Stockton Pass was named after “Old Man Stockton”, a rancher who settled in this area in the 1870’s. Stockton was the father of the Clanton Brothers, who were involved in the famous gunfight at the OK Corral in Tombstone. Stockton Pass serves as a travel way over the Pinaleños into Sulphur Springs Valley. The Stockton Pass Campground is located right at the apex of the pass and offers good views of the south slopes of some of the mountain range’s highest peaks, as well as views of Sulphur Springs Valley and the Galiuro and Santa Catalina mountains to the west.
For those who don't want to camp, this is also an excellent picnic area, with tables set in a desert grassland dotted with oak trees and manzanita scrub. Other Upper Sonoran Zone plants such as prickly pear and cholla cactus, agave, soaptree yucca and sotol round out the vegetation. The Shake Trail winds through this high desert landscape as it leaves directly from the campground and begins a climb that continues to the Swift Trail high in the Pinaleños.
Location: Stockton Pass Campground is located 29 miles southwest of Safford.
Access: From Safford drive south 17 miles on US 191 to AZ 266. Turn right (southwest) onto 266 and continue 12 miles to the Stockton Pass Campground.
Elevation: 5,600'
Season: Year-round
Attractions:
Facilities:
Scenic Drive
7 sites
Oak/grassland surroundings
Tables and fire grills
Nearby hiking trail
Vault toilets
Off the beaten path
Bear-resistant garbage cans
Notes:
No water available; bring your own.
14-day stay limit.
The Shake Trail #309 heads north to the Swift Trail (AZ 366) from the campground.
Nearest first aid - Northern Cochise Community Hospital in Willcox, 25 miles.
Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in camping area.
Bear Warning: To avoid putting a bear’s life in danger and risking the loss of some of your own property as well, please dispose of all garbage in the bear-resistant containers provided. Also, remember to keep all food out of reach and out of sight of these curious animals.
