Cochise Stronghold

(nr Sunsites AZ)
Cochise Stronghold sets in the Dragoon Mountains and was a refuge and fortress for the famous Apache warrior and his Chokonen band. The gravel road leading in crossed a flowing creek three times and ended at a forest service campground.

Cochise Stronghold

Luckily, I got the last campsite available; unluckily, I discovered one of my dually tires had gone flat. It must have happened on the way in, as I checked before heading out. The small camp in the woods had paved pads, picnic tables, fire rings and pit toilets. BTW, the camp and road in was not suitable for rigs longer than 26 feet.

Point along Cochise Trail

Cliff along the trail

I hiked the Cochise trail for about a mile to the Spring. The trail continued over the Dragoon mountains to the west side. At the spring, I rested and had a snack before returning to camp. Another short trail, next to the camp, was paved and had panels along the way explaining the history and life of the Apaches that lived in the area. Yet another trail went steeply up to a notch in the cliff, but I couldn’t locate it.

Cochise Spring

Plans were to stay longer; but, I thought it wise to get the flat fixed before the weekend. So, I slowly drove the 9 miles into town and found a shop to make the tire good again. They recommended a country café on the way to my next stop, which turned out to be excellent. The Border Burger I had at Sandy’s was possibly the best I’ve eaten while in the west.

Camp: Coronado NF – Cochise Stronghold CG
Scene: Mountains, creek, spring, trails