Here are some additional photos from the trip to Chihuahua Pass and the "Rocky Mesa" battle site. It is in the south central Chiricahuas, approximatey 20-25 miles south of Rodeo, NM. Take the Rucker Cañon Road west for another 20+ miles. At the first major road intersection headed right (north), take that road until you are nearly at the end of that dirt road. Red Cañon road is unimproved, and in some cases/times, four-wheel drive would be needed. If you can navigate to within a half mile, in a regular truck, that will bring you close to the site, which is about 100 yards from the last pullout on that four wheel road.

The ascent up the Rocky Mesa, or, as I call it, Rimrock Mesa, is several hundred feet. There are agave (century plants); cholla, prickly pear, some barrel and also pin cushion type cacti; Spanish Bayonets or Daggers; soap tree yucca; some other types of cacti like Englemann Cactus; mesquite; acacia; cat claw; a fair amount of dead juniper or scrub oak, and much loose rock. The slope is steep, and one is likely to stumble and fall more than once. As you reach the first line or rimrock, you realize there are several more "rimrock layers," to penetrate. Sometimes this requires real climbing and scrambling over the rocks. In the summer, the place is most likely alive with rattlers. Reaching the top took me well over an hour, as it was 80º even in October.

The area where Lt. Lafferty was most likely wounded was to the far right of the right side panel (as you read the "map"), and perhaps 50 yards up slope. The mesa is steep, and so if you have knee problems coming DOWN such a feature, be forewarned. Take plenty of Motrin if you're over 55.

Imagine carrying 10 - 20 lbs distributed in a rifle; ammunition; rifle kit; canteen; perhaps a few extra items associated with the rifle, including a bayonet. One of the most difficult military movements is attacking up a steep hill, carrying normal combat load, under heavy fire. It's no wonder Col (then Captain) Bernard's men failed. They hadn't a chance in hell, looking back on the event.