Next, Cochise Stronghold. This "sky island" in the Coronado National Forest is where Chief Cochise held off the feds for 15 years and he is said to be buried here. The rock walls are incredible and popular with climbers. There is a small developed campground. I had a nice night there and enjoyed the nature trail and Cochise trail, saw lots of deer and javelina. The second day I explored 4WD roads and primitive campsites. I stayed at a primo spot that has probably been in use for thousands of years. A large flat rock has the grinding pits used by the native people to prepare food and is adjacent to a large natural stone reflector oven.
I traveled east to the next sky island, the Chiricahuas. Chiricahua National Monument is spectacular, be sure to drive to the top and hike the short trail to the grottos. The Bonita Creek campground is good. The NM has a lot of intricate CCC work, visible on the trails and buildings and celebrated in the visitor center. There are numerous small primitive and barely developed campgrounds outside the NM. Rucker Canyon Rd, Pinery Canyon Rd, Cave Creek Canyon RD and all the numbered side roads made for a few days of super hiking, mtn biking and 4WD exploration.
A previus post about the Chiricahuas noted the presence of Border Patrol and ominous signs warning of illegal activity. I have seen these signs on every back road I have driven the last 3 weeks. The BP on the main roads is all business but I had some good conversations with officers on the back roads. I never felt threatened, however I camped in campgrounds when really close to the border and spent my 4WD and undeveloped campsite time 20 miles or more from the border.
