Dragoon Mountain 🏔️🌄 Az

Описание: The Dragoon Mountains are a rugged, 25-mile-long Sky Island mountain range in southeastern Arizona, characterized by steep granite slopes, lichen-covered boulder formations, and deep canyons. Famous as the 1860s stronghold of Apache leader Cochise, the range offers hiking, rock climbing, and history in the Coronado National Forest. 

Key Features and Geography

Location: Situated in Cochise County, rising between the San Pedro Valley and Sulphur Springs Valley.

Elevation: The high point is Mount Glenn at 7,512–7,532 feet.

Landscape: Dominated by spectacular granite, including "hoodoos" (tall rock spires), oak-pine forests at higher elevations, and evergreen oaks in lower areas.

Climate: As a Sky Island, it features extreme elevation changes (up to 6,000 feet) that create high plant diversity. 

History and Significance

Cochise Stronghold: The central part of the range served as a refuge for the Chiricahua Apache, led by Cochise, during the 1860s. It is believed to be his burial place.

Cultural Sites: The area contains thousand-year-old pictographs and petroglyphs created by the Mogollon people.

Name Origin: Named after the 3rd U.S. Cavalry Dragoons, who fought the Apaches in this region.

Mining: The region has a history of mining, producing gold, silver, copper, and lead. 

Recreation and Access

Hiking: The Cochise Stronghold Trail and other trails provide access to the scenic canyons.

Camping: The US Forest Service operates a campground in the western canyon of the Stronghold, with additional dispersed (dry) camping options available.

Rock Climbing: The sheer granite walls and boulders are popular for climbing.

Access: Primarily accessed via Middlemarch Road near Tombstone, which can be steep and rough. 

Wildlife in the area includes deer, javelina, coati, mountain lions, and black bears.