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1.START-END NORTH:Stafford, jct US70 - US191 2.Swift Trail Jct, ie rith road up Mt Graham 3.START-END NORTH ALT: profile turns right onto Az266 4,TOP - Stockton Pass, 5660ft 5.START-END SOUTH: Bonita at jct to elementary school and road to Wilcox

Approaches

From North. But the lower part of the profile, US191, is pretty busy. It also has some great views of the Pinaleno Mountains, expecially in late light, and if you find a space next to the road without toilet paper or other refuse. But US191 has exceptionally smooth pavement, and except for a when a third lane of automobile traffic is implemented, a very wide, yet rumble strip separated shoulder, that is easy to ride on, down or up. Once you are on it you will not experience the sensation of a turn until the jct with Az266, and that is where the really pleasant part of this bike pass starts.

Az266 is a whole other bike ride (or ball game would be the going phrase). As far as I can tell the main reason for its excellent paved condition just may be the Arizona State Prison on the other side of the pass. The climb into this dessert range crosses a geologic formation (in the sense of rock layer) that erodes into small exfoliated sphere, much like the Dakota Sandstone in Colorado. There are few turns in this road, but the traffic is virtually non existent and the scenery sublime dessert rocks. The top is definitely a noticeable climb. There is no pass sign, unless you count the one that says "Stockton Pass campground". The name is also present on many maps.

From West. (described downwards). The elevation difference is quite a bit smaller on this side. The state prison comes into view first. Miles away, you notice something that looks like a fairly large town, maybe centered around a spa or a hot spring ? It is a pictureque location, plastered against the green face of the Pinaleno mountains. The site also includes an industrial school. Closer to the route of direct travel, the stately cottonwood (?) groves of Bonita come into view next. There is a large functioning elementary school there, surrounded by what looks like remnants of a previous town. Fenced in buildings are in a state of decay. But the fading letters "store" still hint at commerce that has long since died. Mostly the place seems to be used to store hay. Pavement turns south here direction Winchester Heights. This is duly noted for the future possibility of a day loop ride.