Pipe Spring National Monument

Pipe Spring National Monument, only 20 miles from Kanab, Utah, in the sparsely populated and arid Arizona Strip Country, is rich with American Indian, early explorer, and Mormon pioneer history. The water of Pipe Spring has made it possible for plants, animals, and people to live in this dry, desert region.

In the 1860's Mormon pioneers brought cattle to the area and by 1872 a fort was built over the main spring. The fort, called "Winsor Castle", named after the first ranch manager, was built by the Mormon Church to be the headquarters of a large cattle ranching operation that would supply meat to area settlers and towns. Also, having the cattle herds for milk, and a supply of fresh, cool water from the Spring made possible the production of 60 to 80 pounds of cheese per day, thus contributing to the oasis nature of Pipe Spring.
The Fort also served as a refuge for polygamist wives during the 1880's and 1890's.

The first telegraph line in the area was located at Pipe Spring, and the first wire message was sent on December 15th, 1871. John Wesley Powell utilized this connection to maintain contact and send survey information to the National Government.

It is said that Pipe Spring is a "little known gem" --- little known because of its out-of-the-way location on the Arizona Strip. The fort and the living quarters are well preserved and filled with period furnishings.The simple cheese making equipment looks as though it could be back in production tomorrow. Outbuildings are also preserved as well as corrals, holding sample long-horned cattle. Displayed, around the grounds, are vintage vehicles and an outdoor cooking setup of stove and utensils.

In the "Kanab Area Vacation Guide", Dixie Brunner, owner-editor of the local Southern Utah News, wrote, "According to lore, William Gunlock Hamblin, was challenged to shoot the bowl out of a smoking pipe at 50 paces. As a result of the feat, came the name, "Pipe Spring". From the National Park Service Bulletin we read that " in the significance of Pipe Spring as a memorial of western pioneer life, Pipe Spring was declared a National Monument by President Warren G. Harding, on May 31st, 1923.

Today, the visitor center offers exhibits on pioneer and Indian life, the use of Pipe Spring by American Indians and Mormon settlers, and a short video providing an overview of the area's history. 

Winsor Castle can be seen by guided tours every half hour. Visitors can see the rest of the monument at their leisure--the East Cabin (built by Utah Militia), West Cabin (quarters for workers building the fort and later used by John Wesly Powell's surveying parties), corrals, garden, orchard and ponds. A small museum in the Visitors Center shows period momentos, including the original telegraph apparatus, and many photos of old-time activities.

The 1/2 mile 'Ridge Trail' (an easy 150 ft. climb), with many interpretive markers, is a worthwhile hike. From the trail there are views of the ranch facilities, the Arizona Strip, Mount Trumbull, the Kaibab Plateau, and Kanab Canyon.

To get there, over well-paved roads from Kanab, take Hwy 89A to Fredonia, Arizona. Turn right on State Hwy 389, and go 14 miles to the well-marked exit to your right --- you are then only a short distance from the Visitor Center.

Information:
Pipe Spring National Monument is open year-round. During the winter season (Oct - May), the monument and visitor center hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tours of Winsor Castle are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and are offered every half hour.

In summer, (May - Sept), the visitor center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
and Winsor Castle tours start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m.

The Monument is closed Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years Day.

Group reservations are advised.

Note:
Arizona does not use Daylight Savings Time. Pipe Spring hours are Mountain Standard Time all year.
Entrance fees are $4 per person (includes a $1.00 tribal use fee). The Monument accepts Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access passports.

For more information contact:
Pipe Spring National Monument
HC 65 Box 5 Fredonia, AZ 86022
Phone: (928)643-7105

* * * For the most current information, please visit their web site: 
http://www.nps.gov/pisp/.