Middlemarch Canyon Trail #277

After departing the Cochise Stronghold Trail #279, find a bit of shade from the oak forested canyon for the first half mile. After unlatching and latching the barbed wire drift fence, head up the trail a few hundred feet, cross a small drainage, and find an unmarked trail to the right. Consider taking this short spur to check out a hidden tank. Continue up the trail for the next mile. You'll find little shade as you climb among the pinion, manzanita, and other desert shrubs similar to what you'll find along the Cochise Stronghold Trail. The views are not as impressive, but it is still beautiful scenery. At the saddle, you'll find another drift fence. The trail ends at an old road that leads out to Cobra Loma Mine. Taking a left on this road will take you down to Middle March Trailhead on Forest Road 4388. From here, the trail quickly heads downhill, and soon the oaks will shade the trail, until you finally reach a 4-wheel drive Forest Service Road with a sign clearly marking the trailhead.