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Pipe Spring National Monument: A Desert Oasis

Explore a desert oasis where American Indian and Mormon pioneer history intertwine at Pipe Spring National Monument.

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Pipe Spring National Monument, located in the Arizona Strip, preserves the history of the American Indian and Mormon pioneer settlement in this region. The monument features Winsor Castle, a fortified ranch house built over a natural spring, and offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of those who depended on this vital water source.

A brief summary to Pipe Spring National Monument

  • Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the summer months to witness living history demonstrations and ranger-guided tours of Winsor Castle.
  • Hike the short Ridge Trail for panoramic views of the Arizona Strip and the surrounding landscape.
  • Check out the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Visitor Center and Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Paiute people.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as the desert climate can be extreme, especially during the summer.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Pipe Spring National Monument is located 15 miles west of Fredonia, Arizona, via Arizona State Route 389. From Hurricane, Utah, take Utah State Route 59 east, which turns into Arizona State Route 389 at the state line; the monument is 45 miles east of Hurricane. There is ample free parking available at the visitor center.

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Discover more about Pipe Spring National Monument

Pipe Spring National Monument protects a unique crossroads of culture and nature in the arid Arizona Strip. For centuries, the perennial spring here has been a source of life for plants, animals, and people. The monument tells the stories of the Ancestral Puebloans and Kaibab Paiute Indians who first utilized the spring, and the Mormon pioneers who later settled the area. Winsor Castle, a fortified ranch house constructed in 1872, stands as a testament to the Mormon settlement. Built directly over the main spring, the castle provided both a home and a defense against potential conflicts. Visitors can tour the fort, explore the surrounding cabins, corrals, and orchards, and learn about the daily lives of the pioneers who lived and worked here. The Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Visitor Center and Museum offers exhibits detailing the traditions and history of the tribe, whose reservation now surrounds the monument. The museum showcases artifacts and stories of survival and ingenuity, highlighting the Paiute's deep connection to the land. Today, Pipe Spring National Monument commemorates the complex history of cultural, political, and religious tensions that shaped the region. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who sought to make a life in this remote and unforgiving landscape.

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