Cochise Stronghold website
Cochise Stronghold map
Dragoon Mountains webpage
Council Rocks webpage
Also, see Cochise Stronghold
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eBird Hotspot
Dragoon Mountains–Council Rocks
Coordinates: 31.9072583, -110.0376597
eBird links: Hotspot map – View details – Recent visits
My eBird links: Location life list – Submit data
Birding in Arizona
About Council Rocks
As you head north on FS 687, the western side of Cochise Stronghold stands imposingly on your right. Imagine that, in 1869, you are a member of the U.S. Cavalry stationed at Fort Bowie. A band of Chiricahua Apaches, perhaps 30 well-armed warriors, had that morning raided a nearby ranch, killed the rancher, his wife, and two ranch hands, and took two young children captive. Your company has chased the renegades to this place and the Indians have disappeared among the boulders.
From Council Rocks webpage
About Cochise Stronghold
Cochise Stronghold is located to the west of Sunsites, Arizona in the Dragoon Mountains at an elevation of 5,000 ft. This beautiful woodland area lies in a protective rampart of granite domes and sheer cliffs which were once the refuge of the great Apache Chief, Cochise, and his people. Located within the Coronado National Forest it is managed by the Douglas Ranger District. In Sunsites, AZ, take Ironwood Road (off AZ-191) west 9.1 miles to campground entrance. Once inside the Forest, Ironwood Road becomes FR-84. NOTE: After, 3.8 miles, Ironwood Road (and FR-84) becomes a rough, rocky dirt road. There are five stream crossings on FR-84 that can be forded if not wet weather.
Within the Stronghold is a hiking/equestrian trail that goes from the East Cochise Stronghold Campground, over the “Stronghold Divide” and down into the West Stronghold Canyon. This trail was originally an Indian trail and is approximately 4 miles long one way.
The Interpretive Trail consists of a short loop trail approximately .12 of a mile long with information along the way about the Stronghold, Cochise, and his descendants. It is a beautiful, leisurely walk among the oaks and junipers.
The Nature Trail, self-guided is approximately .4 mile long and is clearly marked. It forms a rough horseshoe shape and involves some up and downhill climbing. There are benches strategically placed, so you can sit and listen to the whispers of those from long ago and enjoy the superb views of the canyon.
From Cochise Stronghold website