East and West Cochise Stronghold Trails

Half-moon water catchment

Today I decided to hike the Cochise Stronghold trails, in the Dragoons, a favorite range and a favorite hike. The temps were a blustery 50 degrees at 9:00 am, and even chillier at the top, or divide. Most people hike up to the divide ( the ridge between East and West Cochise Stronghold Trails), settling for either a 6.1 mile round-trip hike (east approach), or a 3.3 mile hike (west approach); but I prefer to do the whole thing out and back (9.4 miles).

This is a moderate hike even though AllTrails and others give it a Hard or "A" rating. Not much elevation gain for nearly 10 miles, no scrambling, and not very rocky.

The Dragoon Range was formed in the Mesozoic era (also called the Age of Reptiles, 252 to 65 Ma) during the Cordilleran Uplift (65 to 150 Ma). They are composed of granite and basalt, eroded into impressive spires, wonky shafts, ovate boulders, and other Seussian shapes. A very rugged geology, the area became the base camp of the Chiracahuan Apaches, a tribe of about a thousand people with about 250 formidable warriors, led by the great warrior and strategist, Cochise. Cochise is said to have been buried deep in the this area of the Dragoons.

The Dragoons from Ironwood Road off Hwy. 191.

A stream bed follows this canyon up to the divide, and the trail crosses over it in several places. Fairly wet on today's hike.

A glimpse of the Chiricahuas hugging the eastern horizon.

The divide between East and West Cochise Canyon. Another 1 ¾ miles to the West trailhead.

Looking west at the remainder of the Dragoons and beyond.

Many of the formations are dusted lime green, which I liken to lichen.

The beautiful Half-moon water catchment.

A Grand Teton of hikes.