Hike Cochise Head Chiricahua National Monument, AZ

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Cochise Head, a summit way out in the northern Chiricahua Mountains, apparently looks like the profile of a famous Apache chief from Arizona’s past, Cochise. I might not have a lack of imagination, but I couldn’t see it. I was more interested in reaching its summit anyway, but little information existed online about the quality of the trail to get out there. It’s an impressive-looking peak.

Starting inside Chiricahua National Monument, I started the hike along a tame old mining road, passing by remnants of the King of Lead Mine. Soon, the road faded into an overgrown trail, leading me to a saddle, where views opened to Sugarloaf Mountain and the classic Chiricahua rock hoodoos that make this area special.

A 2011 forest fire had ripped through here, leaving mostly charred trees and poor trails. I lost the path more than once, the bushwhacking becoming tedious. Eventually I made it to the saddle on the southwest side of Cochise Head.

The trail somehow became a bit more defined here as it worked its way up toward Cochise Head, wrapped around its northern side, and ascended to the summit from the east.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Cochise Head

8113 ft

1913 rise

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I started hiking on an old 4x4 road.

Following the dirt road for a mile or so.

The dirt road begins to disintegrate. When you get to a point where it seems like the trail ends at a cliff, turn left and go up the ridge. There is very little trail remaining to follow.

Approaching a high point overlooking some great Chiricahua rock hoodoos.

Getting higher up before the more annoying part of the hike begins.

Cochise Head looming in the distance. The trail was rough to follow as it traversed a slope.

Continue approaching Cochise Head via its southwestern ridge.

Looking back at my progress along the southwestern ridge.

I passed this random (completely wordless) sign on the way in.

Approaching the first cool formation at the toe of Cochise Head's west side.

View northwest toward Dos Cabezas.

A trail seems to form (there are definitely leftover cairns), but if you find you're doing any real scrambling, you went the wrong way. I certainly did a few times.

View back down.

The trail wraps around Cochise Head and ascends from the east side. Here's a view to the east.

Summit ahead!

Summit of Cochise Head.

Last person to summit was a year ago almost to the date.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!