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Pipe Spring National Monument Visitors Center: A Desert Oasis

Discover the intertwined histories of Native Americans and Mormon pioneers at this unique desert oasis in the Arizona Strip.

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The Pipe Spring National Monument Visitors Center serves as the gateway to a unique historical site, offering insights into the lives of the Kaibab Paiute people and Mormon pioneers who shaped this region of the Arizona Strip. Explore exhibits, tour Winsor Castle, and discover the importance of this natural spring.

A brief summary to Pipe Spring National Monument Visitors Center

  • 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

  • Check the National Park Service website for current operating hours, tour schedules, and program availability, as they vary seasonally.
  • Take a guided tour of Winsor Castle to learn about the daily lives of the Mormon pioneers who lived and worked at the fort.
  • Hike the short Ridge Trail for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Vermilion Cliffs and Kaibab Plateau.
  • Visit the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Visitor Center and Museum to learn about the history and culture of the tribe that has called this area home for centuries.
  • Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, as the desert environment can be harsh, especially during the summer months.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Fredonia, Arizona, head west on Arizona State Route 389 for approximately 14 miles. The Pipe Spring National Monument will be on your left, with ample parking available near the visitor center. From Hurricane, Utah, take Utah State Route 59 east, which becomes Arizona State Route 389 at the state line. Continue for about 45 miles to reach the monument. Note: There are no unavoidable tolls on the immediate final approach. Parking is free at the visitor center.

  • Public Transportation

    The closest airport with bus service is in St. George, Utah, approximately 55 miles northwest of Pipe Spring. From St. George, shuttle services like St. George Shuttle or Salt Lake Express can take you to Kanab, Utah. From Kanab, you would need to rent a car or arrange for a taxi or rideshare to cover the remaining 20 miles to Pipe Spring National Monument. A taxi or rideshare from Kanab to the monument would cost approximately $40-$60. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle from Las Vegas to St. George, and then another shuttle from St. George to Kanab. From Kanab, you would still need to arrange for a taxi or rideshare to reach the monument.

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Discover more about Pipe Spring National Monument Visitors Center

The Pipe Spring National Monument Visitors Center is the starting point for exploring a compelling blend of American Indian, early explorer, and Mormon pioneer history. Located near Fredonia, Arizona, this 40-acre monument tells the story of survival, adaptation, and conflict in a harsh desert environment. For centuries, the perennial water source at Pipe Spring has been a lifeline. The Ancestral Puebloans and Kaibab Paiute Indians thrived here, gathering seeds, hunting, and raising crops. The museum within the visitor center showcases their culture, traditions, and resourcefulness. In the 1860s, Mormon pioneers arrived, establishing a settlement and cattle ranch. They built Winsor Castle, a fortified ranch house, to protect their interests. Today, guided tours of the castle offer a glimpse into 19th-century Mormon life, including the challenges of polygamy and the reliance on the spring. The visitor center also highlights the complex relationship between the settlers and the Kaibab Paiute, whose access to water and traditional way of life were disrupted. Exhibits detail the tribe's ongoing efforts to preserve their culture and share their story. Beyond the visitor center, explore the monument grounds, including historic cabins, corrals, an orchard, and the Ridge Trail, a short hike offering panoramic views of the Arizona Strip. During the summer months, living history demonstrations bring the past to life.

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