Middlemarch Road #345 Scenic Drive
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 to the east and the Chiricahua Mountains and Chiricahua National Monument beyond. 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. The 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 and the Huachuca, Mustang, and Whetstone Mountains. At the top of the pass, the Chiricahua and Dos Cabeza 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.
At a Glance
Best Season: | Fall through spring |
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Closest Towns: | Tombstone, AZ and Pearce/Sunsites, AZ |
Information Center: | Douglas Ranger District (520) 364-3468 |
General Information
Directions:West Side:
From Tucson, take I-10 east for approximately 45 miles to Benson. Turn south on US 80 and drive 22 miles to Middlemarch Road (approximately 1 mile north of Tombstone). Turn left (east) on Middlemarch Road (Forest Road #345) and continue to Middlemarch Pass.
East Side:
From Tucson, take 1-10 east for approximately 72 miles to US 191. Turn right (south) on US 191 and drive 13 miles to Pearce Road. Turn right (west) on Pearce Road and drive approximately 4.5 miles to the junction with Middlemarch Road. Turn left on Middlemarch Road (Forest Road #345) and continue to Middlemarch Pass.
Activities
Scenic Driving
Views of dramatic cliffs and broad valleys. Oak woodland/desert grassland setting. Fabled homeland of Chiricahua Apache Historic ranching and mining area Access to other scenic drives and Forest trails. 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.