Cochise Stonghold

Benson, AZ - Located again in the southeast corner of Arizona, on I-40. The history of the Wild West continues to find many of it's roots in this part of America. Legend has it that after Cochise had problems with the military at Fort Bowie he moved to what is now Chiricahua National Monument. When the trouble continued he moved west roughly twenty-five miles into the Dragoon Mountains. Supposedly these mountains were his last stronghold. Local lore has his body being hidden in these mountains in a place, "where no white man can find him".

The truth is he may have moved to San Francisco for all I know, but I am equally convinced hiding his body would not have been a major challenge. If he had dropped dead a hundred feet from the trail it is quite likely no one would have him. The trail to Cochise' Stronghold is about 5.2 miles up hill. It is wildness with a capital "W" and mother nature, and all her creatures are supreme. Take plenty of water, food, and a flashlight, jacket and long pants if you are coming back late. The nights get quite cool in the desert. As with all desert hikes make sure you have a snake stick. If you can't see where you're going it is far better to lead with the stick.

Don't be surprised to find you are sharing the trail on occasion.