Doubtful Canyon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Doubtful Canyon |
|
|---|---|
 Doubtful Canyon
Location in Arizona
|
|
| Length | 9.2 mi (14.8 km) E-W |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona, New Mexico |
| Region | Peloncillo Mountains |
| County | Cochise County, Arizona and Hidalgo County, New Mexico |
Doubtful Canyon is the name of two canyons located in the Peloncillo Mountains. Long ago, in the 1800s, people thought these two canyons were just one big pass through the mountains.
Today, the canyon officially called Doubtful Canyon is mostly in Cochise County, Arizona. It is very close to the New Mexico border. This part of the canyon goes down towards the east into the Animas Valley. It passes by a place called Steins Peak in Hidalgo County, New Mexico.
Doubtful Canyon also has a smaller canyon that joins it. This is called Little Doubtful Canyon. It connects just east of the Arizona-New Mexico border. The canyon to the west is now known as West Doubtful Canyon. This western part goes down into the San Simon Valley in Cochise County, Arizona.
History of Doubtful Canyon
Doubtful Canyon and West Doubtful Canyon were very important in the past. They had water sources and a low area between them. This made them a popular shortcut for early travelers heading east or west. It was a much easier path than the Southern Emigrant Trail, a wagon road that went further south.
A Busy Pass for Travelers
The pass formed by Doubtful Canyon and West Doubtful Canyon was used by the Butterfield Overland Mail. This was a famous stagecoach service that carried mail and passengers across the country. They traveled right through the Peloncillo Mountains using this route.
Steins Peak Station
Later, a stop for the Butterfield Overland Mail was built near Steins Peak. This stop was called the Steins Peak Station. It was located right inside Doubtful Canyon.
In 1861, the Steins Peak Station was attacked by Apache people. The station was destroyed during this conflict. A few years later, on May 4, 1864, soldiers from the California Column fought a group of Apache in the canyon. This event is known as the Skirmish in Doubtful Canyon. It happened near Steins Peak.
