Cochise Stronghold
Located in the rugged Dragoon Mountains, Cochise Stronghold was the home of famed Chiricahua Apache Chief Cochise and 1,000 of his followers. Today, these lands represent an important chapter in Native American history. The Stonghold and its campground is popular for hiking and rock climbing. Nestled in stunning rocky outcrops, the Stronghold sees its fair share of feathered visitors too and is definitely worth a stop while touring Southeastern Arizona. The scenic oak-juniper woodlands welcome a rich diversity of birds, including acorn woodpecker, Mexican jay, northern harrier, and white-throated swifts. A pleasant semi-developed campground welcome adventurers.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Cochise
Directions: In Sunsites, AZ, take Ironwood Rd. (off State Rt. 191) west 9.1 miles to campground entrance. Once inside the Forest, Ironwood Rd. becomes Forest Rt. 84. NOTE: After, 3.8 miles, Ironwood Rd. (and Forest Rt. 84) becomes a Forest Service-maintained dirt road. While the road can appear rough, people in passenger cars frequently traverse the road. There are five, usually dry, stream crossings on Forest Rt. 84. Unless there has been unusually heavy rains within the last 48 hours, most cars can pass without trouble even when the streams are flowing. Ford at your own risk, however.
Latitude: 31.923152
Longitude: -109.967609
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None; $20 per night for campsites
Best time to visit: Birding is good all year, Summer temperatures can be hot.
Habitats: Pinyon-juniper Forest, Pine-oak Forest
Know Before You Go
No potable water at campground but other amenities are available. Some parts of the trails have a lot of sun exposure so plan accordingly.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Acorn Woodpecker, Arizona Woodpecker, Hepatic Tanager, Mexican Jay, Painted Redstart, Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay
Contact Information
Coronado National Forest Douglas Ranger District
1192 W. Saddleview Rd.
Douglas, AZ 85607
Phone: 520-364-3468
Website: https://cochisestronghold.com/
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L306139
Additional Resources:
Apache Station Wildlife Viewing Area
Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area
Fort Bowie National Historic Site
