It is named after the Chiricahua Apache chief who hid there for 10 years in the 1860s. The rocky canyons served as a staging ground for raids on settlers, miners, and stagecoaches, as well as a refuge against pursuing armies.

After a hike across the top of the Dragoon Mountains, one can understand why Cochise chose this location to establish his camp. "The bolder formations are stunning and would have created a dynamic and intimidating environment," said Lindsey Parker, who recently hiked through the mountains.

The five-mile trail connecting the east and west sections was once an Indian trail, according to the National Forest Service. In many places, the rugged terrain is too difficult even for horses. Massive boulders tower over the canyon trail, looming like embattlements of a timeless castle.

Cochise originally took refuge in the stronghold after escaping U.S. Army captors who had wrongly accused him of kidnapping a child.

In a desert where water is often scarce, Cochise Stronghold stood out. "It was an oasis in the desert, with pine trees and cacti living together," Parker said.

An ample amount of water flowed through a streambed, fed at least in part by the snow that still dots the higher altitudes of the mountain range. Water splashed down a cliff face, cascading into the valley across from the staggering hiking trail.

The most fascinating thing about Cochise Stronghold isn't really how the Apache chief waged a bloody war for a decade, nor the rugged beauty of the natural fortress. Instead, it's about his death and what happened to his bones after his burial.

According to local legend, after Cochise's peaceful demise on the newly formed reservation, he was buried among the trails and canyons he once inhabited.

Allegedly, this was no ordinary burial, and to this day, the exact details of his final resting place remain a mystery.

According to longtime Cochise County resident Ursula Christiansen, members of Cochise's tribe took his body into the rocky terrain on his horse, buried him, and removed any indication of where they had done so.

Christiansen said she can remember when some Apaches still knew where Cochise was buried, but said they never told anyone.

Information provided by Cochise Stronghold Bed and Breakfast, in nearby Pierce, tells a similar story, revealing only that "he was secretly buried somewhere in or near his impregnable fortress."

"I can see why a powerful man like Cochise would be buried in such a beautiful and mysterious area," Parker said.

Today, Cochise Stronghold offers many recreation opportunities. Intermediate to advanced hikers will enjoy the views hiking the five-mile Cochise Stronghold Trail. Those interested in a less strenuous adventure can take the short Cochise Nature Trail that showcases many of the natural resources in the area.

If you go...
From the east: From I-10 take US-191 17 miles south to Ironwood Road. Turn right and follow the signs to Cochise Stronghold Campground.

From the west: (four-wheel-drive only) From US-80 one mile north of Tombstone take Middlemarch Road east. Turn left onto FR 687 and then right onto FR 688.

Fees: $5 day use/$10 overnight at campground (per vehicle)

Trail is moderately strenuous, 9.5 mile round trip with about 1,100 feet of elevation gain.