The earliest known roped, technical climbing in Cochise Stronghold took place in 1966, involving John Rupley and Fred Beckey making a first ascent of a route on Vortex Dome.

[5] In 1967 a set of climbers including Joanna McComb, Merle Wheeler, Don Morris and Dan Jones made several attempts to top out Rockfellow Dome, the highest of the summits in this tight group.

[6] In 1972 Dave Baker (founder of Summit Hut in Tucson), Mark Axon and Mike McEwenbegan climbing in Cochise.

[7] Later notable climbers who were responsible for establishing routes in the area included Steve Grossman, John Steiger and Paul Davidson.

In 1979 this trio succeeded in climbing a route they named “As the Wind Cries” to the top of Chey Deas Tsay, the only dome remaining in Cochise Stronghold that had not yet been ascended.