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.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Cochise Dome (WML Dome):
While often cited as a "R" route, the first pitch has some options.The best approach is via the right side of the dome (the main decent gully). Hike/scramble up past the large pine tree adjacent to the rock outcrop that sits against the right side base of the wall. Above the tree about 50', traverse left to the platform block at the base of the wall. What's My Line direct original (was 5.9R, now sporting a bolt 10/09), is down about 15' along pas...[more]Browse More Classics in AZ
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