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While I was reading up about the Cochise Stronghold trail, I came across a description of a back country camping area off the west part of the trail. Seems that if you take this pretty well defined path off to the right (as you head west), you head down to the canyon bottom and can find some sweet camping spots. I did find the side trail, and it did lead quite easily to the canyon bottom, but from there it got a bit scrambly and I wasn't in the mood to get wet feet (lots of pooled water down there). Does anyone know how far back this camp area might be and how large it is? I'm thinking this would be an excellent hike for some beginning backpackers, but I don't want to take a group down there if there isn't much room... Water may be an issue, but it's something I could definitely check out in advance just before the trip.

Thanks oh knowledgable trail gods!

East Stronghold has a site with a latrine and some improved campsites; is the idea to have more of a "wilderness" experience, then?

Yeah - I'm thinking something for people who're ready to transition from hiking to backpacking - but could probably use an easy trip to get their feet wet. Definitely no latrines. Make 'em poo in the woods!

Bring lots of water and I bet it'd be pretty nice. Should get a good star show out that way...

If your description is for the west part of the trail, then wouldn't the directions have you starting at West Stronghold?

That area is great, but I am sad about the development near West Stronghold. It never used to have houses back in there, but now I'm told it does. We used to go to Council Rocks all the time.

My wife and I hiked that last year. We started from the East side though. I saw a number of backpacking sites on that route, probably about 3 miles in on a higher plateau. It was flat rock and scrub brush and there were a couple fire pits. Definitely no water at that time of the year(summer). We commented that it would be a nice site for one night.

A little late on the response , but just noticed your post. Was a scoutmaster and too the boys for a backpack here several times. The access to the side canyon is a small trail off the switchbacks on the west side. It looks like a game trail and drops into the wash quickly. This is trail that rock climbers use to get back there. The canyon goes north about half a mile the splits into right and left canyons. About 100 to 200 yards down on the right is a great flat campsite. Protected by rock’s. There is very little water there. We usually found some in the winter months in rock cracks after rain. Plenty of flat rocks to stargaze. If you are observant you can see satellites go by….Had an astronomer point them out on the last trip. Ringtail cats attacked our backpacks at night. Cool one nighter

BrettVet

Awsome. That was just what I was looking for, Brett. I figured there was something back there!

Also check out the next Canyon over.. Plenty of cool campsites but no water. Slavin Gultch