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A NATURAL FORTRESS
The Dragoon Mountains are composed of rugged cliffs, granite domes, and deep canyons with hidden springs and streams. They were formed 30 million years ago by tilting and uplifting of the earth's surface. Although that may seem like a long time, it is not long by geological standards. Because the Dragoons are relatively young, wind and rain have not had time to soften the steep, rocky terrain - a characteristic which the Chiricahua Apaches used to great advantage.
The high points of the Dragoons provided excellent views of the surrounding desert, and the Stronghold rocks provided shelter for camps. In 1872 Captain John A. Sladen accompanied Cochise's people to a mountaintop overlook, and quickly learned why the Army had such a difficult time finding them.
Many come to the Stronghold expecting to see a fort, but to the Chiricahua Apaches, intimately familiar with the landscape, such constructions were unnecessary.
The whole mountain range was a
fort, especially the Stronghold area, as you'll see as we hike.