Coronado National Memorial

This was one of those places we went to not knowing what to expect.  It was about 90 miles SE of Green Valley, a mile from the Mexican border.  It looked like it would be about an hour and a half away; it took almost 3 hours !  Now, was the site worth it ?  It was a memorial to Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, who past through the area in 1540 while exploring the Southwest for Spain.  There are no ruins or monuments to Coronado, just a memorial to his explorations.  After we got done, we decided it was.  The views and scenery were spectacular.  The Park Service visitors center was at an altitude of 1 mile.  The scenic route took us to the main overlook which was at 6,675' and from there was a half mile trail to Coronado Peak, which was at 6,864.'  From that vantage point, you could almost 100 miles in every direction.  

Panorama of San Rafael Valley (looking west).

Just above the center of the photo you will see a dark line going slightly up from right to left. That is the border fence. The winding road you see is the one that goes to the main overlook.

Coronado nomad.

Self portrait on Coronado Peak.

Panorama of San Pedro Valley. Way in the background is San Jose Peak in Mexico.

A view to the parking lot of the overlook from Coronado Peak. You can just make out 2 pieces of equipment on the left side of the lot: That is one of the cameras used by the Border Patrol.

Desert paintbrush.  The only blooming flower we saw on the trail to the peak. The flowers are about 3" across.