Cochise Stronghold

The Cochise Stronghold shown from a distance. The rock formation was a natural barrier to attackers, and also provided a lofty perch from which the warriors could watch vast sections of the surrounding area.

People visiting Arizona, as well as those already living in Arizona are pulled to this natural monument for several reasons. The rock formations are stunning – bring extra film! Hikers swear by the area, and a full compliment of supporting maps is available. The historical significance of the area is compelling. And birders find it to be one of the nicest areas of the region.

For some 15 years during the mid-nineteenth century, this foreboding natural fortress was the home and hideout for the notorious Chiricahua Apache War Chief, Cochise. Cochise, along with about 1,000 of his followers, 250 of whom were warriors, stayed within the natural safety of the stronghold formations. The natural geological design of the stronghold allowed sentinels stationed atop the towering pinnacles of rock to easily spot their enemies in the valley below long before they arrived at the stronghold. If the enemy force warranted it, the warriors could swoop down from the stronghold and attack. These attacks were swift, had the element of surprise and were invariably destructive. Nobody within a hundred miles of the stronghold was safe from these guerilla-style attacks.

Cochise Stronghold Campgrounds
Located within the Coronado National Forest, this campground is managed by the Douglas Ranger District. This campground is located right inside the rugged canyon that served the famous Apache Indian leader, Cochise, as a refuge against his enemies. As you enter the East Stronghold Canyon, you pass in the shadow of rocks that quite likely served the Apache warrior as perches for his lookouts. The haunting shapes into which the forces of nature have carved those rocks helps make a visit to this charismatic place an unforgettable experience.

This closer view of the Cochise Stronghold shows some of the natural 'fortress-like' elements of the geology such as limited access, and good cover for the defenders.

The available campsites at alluring Cochise Stronghold are shaded by beautiful oaks, and surrounded by a diverse community of vegetation that includes plants of both the Upper Sonoran Desert and the Chihuahuan Desert. To help you become better acquainted with this unusual environment, the Stronghold Nature Trail follows a 0.4 mile barrier-free loop that wanders among the yucca, cactus, and rocks. This short, easy stroll provides a self-guided introduction to a number of desert plants as well as some of the principles of desert ecology. It also provides good views of the rocks that form the ramparts of the Stronghold. A barrier-free history trail in the campground tells of the area’s colorful past.

Is history your thing? If you would like to retrace the steps of this area’s historic residents even deeper into their nearly impenetrable refuge, you may choose to follow the famous Cochise Trail past dozens of fantastic rock formations as it makes its way across the Dragoons to West Stronghold Canyon and the Council Rocks historic area.

Cochise Stronghold Campgrounds — Information
Location: 92 miles east of Tucson. Elevation: 5,000'. Season: Open year round.

Access: From Tucson, take I-10 east 72 miles to US 191. Turn right (south) and drive 12 miles to Ironwood Road. Turn right (east) on Ironwood Road. From Douglas, take US 80 two miles to US 191. Go north approximately 45 miles to Sun Sites, then turn left (west) on Ironwood Road. Continue on Ironwood Road (which becomes Forest Road 84 at the Forest boundary) for 8 miles to Cochise Stronghold Campground.

Attractions:
Fascinating history
Picturesque formations
Accessible nature trail
Forest trails

Facilities:
10 individual sites
2 group use areas
Water Toilets
Barrier-free

Campground Notices:
No water
No hook-ups. Trailers limited to 22 feet.
Campsites, toilets and interpretive area are barrier-free.
Groups of over 25 people must call Douglas Ranger District and obtain a Recreational Event Permit.
The Cochise Trail begins here and leads to the West Cochise Stronghold. The Stronghold Nature Trail (0.4 mile) begins in the campground, too.

For additional information: Click here to see this website