Here’s living proof that it’s always good to have Mother Nature on your side. These rugged and stunningly beautiful mountains served as headquarters for the legendary Apache Cochise and about 1,000 of his followers. It’s a story straight from the movies, featuring bloody battles and military genius.
The cluster of mountains just outside of Dragoon is a nearly impregnable series of pinnacles that made for protection and excellent surveillance. Frankly, it wasn’t safe around here in 1861; Cochise and some 250 Chiricahua warriors had declared war on the American military and proved unbeatable at guerilla warfare. Cochise’s warriors would stage deadly ambushes, most famously at the nearby Dragoon Springs station of the Butterfield Stage Line. Cochise himself was actually captured twice, but escaped both times.
And here’s living proof that it’s good to retire a war hero: today, this is the peaceful and wildlife-rich Sulphur Springs Valley, surrounded by the town of Cochise, Cochise County, and even a natural Chiricahua Mountains rock formation called Cochise's Head. It’s especially amazing when you consider that Cochise is said to be buried in this natural fortress, though no one knows exactly where.
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No change or cancel fees, plus lower hotel booking fees at priceline.com
Shop and compare lowest prices from top travel sites.
Things to know:
Region: Arizona Old West
Related activities: The Chiricahua Mountains are known as a "sky island" range, with pillars of rock rising from ancient seabeds terrific for hiking and rock climbing. The Rocky Mountains, Sierra Madre Mountains, Sonoran & Chihuahuan Desert ecosystems meet here, making it one of the finest areas in the world for birding and wildlife watching.
Elevation: High desert elevations start at 4,200 feet.
Getting there: From State Rt. 191 through Sunsites, AZ, take Ironwood Rd. west 9.1 miles to the Coronado Forest entrance. Ironwood Road becomes Forest Rt. 84, which leads to the stronghold. Note: Cochise Stronghold Road IS NOT recommended for stronghold access.
Photo courtesy of panoramio.com.
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