Date: February 15, 2013
Superintendent H. Lane Baker announced today that Fort Bowie National Historic Site (NHS) will offer ranger-led programs on weekends this spring. Saturday van tours and Sunday guided hikes will be offered every weekend beginning February 23 and continue through March 31. All programs are free of charge and are a great way to learn more about the rich history preserved at Fort Bowie. The van tours are a new addition to ranger programs at the fort. "We want everyone to be able to visit the fort, hear the stories of the various people who called this area home over the years, and see the artifacts left behind", said Baker. "There are many people who are unable to complete the 3 mile round trip hike normally required. Our wheelchair accessible van and a ranger guided walk of the fort ruins will help make this experience possible for more folks."
The van tours will be offered every Saturday from February 23 through March 30. Participants will meet a park ranger at the Fort Bowie NHS trailhead on Apache Pass Road at 10:00 am for an introductory talk. Participants will be transported by van to the visitor center where they can join the ranger for a 45-minute guided walking tour of the fort ruins or enjoy the site on their own. The van will leave the visitor center at noon to return to the trailhead or participants can hike the 1.5 mile trail back down to the parking lot. The van and the visitor center are accessible by wheelchairs. Space on the van tour is limited to 11 people so reservations are strongly encouraged. To make reservations for a van tour, contact the visitor center at 520-847-2500 x 1.
Ranger-led hikes into the site will be offered every Sunday from February 24 through March 31. A park ranger will meet participants at the Fort Bowie NHS trailhead on Apache Pass Road at 10:00 am to begin this moderate walk. The 1.5 mile, one-way hike to the fort ruins will focus primarily on the chronology of events that led to the establishment of the fort. Participants can return to the parking lot at their leisure. No reservations are necessary for the guided hike. All programs are open to both individuals and groups. Participants are encouraged to bring water, a snack or picnic lunch, sun protection, and a camera. Layered clothing is advised as weather conditions this time of year are variable.
Fort Bowie NHS is located off Apache Pass Road. From Willcox, travel 22 miles south on State Route 186 to Apache Pass Road. Turn left on Apache Pass Road and travel eight miles along the dirt road to the trailhead parking lot. From Bowie, travel 14 miles south on Apache Pass Road to the trailhead parking lot. Apache Pass Road turns into a gravel road approximately 12 miles from Bowie. For more information, contact the visitor center at 520 847-2500 x 1 or visit www.nps.gov/fobo.
www.nps.gov
