The geography of Southeastern Arizona is unique and beautiful! Island mountains (sky islands) erupt thousands of feet from the alluvial planes below. In the higher elevations the environment resembles Tanzanian Savannah. Golden grasslands, studded with umbrella shaped acacias undulate with the topography of the terrain. At any moment, it seems there could be a pride of lions lazing in the sunshine, watch out.
One of the best mountain ranges in southern Arizona is the dragoon mountains, located just northeast of Tombstone. This mountain range was renamed "Sierra
Penascosa" rugged mountains, by Spanish soldiers when they passed through in 1695. The range was later named the Dragoon mountains and the central part of the range is known as Cochise Stronghold. Cochise was a chief of the
chiricawa band of the Apache tribe. Upon continuous pressure from European settlers chief Cochise divided his band in the central part of the dragoon mountains to evade and fight off the army, while continuing with successful raids against the settlers. Hence, the name Cochise Stronghold. When chief Cochise died the other members of the band slaughtered 17 of the best horses in his honor. "The stronghold", its colloquial name, is full of gigantic granite towers, some of which are up to 900 feet tall, creating a natural fortress. It is one of the best rock climbing sites in Arizona and has over 500 routes, some of which are more than 700 feet. Notice the climbers above on the first picture in the close-up of Cochise dome. There are two accesses into the stronghold. One from the West and one from t
he East, and a pseudo-rough road that links the east and west winding over a small mountain pass named
middlemarch pass. The westside is accessed by
middlemarch road and contains some of the largest granite domes (ex.
sheepshead,
moby dick). Camping is free, wherever you like, however, local ethics apply, this is a sacred site for the Apaches, be respectful. The other access is from the east on Ironwood road, also south of interstate 10.
Eastside accesses
cochise dome and
rockfellow dome, among many others, for the
trailhead park next to the huge boulder dividing the road. There is also a paying campsite and free camping if you take a right on the small dirt road after the
cattlegard. For a good good map I suggest you print out a map from google maps, or better yet purchase a Coronado national forest map from an outdoor store or a national forest office in safford or Tucson. By the way all the roads in or around the stronghold are dirt. You don't have to rock climb to enjoy the stronghold. There are plenty of hiking/game trails to hike and most of the granite domes can be scaled easily, awesome campsites. From higher elevations you can look south to the mountains of Mexico and the stars are marvelous.
Hiking trails exist in abundance and the potential for adventure is limitless. Moonlit excursions are recommended. The park was originally a haven for the unique and rare Joshua tree, a tree resembling something out of Dr. Seuss' imagination. The park is in the Mojave desert, which is a bit different from the Sonoran we are familiar with here in the valley. The transition on the drive is interesting. I prefer the northern road. Its much more primitive and therefore scenic. Make sure to bring lots of fire wood as there is none in the park. For an exciting adventure partake in the old J-Tree initiation and pass through "the chasm". You should go with someone who knows the path. Ask around in the campground. Map Quest for driving direc
tions. Enterence free with national parks pass.
