Cochise Stronghold

Kristian Wold

We rented the Shaw House for two nights. The house has three bedrooms - one with a double bed, one with a double futon and one with two sets of bunkbeds with full size beds on the bottom. There are two additional futons in the living room so it can sleep a lot of people. There are two bathrooms each with a shower. The weather was nice so we didn't need the space heaters or fans. We spent a lot of time outside. During the day we moved our camping chairs to shady areas and at night we sat at the picnic table and around the fire ring where we roasted marshmallows. Wood was provided and can be used in the indoor fireplace or outside. There is also a propane grill. The house had a broom, mop and shop vac hidden away in the closet. The kitchen was pretty well stocked with plenty of plates, silverware and lots of pots, pans and kitchen utensils. There aren't many coffee mugs so bring your own if you need more than a couple.

Katherine Ford

A wonderful hike! 11 miles total to the other side and back. The elevation was not to terrible. The high climb was on the way back from the west side back to the middle trail. Very scenic and beautiful. There could of have been better trail and distance markings on each side of the trail head. It would of been nice to see some paper maps too. Over all a beautiful, clean, and adventurous hike.

Denise Hamel

Very scenic. The road going in is rough, so be prepared, but it is well graded. A creek runs throughout the area so don't drive here if it has recently rained or the road is flooded in several spots. The campground is small and well maintained. Not suitable for large rigs. There are choices if walking trails. One is a concrete walkway trail, about .25 miles long with information kiosks and lovely views. There are also concrete walls with sitting areas. Great for anyone with walking challenges. The Nature Trail begins to the left of the restrooms with a monument to Cochise and a pretty walking bridge spanning the creek. The trail is easy but has steps so not suitable for wheelchairs or walkers. It is beautiful! Off of that trail is a much longer trail that I am told is 5 miles round trip but is very challenging with steep grades. We saw a lot of couples with dogs hiking. Lots of history lessons here.

Colonel Ewen (NCISS)

Cochise Stronghold is the final resting place of the Apache Warrior Cochise who history records gave the Confederate Army the bloodiest fighting recorded in US history. Cochise's story actually begins in the Dragoon Mountains where he evaded captured and was responsible with his band of warriors for the death of four soldiers as recorded on the photos. The Stronghold itself is a very beautiful place lush with an abundance of foliage, trails, picturesque monuments and a canopy in the fall that overlaps the entire park. This place is an amazing place to go for a visit. Thank you to the US Park Service for keep this Landmark beautiful and for Protecting the History it represents.