Tour The Mountain Peaks In Hereford, Arizona

1. Visit the Coronado National Memorial

Hereford offers a multitude of experiences in nature, and Coronado National Memorial is one of the best. The adventure starts as you drive up a winding, unpaved road to reach the mountain peak. Then you’ll hike up another winding road which leads to a worthwhile view of the desert scenery.

The area is named to commemorate the Coronado Expedition, which passed through the San Pedro River. You’ll be able to take in a breathtaking view of the river from the mountain peak.

Hiking is just one favorite activity at Coronado National Memorial—it’s also a very popular spot for birding. You can pick up a bird checklist at the visitor center, then take a walk around and see how many different varieties you can spot, including roadrunners, Mexican jays, and painted redstarts, to name a view.

Don’t forget to view the visitor center’s information boards before you leave. You’ll learn about the Coronado expedition, the history of the Native Americans who lived in the area, and the great variety of animals and plants that have made the mountains their home.

After visiting the Coronado National Memorial, take a drive up to Montezuma’s Pass and take in the rugged mountain landscape. At an elevation of 6575 feet (2004 meters), you’ll have a spectacular view.

Coronado National Memorial

Address: Coronado National Memorial, 4101 E Montezuma Canyon Rd, Hereford, Arizona

Price: No entrance fee.

Opening Hours: 8am - 4pm. Closed on public holidays.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: Accessible by car, within Hereford.

Contact: +1 520 3665515

Near by Food: The Outside Inn

Website: Coronado National Memorial

2. Relax in the Ramsey Canyon Inn Bed & Breakfast

Hiking and birding are popular activities in Hereford, and if you’re staying at the Ramsey Canyon Inn, you’ll be able to hike and observe nature any time the desire strikes you. It’s been named one of the Top 10 Bed & Breakfasts in Arizona by the Arizona Republic.

Ramsey Canyon is known as the hummingbird capital of the United States, and the tiny, speedy birds can be viewed flitting around the bed & breakfast. If you take a short walk on the property, you’ll be able to enjoy a flowing creek and see a wider variety of birds, deer and even wild turkey—the inn is located next to the Ramsey Canyon Preserve and surrounded by the Coronado National Forest, so you’ll be at home in nature.

Like most bed & breakfasts, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with other guests while lounging by a wood fire in the common room. Every afternoon, wander to the common room for homemade pies and coffee. Part of the experience is getting to meet new people and hear how they ended up in Hereford!

Each guest room has its own personality, but you can be sure to find many delightful antiques in your room and a beautiful view of the property—if you open your windows, you might even be able to hear the creek flowing softly by.

Ramsey Canyon Inn Bed & Breakfast

Address: 29 E Ramsey Canyon Rd, Hereford, AZ 85615

Price: from 160 USD

Access: Accessible by car, within Hereford.

Contact: +1 520 3783010

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3. Climb into the Coronado Cave

If you’d like to explore the famous Coronado Cave, you’ll have to gear up for the half-mile hike to the cave and also climb down a short rock wall to the entrance. The hike itself is not rigorous and even has stairs at certain points, but as you’ll be gaining 600 feet (183 meters) in elevation, it can be difficult for beginner hikers. Bring lots of water and sunscreen to make it a more pleasant experience.

The cave itself has a wide opening and room that you’ll be able to stand up in and explore. Don’t forget to bring flashlights! You’ll want to be able to see the naturally-formed stalagmites and stalactites in the cave. Be prepared to see bats hanging from the corners of the cave—they live there year-round.

You’ll be able to explore the cave on your own during the week, but if you’d prefer a guided tour, park rangers lead tours on Saturdays. Since there’s no admission charge, this is a great attraction if you’re looking for a free adventure to make your time in Hereford memorable.

Coronado Cave

Address: 4101 E Montezuma Canyon Rd, Hereford, Arizona 85615

Price: No admission fee

Opening Hours: 8am - 4pm. Closed on public holidays.

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: Half a mile hike from the Coronado National Memorial Vistor Center.

Contact: +1 520 3665515

Near by Food: The German Cafe.

Website: Coronado Cave

4. Sway to music at the Arizona Folklore Preserve

The Arizona Folklore Preserve is a popular destination for local music lovers. A concert venue that’s located on 4 acres (1.6 hectares) of property within Ramsey Canyon, the shows at the preserve highlight local music and culture. Most of the music is western folk music.

There are a variety of shows performed at the preserve, but each show attempts not only to entertain, but to highlight key elements of Arizona’s culture and heritage. Catch resident artist Dolan Ellis or a variety of guest artists—the preserve offers shows every Saturday and Sunday.

The venue only seats sixty, so each show is an up close, personal experience—and tickets sell out quickly, so plan ahead. Admission to shows is 15 USD for adults.

You’re invited to show up early to wander the property. Bring binoculars if you’re a birder, or just relax and enjoy the view.

Arizona Folklore Preserve

Address: 56 E Folklore Trail, Hereford, Arizona

Price: from 15 USD

Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: Accessible by car. Located within Hereford.

Contact: +1 520 3786165

Near by Food: Mom’s Kitchen

Website: Arizona Folklore Preserve

5. Take a jeep tour through the mines, mountains, and ghost towns

If you’ve seen enough of Hereford on foot or aren’t a hiking fan, jeep tours are a good option to view the scenery and enjoy the company of family and friends.

Into the West Jeep Tours is a company based in Hereford that offers a variety of jeep rentals and routes to help you see Hereford off the beaten path. You’ll be able to rent an open air jeep or an enclosed vehicle to protect you from the summer sun, and Into the West will make sure you have a map and clear directions on how to drive the route.

One of the most interesting tours is the Ghost Town Trail Tour. The history of the ghost towns has been wonderfully preserved in the left behind buildings, including saloons and jails, representative of a bygone era. Other tours will allow you to view famous scenes such as the Cottonwood Springs shootout or Johnny Ringo’s grave.

If you’d like to extend the adventure a little longer, one tour offers a cowboy cookout at an abandoned jail, where you’ll be able to enjoy a meal of southwest chili and cornbread.

Prices range from 95 USD per person to 125 USD per person for a tour and the cookout.

Into the West Jeep Tours

Address: P.O. Box 60, Hereford, Arizona 85615

Price: from 95 USD

Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm. Closed on public holidays.

Duration: around 4 hours required.

Access: Located in Hereford. Accessible by car.

Contact: +1 520 5592151

Near by Food: Sunna’s Korean Restaurant

Website: Into the West Jeep Tours

Hike & explore Hereford

Hereford is a hiker’s dream. With steep, mountainous trails, caves to explore and a variety of wildlife, it’s a town best explored by hikers and backpackers. Even if you’re not the adventurous sort, you’ll be able to make new friends at the Ramsey Inn Bed & Breakfast or just listen to music at the Arizona Folklore Preserve.