Cochise Stronghold

Cochise Stronghold sits high in the Dragoon Mountains, a remote granite fortress where long approaches reward climbers with cracks, slabs, and steep faces. The area is crowned by pink granite domes and labyrinthine passages that earned it a legendary climbing reputation, with routes ranging from moderate to very bold across both the East and West Stronghold canyons. A network of trails, including Cochise Indian Trail and the longer Cochise Trail (#279), threads through oak and juniper country above 5,000 feet, offering dramatic panoramas and a chance to connect with the landscape that once sheltered Cochise and his followers. Be mindful of the year-to-year nesting of ____Peregrine Falcon Nesting sites from February through June, which can constrain some cliff faces. Nearby towns like Tombstone, Willcox, and the Douglas area offer services, equipment, and day trips, making this a balanced mix of rugged backcountry and Arizona culture. If you’re chasing a summit or a multi-pitch line, start early, pack water, and respect the fragile raptor habitats that define this extraordinary place. Cochise Stronghold__ is a true test of skill and stamina, with endless rock, trails, and rock-spirited scenery to explore.