Fort Bowie National Historic Site Trailhead
Hike through history at Fort Bowie National Historic Site, where the past comes alive amidst the serene landscapes of southeastern Arizona.
Hike into history at Fort Bowie National Historic Site, where the ruins of a 19th-century fort stand as a testament to the conflict between the U.S. Army and the Chiricahua Apache. The 3-mile roundtrip trail from the trailhead leads you through a serene landscape dotted with historical markers, offering a glimpse into a tumultuous past.
A brief summary to Fort Bowie Trailhead
- 3500 Apache Pass Rd, Bowie, Arizona, 85605, US
- +1520-847-2500
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months, as the desert environment can be very dry.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes to navigate the uneven terrain of the trail.
- Allow at least two hours for the round trip visit, to fully experience the historical sites and exhibits.
- Consider visiting during the cooler months (fall, winter, or spring) to avoid the extreme heat of the Arizona summer.
- Check the visitor center hours before your visit, as they may vary seasonally.
Getting There
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Driving
From Willcox, AZ / points west on I-10: drive 23 miles east of Willcox on Interstate 10 to the town of Bowie. Exit at the first Bowie exit and drive through the town. Follow the signs for Fort Bowie National Historic Site and turn south onto Apache Pass Road. Drive 13 miles to the Fort Bowie Trailhead; the last mile of the road is unpaved. Parking is free at the trailhead. Note that the road is unpaved and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
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Accessibility
For visitors with mobility limitations, follow the car directions, but look for the ADA accessible icon signs from Apache Pass Road. Passenger vehicles can travel South Old Fort Bowie Road until it dead-ends in a small administrative area at Fort Bowie NHS. From the ADA parking lot, visitors follow a trail that is 500 feet in length and ascends approximately 80 feet in elevation to reach the visitor center at the edge of the second fort ruins. Contact the visitor center staff at 520-847-2500, ext. 25, for more information on accessing Fort Bowie NHS. This option is only available during visitor center operating hours.
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