Coronado State Monument

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Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Coronado State Monument is located in the state of New Mexico and is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the ancient pueblo people.


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Summary

There are several good reasons to visit this monument, including its beautiful location, its excellent exhibits, and its educational programs.

One of the primary points of interest at Coronado State Monument is the Kiva, which is a circular room that was used for religious ceremonies by the pueblo people. There are also several well-preserved homes and buildings throughout the monument that provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the ancient inhabitants.

In addition to its historical significance, Coronado State Monument is also home to a variety of wildlife, including several species of birds and mammals. Visitors can explore the monument's hiking trails and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the monument is named after Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, a Spanish explorer who visited the area in 1540. It is also home to several species of cacti, including the prickly pear and the cholla.

The best time of year to visit Coronado State Monument is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, the monument is open year-round and visitors can enjoy its exhibits and programs in any season.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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