Fort Bowie National Historic Site

About

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.

This park's official page lists: Visitor center.

Official facts

Public access: Restricted access.

Protected area: 997 acres (403 ha).

Designation: National Historic Site. Listed as "Fort Bowie National Historic Site" in the Protected Areas Database of the United States. Protection: protected from conversion, multiple uses allowed (GAP 3).

Established: 1964.

Managed by: NPS.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Gap Analysis Project (GAP), 2025, Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) 4.1

At the park

• Visitor center exhibit
• Wildlife & bird watching scenic feature
• Hiking trails trail

Shows and experiences

• Historic sites & museum

Before you go

Park alert: Butterfield Trail closed to horses and pack animals.

The trail remains open for hiking and foot traffic. For more information, see our policy page.

Park alert: Fort Bowie Visitor Center Bookstore is now cashless!

For your convenience, we accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payment options. Electronic payment reduces transaction times, save money, and improves accountability. Thank you for your understanding and continued support!

Getting there

From Willcox, AZ / points west on I-10: drive 23 miles east of Willcox on Interstate 10 to the 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 on Apache Pass Road. Drive 13 miles to the Fort Bowie Trailhead (the last mile of the road is unpaved). Be prepared to walk the three miles round trip to the ruins and back to your car.

Visitor center

Fort Bowie National Historic Site Visitor Center

Visitor center

Fort Bowie National Historic Site Visitor Center

Visitor center

Fort Bowie National Historic Site Visitor Center

Visitor center

Fort Bowie National Historic Site Visitor Center — The visitor center building is open Friday through Monday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. Come during business hours to enjoy the exhibits and park store. The bathroom, passport stamp, and drinking fountain are available outside at all times. — From Willcox, AZ / points west on I-10: drive 23 miles east of Willcox on Interstate 10 to the 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 on Apache Pass Road. Drive 13 miles to the Fort Bowie Trailhead (the last mile of the road is unpaved). Be prepared to walk the three miles round trip to the…

Facilities on the park map

1 first aid kit, 1 picnic area, 4 restroom, 4 visitor information, 1 water fountain.

History

Heritage status

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places