The search for Apaches - the past in the present

FORT BOWIE - BOWIE/WILLCOX, AZ

Located approximately 14 mi from the I-10 Bowie exit, Fort Bowie has no park fee. The last few miles (8) to the parking area is on a gravel road that is well maintained, and the trail head has a rather nice restroom/picnic area. http://www.nps.gov/fobo/index.htm for more information. Apache Pass Through Time event will be on Saturday, February 12, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Fort Bowie National Historic Site (NHS). Check the website for additional information.

1894 Photo



Our visit to Fort Bowie  - a moderately 1.5 mile walk through ruins of a miner's cabin, the Stage Station, replication of an Apache camp and what remains of the post cemetery. All of the military personnel and their families remains were moved to the San Francisco National cemetery within 6 months of the Fort's closing. Now only 72 civilian are entombed here.

Foundations from the fort and the assorted buildings cover a large area. Descriptive markers dot the

grass in front of each foundation.


When we spoke with Ranger Karen about the park, she noted that March and April was a busier time, as were September and early October.  This view is from the flag pole in the center of what was the Fort parade/exercise area.


Park Ranger Station today

One of the nice things about this trail was how well maintained it is, the distance markers are low-key and the area was positively beautiful. Remember to carry water. This is the view on the 'backside' of the ranger station on the way back to the parking area, which completes the loop trail.

Ciao!