For experienced riders seeking a technical challenge, the climb to China Peak (7,127 ft) in the Dragoon Mountains is a steep, rocky reward. Located just north of Tombstone along the Middlemarch Road, this “out-and-back” spur offers some of the most dramatic 360-degree views in Southeast Arizona.
This is an intermediate to advanced ride. You will face loose rock, steep grades, and deep ruts that require constant focus. You’ll navigate “The Gate”—a narrow rock pass—and pass the historic ruins of China Camp and the San Juan Mine. The last mile to the peak is “severe-extreme,” with narrow shelf roads, off-camber sections, and very few places to turn around.
Reaching the turn-around before the summit provides an unparalleled vantage point. To the north, the jagged granite spires of Cochise Stronghold erupt from the desert floor. On clear days, you can see across the San Pedro Valley to the Huachuca and Santa Rita mountains. A light-to-middleweight dual-sport or a well-equipped adventure bike with aggressive tires is highly recommended for this terrain.
Details
- Location: Southeast Arizona
- Distance: 6 miles out-and-back from Middlemarch Road (48 miles to start/finish from the Jonquil Motel)
- Gas: Tombstone
- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- Road Surface: dirt, rocks, steep, loose
- Time: one hour
- Connects to: Middlemarch Ghost Town
