• Ruins of Fort Bowie

    Fort Bowie

    National Historic Site Arizona

There are park alerts in effect.
hide Alerts »

  • Fire Restrictions in effect for Fort Bowie National Historic Site

    Due to increased fire danger in southern Arizona, Fort Bowie National Historic Site will implement fire restrictions beginning Wednesday, May 22, 2013. More »

  • Visitor Center Hours Change on June 1, 2013

    The visitor center will change to summer operation hours Saturday, June 1, and will be open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily through August 31. The hiking trails, ruins areas, and other areas of the fort remain open to the public during daylight hours.

Natural Features & Ecosystems

A photo of Helen's Dome

Helen's dome

NPS Photo - R. Olsen

Although preserved for its cultural significance, Fort Bowie NHS also encompasses a variety of natural features - such as springs, faults, and numerous soil types - which result in the wide array of flora and fauna found here. The Apache Pass fault, a visible fissure which can be seen on the Overlook Ridge Trail, is the source of the water that rises up into Apache and Siphon springs. The fault was formed when a block of limestone was overthrust and then folded over a block of granite, which are the two major rock types found here. Helen's dome, a mostly bare tower of granite, served as a landmark for travelers approaching Apache Pass.

Did You Know?

Butterfield Trail Sign

The Butterfield Overland Mail Route ran between Memphis and St. Louis on the Mississippi River and San Francisco in California.  Its traverse through Apache Pass, in present day Fort Bowie National Historic Site, was the highest point on the entire route.