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A remote trail through an area made famous by the Apache Chief, Cochise.


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Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

Point to Point

5,962' 1,817 m

High

4,938' 1,505 m

Low

1,026' 313 m

Up

824' 251 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Need to Know

For a more remote, "out west" feel, this trail can also be accessed from the West Stronghold, but, in order to reach the road's end, a high-clearance vehicle is required, and four-wheel drive is recommended.

Description

I've always wanted to hike this and finally had the opportunity. Cochise Stronghold is about 1 hour from Tucson and well worth the drive. This is an out-and-back trail, which makes for a long day. I didn't see one person the entire time. This is great for some solitude, but not so great if you have an accident and need help.

Be prepared with plenty of water. The trail is relatively easy except for the length and heat of day. The trail conditions are great and route finding easy. The trail is flanked by unique rock formations most of the way. You can see why Cochise selected this area as a basecamp.

About half way, you top out at Stronghold Divide. The trail continues on downhill to East Stronghold Canyon Road. I continued down for a long out-and-back. You can easily turn back at the Pass for a shorter trip.

Directions: Take Rt. 10 east toward Benson and onto Cochise. Follow sign to Pearce then to Sunsite. Take Ironwood Rd, Forest Rd 84 for about 12 miles to the Stronghold Campground.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Maurizi with improvements by Jerry Cagle

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 8 votes

#2086

Overall
  4.6 from 8 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
13%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#81

in Arizona

#2,086

Overall
22 Views Last Month
3,978 Since Jun 5, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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38%
25%
38%
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Photos

Rock formations along the trail the Cochise Stronghold Trail.
Jun 6, 2017 near Saint D…, AZ
Cochise Stronghold #279 Trail
Dec 11, 2019 near Saint D…, AZ
Looking west towards end of trail.
Oct 12, 2020 near Saint D…, AZ
Halfmoon Tank
Jan 26, 2018 near Saint D…, AZ
Half way point of the divide.
Jun 6, 2017 near Saint D…, AZ
Headed Back, Southeast Arizona: Scenes in Cochise Stronghold, in the center of the range, in Southeast Arizona.
Feb 27, 2018 near Saint D…, AZ
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 24, 2022
Nick Kepf
Went to the Stronghold Divide and back. Beautiful hike! 6.2mi — 3h 42m
Oct 12, 2020
Charles Paige
9.2mi — 3h 20m
Feb 14, 2020
Micah Hurst
Oct 2, 2019
Lisa M
GORGEOUS! 6.2mi
Mar 5, 2019
Ryan Bott
Nov 3, 2018
Luis Weber Grullón
3mi
Apr 20, 2018
Tom Adams
Tom's B day 2011
Jan 25, 2018
Eugene Mazz
CG to East West divide 6.7mi
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