WEST DRAGOONS - WEST STRONGHOLD

Level: Beginner to Intermediate (3-A)

Description: A relatively easy ride of 22 miles (11 one way). Not much elevation gain and almost no technical sections. All (almost all) on smooth, rolling jeep roads. Rating of 3-A. Virtually everyone or any ability can enjoy this trip.

This is a fabulous ride in the Dragoon Mountains which are located East of Benson. Cochise Stronghold is on the East side of the Dragoon's and is featured as another ride. A cool weather ride, but it can be handled in the summer. If possible try and get here after a rain as the washes do not run year round. It is possible to drive the whole thing if you have a vehicle with good clearence. There are wonderful places to picnic and terrific historical sites. If you want to take the time it is possible to find arrowheads on an old battleground.

Directions: Take I-10 East to the first Benson exit, stay on that road and head toward Tombstone, shortly before reaching Tombstone take a left on Middlemarch Road, which is a good dirt road (Google Map) and go approximately 8 miles to a "Y" at forest service road 687 where you will go left and park. It is around 11 miles from this point to the end of the road. If you want to make the ride shorter, drive farther up 687 and park. It is an out and back so you can make it virtually any length you wish.

Aim for the first part of November to catch the leaves changing!

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