Join the Muleteam at 8am this Saturday for a walk in time full of Calvary and Apache history. The 6 mile hike will include the Butterfield Trail and Apache Spring followed by a visit to the Fort Museum and ruins. Bring water and lunch. Dogs are allowed on leash only. Back late afternoon. Meet Jan 20 at 8am by the Old Bisbee courthouse fountain to carpool. The drive is 1 3/4 hours each way. Free, but gas donation is appreciated. For more details contact Guy at gplaaster@gmail.com or 541-513-9775.
The hike will follow the historical Butterfield Overland Trail before joining the actual Fort Bowie trail at Syphon Canyon, then on to Apache Spring, followed by a visit to the Fort Museum and ruins before heading back to the parking area, via the upper trail.
Driving Distance: 83 miles 1 hour 46 minutes via AZ-181 E
Elevation level: 5100 feet to 5130 feet Elevation Gain: 975 feet
Fort Bowie was established by the California Volunteers in 1862 after a series of engagements between the California Column and the Chiricahua Apaches. The most violent of which was the Battle of Apache Pass in July 1862. The fort was named in honor of Colonel George Washington Bowie commander of the 5th Regiment California Volunteer Infantry who first established the fort. The first Fort Bowie resembled a temporary camp rather than a permanent army post. In 1868, a second, more substantial Fort Bowie was built which included adobe barracks, houses, corrals, a trading post, and a hospital. The second Fort Bowie was built on a plateau about 500 yards (460 m) to the east of the first site. For more than 30 years Fort Bowie and Apache Pass were the focal point of military operations eventually culminating in the surrender of Geronimo in 1886 and the banishment of the Chiricahuas to Florida and Alabama. The fort was abandoned in 1894. (Wikipedia)
More info:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMb6ngq
http://www.frontiertrails.com/oldwest/butterfield.htm
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BACKTRACK - East Cochise Stronghold
Molly couldn't lead this hike so Sheila & I did instead. The weather was perfect for 15 of us and 4 dogs on the winding trail through the trees and boulders. The water was low at Halfmoon Tank but good enough for the dogs to cool off. We stopped at the best viewpoint for a leisurely lunch, and then some went back, some went further and some just stayed there a little longer. We got back to Bisbee about 5pm - an enjoyable day. Jay took the photo below. -Larry
Following are links to a few 360 photos of the Stronghold hike. -Elizabeth
https://rebrand.ly/cochid8fe
https://rebrand.ly/halfm8e7d
https://rebrand.ly/cochi0c47
CALENDAR
Jan 27 - Parker Lake & winetasting with JohnW
Feb 3 - Red Rock Canyon in the Chiricahuas with Guy
Feb 10 - Brown-Ramsey loop in the Huachucas with Gary
Feb 17 - San Pedro hike & riverside picnic with Doug
Feb 24 - Rucker's Gate in the Chiricahuas with Guy
Mar 3 - Joe's Canyon in the Huachucas with Sandy
Mar 10 - Heart of Rocks in the Chiricahuas with Brad
Mar 17 - Art Stairs hike in Old Bisbee with Larry
Mar 24 - ?
...??
April 20-21-22 - Silver Peak camp-hike in the Chiricahuas with Brad
...??
Thanks for hiking with me,
Larry
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Muleteam archive photos - muleteam.shutterfly.com
Muleteam & Bisbee gifts - cafepress.com/bisbeegear
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