Instead of a day by day itinerary, I’ll tell you about the three places I’ve enjoyed most here in southeastern Arizona.
1. The Cochise Stronghold
This is a natural defendable fortress in the Dragoon Mountains that Cochise and about 1000 Apaches (250 of whom were warriors), called their home place for many years. The steep cliffs partially surround and protect a beautiful forested area about 5000 feet in elevation.
Approaching the stronghold area
Cochise was a great man of influence, even in Washington, and only quit fighting off the whites when he was able to make an agreement that he and his people would be able to stay on their land and not be ‘moved to a reservation.’
He said, “I am alone in the world. I want to live in these mountains…I have drunk of the waters of the Dragoon Mountains and they have cooled me, I do not want to leave here.”
He was born here and also died here (cancer is suspected). He was buried secretly in the area and the only white person who knew the location of his grave was his dear friend Thomas Jeffords.
The area is…I don’t know…Powerful. I don’t know exactly what I mean by that, except I felt surrounded and infused by a kind of spiritual power, soaking up into me from the very earth and air. It fed me and gave me strength in my heart.
2. Chiricahua National Monument
The Apaches call the pinnacles here ‘standing up rocks’.
They look kind of like people standing there, don’t they?
The visitor center is about 35 miles southeast of Wilcox on I-10. I stop there and find there is no charge to visit this National Monument. They give me a map of the area. I drive the scenic Bonita Canyon, which rises from a sea of grassland and cactus, through the forest, 8 miles to Massai Point which is 6870 feet in elevation. The views along the way are spectacular, and at the top you can see 360 degrees.
The evolution of this area has created an endless variety of spires, balanced rocks, and other odd shaped formations. What ingenuity it must have taken for the Apache and those who came before, to live here successfully.
There are 11,985 acres protected here, of which 86 percent is designated as wilderness.
3. Amerind (AMERican INDian) Museum and Art Gallery
You can’t see it from Dragoon Road, but the sign indicates a turn onto a dirt road. Half a mile
This is a picture of a picture because I forgot to take one when I was there.
down there is this “anthropological and archaeological museum and research center dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the Native American cultures and their histories.”
It was founded in 1937.
I’m afraid I walked through the place with my mouth hanging open. What an amazing collection of beautiful pots and baskets, jewelry and clothing,and other artifacts, going back to the time of the Anasazi! Various artists were there to display rug weaving and paintings. Well worth the $7 (senior rate) admission.
These were my high points while staying in Benson. Tomorrow I’ll be heading over nearer to Tucson.
“You must speak straight so that your words may go as sunshine into our hearts. Speak American….I will not lie to you; do not lie to me.”
Cochise
I wish he could be our next president.
Wandering Spirit 
You brought the spirituality/power out through your descriptions and pictures…thanks so much for letting us be there too. The last phrase you wrote from Cochise – – what simplicity and beauty in his words.
Hi Marie. Simplicity works doesn’t it? Usually big words and long complicated messages aren’t necessary, just words that go as sunshine to our hearts.
Hey Mickey! My brother-in-law says you should also visit Deming museum in Deming New Mexico. Haven’t caught up w all your travels yet. I’m in Tucson at the moment visiting my sister and brother. Silver city on Yoir itinerary? Continue on to happy trails!
I will certainly put that on my list of things to see Ronnie.
Not sure where Silver City is but by tomorrow I’ll be south of Tucson, or on the south side of Tucson, not that far from San Xavier Mission. Got some business in Tucson to attend to, but if you are anywhere near, there must be a Starbucks we could meet at! 🙂
I cannot tell you how many times I have been in that area, but never saw the Amerind Museum. Will for sure put it on my bucket list. I also love the Cochise Stronghold. Have hiked all the way over the top to the other side on the old indian trail. It truly does have an air of mystery. Spiritual in a way. I love it there. In the spring, there are wild poppies blooming like you would not believe. You have missed them by about a month. They grow on the slopes on the way into the campground. Have more fun. Lynda
Did you see old Fort Bowie on the map? That is also a great trail to an old fort. Old bullet shells laying around on the ground, etc. Cool
Oh Lynda, I would love to see the poppies growing there. Maybe another year, since I’ll have to be getting back to California for my sons wedding festivities.
I did see Fort Bowie on the map, but I didn’t get there.
San Xavier Mission is lovely…and don’t forget the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, one of our favorite museums anywhere!
Hi Laura. I have been to both those places 30+ years ago, so I’m due to go back. :-). Also saguaro National Park is beautiful, where the Desert Museum is located. Tucson is so busy right now with the gem/mineral/rock shows. I have two nights reserved, but then I may go farther south over near the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. Have to see what I can work out…
I’m glad that you got to see 3 of the attractions near where I grew up. I think you would like it here in the Patagonia area also – put it on your list.
I forgot to add another suggestion.
John Slaughter Ranch:Take a step back in time as you visit the historic John Slaughter Ranch near Douglas, Arizona. Texas John Slaughter was one of the Southwest’s most beloved characters and most feared lawmen. And here, at his ranch, originally known as San Bernardino Ranch, you can enjoy the scenery, wildlife and atmosphere that has been left largely untouched since Texas John Slaughter’s time.
Did you ever see “Texas John Slaughter” the western television series which aired seventeen episodes between 1958 and 1961 as part of The Wonderful World of Disney, starring Tom Tryon in the title role? Or The Sheriff of Cochise (1956–1958) which was also based on John Slaughters life? A Hollywoodized!
“Ghost Riders in the Sky” is a cowboy-styled country/western song written in 1948 by American songwriter Stanley Davis “Stan” Jones was born in Douglas, Arizona, and grew up on a ranch near there. The canyon, with cloud formations, past “D” Hill leading to John Slaughter Ranch was supposedly the inspiration for the song.
Hi Ed, thanks for the suggestions. I don’t remember those TV programs, but I do remember the song Ghostwriters In The Sky. Are you camped at Patagonia? Can one camp at the ranch you mention?
Yes, I am in Patagonia, AZ until 11-13 March. There is no camping at the Slaughter Ranch. Closest RV Park at a reasonable price would be the Golf Course in Douglas where I have stayed and found it be be OK – a place to park. Rusty’s RV Ranch north of Rodeo, AZ would be a good stop. You could visit Slaughter Ranch then boondock for a day or two in Skeleton Canyon, where Geronimo surrendered, and stop at Rusty’s to clean up – HA. From there you could go to Fort Bowie National Historic Site and on to Tucson. But, you are probably already in Tucson so some other time.
Yup, I’m in Tucson now, or actually I guess I’m on the Tohono O’odham Reservation, right next to Tucson. Tomorrow besides other things I’m going scouting for a good boondocking spot.