Half Moon Ranch provides outstanding views of the soaring rock formations that make Cochise Stronghold one of the top recreation destinations in southern Arizona.
Kitchen of Half Moon Ranch outiftted with major appliances and cooking supplies.
Sideyard of Half Moon Ranch with picnic table and fire ring.

Half Moon Ranch

Closed — The cabin is currently closed. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov and are subject to weather conditions.

Fire Weather Watch issued April 10 at 11:05AM MST until April 12 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ

11:05 AM — 7:15 PM

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 150, 151 and 152. * TIMING...From Sunday morning through Sunday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 18 to 25 mph with gusts 35 to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Ranging from 8 to 15 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly.

Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions

To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.

Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…

Mount Graham Inclement Weather Road Closure

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) roads within the Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, (“Described…

Fuelwood Sales

The minimum charge for a firewood permit is $20. Depending on the location and availability, for $20 you can select up to 10 cords of softwood or hardwood ($2/cord).  The dates listed in the table below are subject to change depending on conditions and availability of wood.  We recommend you…

Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure

No camping, parking, bicycle travel, or campfires allowed in Bear Wallow Riparian Area

Target Shooting Refuse Restriction

Possessing or storing any refuse for the purpose of target shooting with a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(cc).

No Fire Restrictions

There are currently no fire restrictions within the Coronado National Forest.

Jacobson Fire

In response to the Jacobson Fire that started on 5/26, areas are closed to visitor access. Inciweb:https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azcnf-jacobson-fire

Stronghold Fire

Stronghold Fire information is available at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza3s-stronghold-fire.

Meadow Valley Road Closure 03-05-03-25-005 (Phase 2)

The purpose of this Order is to protect public and worker safety on NFSR 765, as the newly constructed road section is surfaced with material.Prohibitions: Being on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

Meadow Valley Road Closure 03-05-03-25-004 (Phase 1)

The purpose of this Order is to protect public and worker safety on NFSR 765, as the newly constructed road section is surfaced with material.Prohibitions: Being on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

Bighorn Sheep Closure Order

Renewal of the previous Bighorn Sheep closure.

Sabino and Bear Canyon Closure Order 03-05-03-25-002

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and forest resources from environmental degradation.Effective January 22, 2025, through January 21, 2028, the Santa Catalina Ranger District has implemented a closure order in the area of Bear Canyon Trail and the Wilderness boundary…

14 Day Camping Closure 03-05-00-24-005

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and to mitigate impacts on sensitive plant and wildlife species.

Alcohol Closure

The purpose of this Order is to comply with the Arizona and New Mexico state law and to restrict underage consumption of alcoholic beverages to provide for public health and safety.

Tanque Verde Falls Camping Closure

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and forest resources in the Described Area.

Barfoot Snake Closure Order 03-05-01-24-004

The twin-spotted rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) is a Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species and a State of Arizona protected reptile. Due to this species’ extremely limited habitat and population numbers, this Order provides for the protection of this species by precluding entry into the…

Rose Canyon Lake Closure Order 03-05-05-23-022

The Coronado National Forest is renewing the closure of the surface of Rose Canyon Lake. The overall recreation area remains open and fishing from the shore is allowed.

Bear Wallow Riparian Area Closure Order 03-05-05-23-019

The purpose of this Order is to protect riparian ecosystem and water quality from the impacts of heavy recreation use in the Described Area. Recreation activities such as camping or offroad motor vehicle use can cause soil compactions and erosion, which is difficult to repair and can lead to…

SVRD Rec Shooting Closure Order 03-05-03-23-010

Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun in the Restricted Area.The Order shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless rescinded.

Olson Cabin Closure 03-05-05-22-030

Olson Cabin Permit Area is located on the west side of Forest System Road 4458 and approximately 1,500 feet northwest of the junction of Forest System Road 4458 and Forest System Road 639.There are many problems associated with the Olson Cabin Permit Area. The permit area and improvements were…

About

Half Moon Ranch is a seven-room ranch-style house rental located in East Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains of Coronado National Forest, approximately 1.5 hours east of Tucson. Situated at 5,000 feet elevation in a dramatic canyon, the house is surrounded by the rugged beauty of granite spires, sheer cliffs, and balanced rocks that once served as the refuge of Apache Chief Cochise. The property accommodates up to 9 guests and features two bedrooms (one with a queen bed, one with twin and full beds), two full bathrooms, a living room with two double futons and wood stove, a dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, microwave, and refrigerator. The house has electricity and running water. The property includes a barn and corrals that can accommodate up to six horses or mules (certified weed-free feed required). Outside amenities include picnic tables for outdoor dining. Guests must bring their own linens, sleeping bags, pillows, towels, dish soap, toilet paper, and garbage bags. The cabin is no-smoking and pets are not permitted. Access is through a locked gate with combination lock, and the house key is in a lockbox. The area around Half Moon Ranch is considered a bouldering and rock climbing paradise, with backcountry and protected routes ranging from one to seven pitches in length and from 5.6 to 5.12 in difficulty. Most climbing approaches are 30-60 minutes. The location also offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Nearby attractions include Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie National Historic Site, the Amerind Foundation, and historic ghost towns including Gleeson, Dos Cabezas, and Courtland.

Directions

From Tucson: Take I-10 east to Exit 318 (Dragoon Road). Turn right onto Dragoon Road and travel approximately 10 miles through the village of Dragoon to Cochise Stronghold Road. Turn right on Cochise Stronghold Road and travel approximately 6 miles to Ironwood Road. The paved road dead ends at Ironwood Road. Turn right and travel approximately 3 miles to the first creek crossing. The entrance to Half Moon Ranch is on the left just beyond the crossing. High clearance vehicles are recommended.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed No
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $150

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email kmakansi@fs.fed.us
Phone +1 (520) 364-3468

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Half Moon Ranch provides outstanding views of the soaring rock formations that make Cochise Stronghold one of the top recreation destinations in southern Arizona.
Kitchen of Half Moon Ranch outiftted with major appliances and cooking supplies.
Sideyard of Half Moon Ranch with picnic table and fire ring.
Half Moon Ranch in the Dragoon Mountains
Living room of Half Moon Ranch furnished with futons, chairs, and games/puzzles.
One of the top rental Rooms with a View in Arizona, Half Room Ranch provides impressive views of the surrounding West Stronghold.
Master Bedroom of Half Moon Ranch furnished with queen bed and side tables.

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