This dome, and the surrounding 1/4 mile including Rockfellow Dome, is closed from March 1 - June 30 for nesting peregrine falcons.
BETA PHOTO: What's My Line - Cochise Dome
Description
Cochise Dome (aka What's My Line Dome) is a prominent chickenhead encrusted formation just north of the Rockfellow Group in the central Stronghold. The huge south face of this dome hosts the classic "What's My Line?", perhaps the most well known 5.6 in Arizona, as well as a few other more difficult routes and variations.
Magnificent views, relative accessibility, and classic climbing make this area a popular destination for most visiting climbers and locals alike.
A large portion of the climbing in Cochise Stronghold is closed annually for raptor nesting. Closures vary, and are typically from February 15 - June 30 and include the entire Rockfellow Group and What's My Line Dome. Check with the Forest Service for changes and current closures (see Access Update below!).
Getting There
Cochise Dome can be approached from the east or west. General consensus is that the east approach is slightly shorter, but steeper. The west approach is more gentle and can be a pleasant hike, though it is a bit longer.
To approach from the east: Start at the boulder in the middle of the road, just before the campground. Hike up the drainage, more or less, passing Stronghold Dome to your right. Continuing on up the drainage, Rockfellow Group will be on your left. Cochise Dome should appear ahead. Stick to the drainage, following the path of least resistance around huge boulder, until you are under the dome. Allow 40 minutes.
To approach from the west: From the end of the road at the campground, take the trail that goes to the east stronghold. Follow this trail for about 40 minutes up to the main saddle until you can see Cochise Dome and the Rockfellow Group far to your left. Leave the trail, following a vaguely cairned wash/trail for another 20 minutes to the base of Cochise Dome.Allow one hour.
What's My Line? ascends the huge sea of chickenheads that grace the south face of Cochise Dome. While the climbing is easy at 5.6, exposure and runout will keep the attention of most moderate leaders. Additionally, an AO pendulum or 5.10b traverse is required to access this chickenhead highway. I have rated the pitches below separately, as the climbing is distinctly different on each pitch.To access the first belay, it is necessary to gain a l...[more]
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