Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Elevation: 5,080 ft
GPS: 31.8746, -110.0148
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 86,714 total · 330/month
Shared By: James DeRoussel on Aug 20, 2002 · Updates
Admins: adrian montaƱo, Greg Opland, Brian Boyd, JJ Schlick, Kemper Brightman, Luke Bertelsen

Description Suggest change

Cochise Stronghold is a spectacular landscape of rugged canyons and towering granite domes. While those seeking traditional, multi pitch climbing will have a special appreciation for climbing here in the Dragoon Mountains, Isle of You offers an opportunity for the sport-inclined clip-up artist to enjoy this beautiful landscape.

There are three adjacent rocks that comprise this area; Rad Rock, Trad Rock, and Glad Rock. They host several excellent climbs of varying grade from 5.6 and up. But beware, the easier climbs tend to be on lower angle slabs. For some climbers, broken ankles have been the price of a blown clip.

Bring a 60 m rope and quickdraws.

In regard to new lines, ask yourself if you are truly contributing something of quality to the area. While there is lots of rock in the Stronghold, most of it has been explored and you may be looking at a line that has already been done! Ask around and, please, think before you drill.

Additionally, this area is of great cultural significance to many people. Treat it with due respect.

Though it does not affect Isle of You, a large portion of the climbing in Cochise Stronghold is closed annually for raptor nesting. Current closures are 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.

For more information and some interesting background on Cochise Stronghold, see Bob Kerry's guide 'Backcountry Climbing in Southern Arizona.'

Getting There Suggest change

From Tucson, had east on I-10 to exit #303 (Tombstone/Bisbee). Turn right (south) on Arizona Highway 80 and drive for about 20 miles. Just before Tombstone, turn left onto Middlemarch Road. Follow this rough gravel road for almost ten miles to Forest Road 687. Make a left, towards the West Stronghold and follow this dirt road another two miles north. Make a final right turn on a dirt road that leads to a circular parking area. The crags are visible from the road.

42 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Isle of Ewe Change
Type:  to 
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:   then:
 

Classic Climbing Routes at Isle of Ewe

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.8- 5b 16 VI- 14 VS 4c
 155
OK Corral
Sport
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 121
Baby Jr.
Sport
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 86
Stone Woman
Sport
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 132
Isle of You
Sport
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 8
Cactus Love Bombs
Sport
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 61
Now It's My Turn
Sport
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b R
 21
Hairs on Fire
Sport
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b
 109
Jizzneyland
Sport
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 56
Fire in the Hole
Sport
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 18
Rise and Shine, Cupcake
Sport
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 34
The Chosen One
Sport
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 12
Liquor and Porn
Sport
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
 28
Hotter than a Three Peckered Goat
Sport
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
 6
Caught in the Crotch Fire
Sport
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a
 18
Ass Over Teacup
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
OK Corral Trad Rock
 155
5.8- 5b 16 VI- 14 VS 4c Sport
Baby Jr. Trad Rock
 121
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport
Stone Woman Trad Rock
 86
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
Isle of You Trad Rock
 132
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
Cactus Love Bombs Attic
 8
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
Now It's My Turn Trad Rock
 61
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport
Hairs on Fire Rad Rock
 21
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b R Sport
Jizzneyland Trad Rock
 109
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport
Fire in the Hole Rad Rock
 56
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Sport
Rise and Shine, Cupcake Trad Rock
 18
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Sport
The Chosen One Trad Rock
 34
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport
Liquor and Porn Rad Rock
 12
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport
Hotter than a Three Peckere… Rad Rock
 28
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c Sport
Caught in the Crotch Fire Rad Rock
 6
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport
Ass Over Teacup Trad Rock
 18
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a Sport
More Classic Climbs in Isle of Ewe »

Weather Averages

High
 
Low
 
Precip
 
Days w Precip
 
Prime Climbing Season
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Photos

loading