfortable. We hopefully be back soon. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Storybook Mt Lemmon Log Cabin
Mountain Cabin with Massive Game Room and Gorgeous Views

Mountain Cabin with Massive Game Room and Gorgeous Views

Summerhaven
Stay at this cabin in Mount Lemmon. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Santa Catalina Mountains and Mt Lemmon Ski Valley are located nearby.
"Did not realize spiral stair cases. Nice bedrooms upstairs. Nice double door opening to porch with a great setting. Have to park car at the bottom of driveway, to steep for a car."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Mountain Cabin with Massive Game Room and Gorgeous Views
Mt. Lemmon Pet Friendly Cabin #3

Mt. Lemmon Pet Friendly Cabin #3

Mount Lemmon
Stay at this cabin in Mount Lemmon. Enjoy free WiFi, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Mt Lemmon Ski Valley and Santa ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
cozy cabin retreat
"short stay, but fun, everything we needed was in the cabin.the dog enjoyed it too."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Mt. Lemmon Pet Friendly Cabin #3
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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