April 4-5, 2026
Campfire Cycling put on another of their amazing group bikepacking trips, this time from Tombstone, AZ over the Dragoon Mountains and Cochise Divide to the Cochise Stronghold and a BLM dispersed camp area. Second day was back to Tombstone through Pearce and a few other ghost towns.
There were about 18 folks on this trip. Enjoyed some twisty fast and sandy roads to the base of the divide. Then the crux being the long hike-a-bike over the divide. It took us over three hours, but Kim and I also took another trail instead of smartly following the GPS track, which added even more hiking. Ah well. The views were gorgeous and the campsite perfect. We carried 5-6L of water knowing there might not be much until the morning of day two at the Dollar Store in Sunsites.
Was a wonderful group of folks from all over AZ and out of state too. Rode my Prospector and it was perfect for this. Sarah rode her new Sunliner so team Tumbleweed was present! People had about every sort of bike, but likely a good rigid or hardtail would be best. The return day was rolling hills on gravel and a fair amount of pavement, so 2.4″ were fine. Temps were pleasant and the high SE wind that was forecast never was much of an issue.
We all met up at Tombstone Brewing after the finish and had some great conversations and tasty brews. Two days seemed too short.
Was very happy to get in the Colossal Caves tour in the month before, so after a 2025 of little touring and much stress, it was a great start to 2026.
Big thanks to Josh, Elliot and Sarah from Campfire Cycling for such a fun and engaging weekend!
