Scenic Drives
Middlemarch Road (Forest
Road 345)
Portions of this historic route were originally used by the US Cavalry
to travel from Fort Bowie to the San Pedro Valley during the latter
half of the nineteenth century. Today, Middlemarch Road serves as a
scenic, but rugged, route from Tombstone over the Dragoon Mountains
into the Sulphur Springs Valley, the Chiricahua Mountains and Chiricahua
National Monument.
For the first several miles, the road snakes across grassy flats and
shallow canyons climbing gradually toward the rocky ramparts of the
Dragoon Mountains. The vegetation here is a unique blend of Chihuahuan
and Sonoran
deserts including agave, sotol, Apache plume and tree cholla, as well
as pinyon pine, juniper and a wide variety of oaks. Most visible wildlife
species include both mule and white-tailed deer, a diverse array of
raptors and a healthy population of cottontails and blacktail jackrabbits.
As you draw nearer the mountains you’ll develop a healthy respect
for why Chiricahua Apache leader Cochise chose the Dragoons for shelter.
They rise sheer from the desert floor like a combination fort and maze.
Just before encountering those cliffs, the road ducks into a side canyon
and twists its way to Middlemarch Pass between Cochise and Black Diamond
peaks. From overlooks west of the pass, you’ll enjoy good views
of the San Pedro Valley, the Huachuca Mountains, the Mustangs and Whetstones,
as well. At the top of the pass, the Chiricahua and Dos Cabezas mountains
come into view across the broad Sulphur Springs Valley. From here, it
is seven more twisting, turning miles down into more desert grasslands
and on to the historic mining community of Pearce.
Attractions:
Views of dramatic cliffs and broad valleys
Oak woodland/desert grassland setting
Fabled homeland of Chiricahua Apache Indians
Historic ranching and mining area
Access to other scenic drives and Forest trails
Location: Southeast of Benson; northeast of Tombstone.
Access: From Tucson, take I-10 east 45 miles to Benson. Turn south
on US 80 and drive 22 miles to Middlemarch Road. From Douglas,
take US 80
west to Tombstone. Approximately one mile beyond Tombstone
is Middlemarch Road. Turn north-east on Middlemarch Road, which becomes
Forest
Road 345. Continue over the Pass to the junction with US 191.
Mileage/Driving Time: 100 miles round trip from Benson, allow 3-4
hours driving time.
Road Conditions: All 22 miles of Middlemarch Road are gravel.
Access roads US 80 and US 191 are paved. The gravel road
is not recommended
for passenger vehicles. This road can be made impassable
by snow in winter or mud in late summer.
Elevation: Middlemarch Pass lies at an elevation of 5,900
feet.
Season: All year.
For further information contact: Douglas
Ranger District.
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