BISBEE HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Cochise Stronghold: Pink Granite Domes and Living History in the Dragoons
A full-day, backcountry 10-mile out-and-back hike from Tombstone to the Cochise Stronghold that pairs towering pink granite formations with Native American rock art and the historic Cochise peace site.
Cochise Stronghold: Pink Granite Domes and Living History in the Dragoons.
Set beneath the jagged ridgelines of the Dragoon Mountains, this guided outing threads a rugged jeep track to a trailhead that opens onto a backcountry playground of towering pink granite domes, slabs and faces. Along the route you'll pass Native American rock art and Council Rocks—the site tied to Cochise's 1872 peace—making this both a landscape hike and a walk through regional history.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Towering Pink Granite Domes
The route traverses a dramatic field of pink granite domes, plates and crack systems—an in-the-round backcountry climbing and hiking landscape that defines the Cochise Stronghold.
Rock Art and the Cochise Peace Site
This hike visits locations with Native American rock art and the historic place where Cochise made peace with the U.S. government in 1872, including the notable Council Rocks.
A Rugged Jeep Approach and a Sturdy Out-and-Back
Participants are transported through Tombstone to the base of the Dragoons, follow a rugged jeep trail to the Cochise Stronghold trailhead, then undertake an out-and-back hike that showcases both the approach and the high-country formations.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You begin with a road transfer through Tombstone before a jeep-track approach that deposits you at the Cochise Stronghold trailhead. From there an out-and-back route of roughly 10 miles and a sustained climb delivers close-up views of monolithic pink granite features, interspersed with cultural waypoints such as rock art and Council Rocks—all experienced within a single full-day outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day is for—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a full-day program lasting about 8 hours, including transport to the trail approach and the roughly 10-mile out-and-back hike.
Meet at The Grassy Park in old town Bisbee; from there participants are transported through Tombstone to the Dragoon Mountains base and the jeep approach to the trailhead.
Hiking shoes and long pants are required; sunscreen and gloves are recommended.
Expect approximately 10 miles round-trip (out-and-back) with about 1,100 feet of elevation gain each way.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is about 8 hours in total.
How far is the hike and how much climbing is involved?
The hike is approximately 10 miles as an out-and-back with roughly 1,100 feet of elevation gain each way.
Where do we meet?
Participants meet at The Grassy Park in old town Bisbee before departing toward the Dragoon Mountains.
What should I bring and wear?
Hiking shoes and long pants are required; sunscreen and gloves are recommended.
What will we see on the hike?
You will encounter towering pink granite domes and plates, Native American rock art, and the Council Rocks site associated with Cochise's 1872 peace.
Is this trip suitable for children?
The program is listed 'for all ages,' but families should consider the distance and elevation gain before participating.