Southern Arizona - American Southwest - page 485

485

Dot's Diner Finds AMERICAN At Dot's Diner, an original 1957 Valentine diner,
you can take a step back into the Eisenhower years. This tiny diner has barely a half-
dozen stools at the counter, which overlooks the kitchen and soda fountain area. As in
the old days, meals are simple—filling breakfasts, basic sandwiches, and fresh house-
made burgers.
At Shady Dell RV Resort, 1 Old Douglas Rd. & 520/432-1112. www.theshadydell.com. Reservations not
accepted. Main courses $3.25-$6. DISC, MC, V. Fri-Tues 7:30am-2:30pm.

7 EXPLORING THE REST OF
COCHISE COUNTY

Willcox: 81 miles E of Tucson; 192 miles SE of Phoenix; 74 miles N of Douglas
Although the towns of Bisbee, Tombstone, and Sierra Vista all lie within Cochise
County, much of the county is taken up by the vast Sulphur Springs Valley, which is
bounded by several mountain ranges. It is across this wide-open landscape that Apache
chiefs Cochise and Geronimo once rode. Gazing out across this country today, it is easy
to understand why the Apaches fought so hard to keep white settlers out.
While the Chiricahua and Dragoon mountains, which flank the Sulphur Springs Val-
ley on the east and west respectively, are relatively unknown outside the region, they offer
some of the Southwest's most spectacular scenery. Massive boulders litter the mountain-
sides, creating fascinating landscapes. The Chiricahua Mountains are also a favorite
destination of bird-watchers, for it is here that the colorfully plumed elegant trogon
reaches the northern limit of its range.

ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE Willcox is on I-10, with Ariz. 186 heading southeast toward Chir-
icahua National Monument.
VISITOR INFORMATION The Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture,
1500 N. Circle I Rd. ( & 800/200-2272 or 520/384-2272; www.willcoxchamber.com),
can provide information.

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SOUTHWEST OF WILLCOX
Scenic Landscapes
South of the community of Dragoon, which is known for its pistachio farms, lies a much
less accessible area of the Dragoon Mountains known as Cochise Stronghold (www.
cochisestronghold.com). During the Apache uprisings of the late 19th century, the
Apache leader Cochise used this rugged section of the Dragoon Mountains as his hide-
out and managed to elude capture for years. The granite boulders and pine forests made
it impossible for the army to track him and his followers. Cochise eventually died and
was buried at an unknown spot somewhere within the area. This rugged jumble of giant
boulders is reached by a rough gravel road, at the end of which you'll find a campground,
a picnic area, and hiking trails. For a short, easy walk, follow the .4-mile Nature Trail.
For a longer and more strenuous hike, head up the Cochise Trail. The Stronghold Divide
makes a good destination for a 6-mile round-trip hike. For more info, contact the Coro-
nado National Forest Douglas Ranger District, 1192 W. Saddleview Rd., Douglas
( & 520/364-3468; www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado).