Fort Bowie National Historic Site Trail

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Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

An easy hike to the ruins of Fort Bowie. Fort Bowie is an old cavalry fort built to defend the territory during the Apache wars. On the hike into Fort Bowie, you'll pass by the old cemetery, ruins of the Chiricahua Apache Indian Agency, and Apache Spring.

After visiting the ruins of Fort Bowie, you can return to the trailhead by taking the same trail you came in on. Another option is to take the Overlook Ridge Trail. The Overlook Ridge Trail leaves from the NNW side of the visitor center. Just like it sounds, the trail goes up to a ridge overlooking the fort and then reconnects to the original trail you came in on.

A high clearance vehicle is strongly recommend to get to the Fort Bowie trailhead. From Tucson, take I-10 to Willcox. Exit at Willcox and take Hwy 186 towards Fort Bowie and Chiricahua National Monument. From Hwy 186, there will be signage to Fort Bowie via Apache Pass Road. Apache Pass Road is a dirt road that's usually maintained, but again, a high clearance vehicle is recommended.