📷 National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Public domainCoronado Historic Site
Bernalillo, NM
The ruins of Kuaua Pueblo beside the Rio Grande, with a reconstructed kiva showing copies of pre-contact murals found here. It is just off US-550 in Bernalillo, 30 minutes north of Albuquerque; closed on some weekdays.
Coronado Historic Site is an archaeological site near Bernalillo, New Mexico, on the Rio Grande north of Albuquerque. It preserves the excavated ruins of Kuaua, an ancient pueblo village of which hundreds of rooms are visible today. The name recalls the Spanish explorer Coronado, who passed through the region in 1540-41 in search of the fabled Seven Cities of Cíbola and spent the winter in a village on the west bank of the Rio Grande. According to Frommer's, this village was probably built on the ruins of Kuaua.
The highlight is a restored kiva that visitors can climb down into by ladder; it once served religious ceremonies. In kivas and other rooms, archaeologists found multicolored wall paintings of human and animal figures on several layers of plaster. The site's small archaeological museum shows a few examples. Opening days and admission change from time to time, so check ahead.
- Nearest town
- Bernalillo, NM
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 35.3290, -106.5570
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Coronado CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Coronado Historic SiteTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Coronado State MonumentCampsite0 mi from Coronado Historic SiteTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- KOAMotorhome stopover2 mi from Coronado Historic SiteMotorhomesElectricity
- Turquoise Trail CampgroundMotorhome stopover17 mi from Coronado Historic SiteTentsMotorhomesWi-Fi
- High Desert RV ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Coronado Historic SiteMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- American RV ResortMotorhome stopover23 mi from Coronado Historic SiteMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in New Mexico · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Coronado Historic Site?
Coronado Historic Site is in Bernalillo, NM, at GPS 35.3290, -106.5570. It is about 18 mi from Albuquerque.
Can you camp near Coronado Historic Site?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Coronado Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Coronado Historic Site?
Coronado Historic Site is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Chaco Canyon and the San Juan Basin.
What is there to see near Coronado Historic Site?
Places worth a stop nearby: Sandia Crest (10 mi), Petroglyph National Monument (15 mi), Old Town Albuquerque (17 mi) and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (24 mi).
When is the best time to visit Coronado Historic Site?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)