Hidden away in far southeastern Arizona is a little town by the name of Bowie. It’s been around awhile, and if you decide to stay for a day or two, there’s a fascinating place you’ve just got to check out. It’s multiple sets of ruins, all from days in Arizona’s distant past, the most famous of which are the remains of a little place called Fort Bowie. Embark upon the Fort Bowie Ruins Trail in Arizona for a fun (and fascinating) adventure to some old-school ruins only accessible on foot via a hiking trail. Check it out:

The Fort Bowie Loop Trail is 4.8 miles long and is best started early in the morning, before temperatures get too high.

Jake Skakal/AllTrails Should you play your cards right and arrive early during the middle of the week, you might just be able to experience this hike with little to no other hikers around. Perfect!

The region is remarkably rich in history; this trail leads hikers to (and through) numerous historically significant places, each of which is marked with plaques and descriptors to explain just what that significance is.

The Wandering Shores/AllTrails First, you’ll happen upon the remains of an old miners’ cabin. Here, you’ll be able to see bits of the old Butterfield Overland Trail and some other ruins of what was once a stage station.

Next, you’ll come across what’s left of an old pioneer-era cemetery, which contains the resting remains of various residents who were killed in run-ins with Native folks back in the day, including those of “Little Robe,” the two-year-old son of famed Geronimo of the Bedonkohe band of the Apache people.

Chris Berry/AllTrails You’ll also pass ruins of the old Chiricahua Indian Agency, an old Apache Wikieup, Apache Spring, and finally, the remains of Fort Bowie.

Not much remains of the old fort, but what does remain tells the story of a long history of conflict between the Apache people and the U.S. Army (about 25 years worth).

Ryan Shipp/AllTrails The fort is only accessible via the hike to reach it; as a result, should you visit during the week, you’re likely to have it all to yourself.

Some old, stone walls remain and the general shape of the structure still stands.

Ryan Shipp/AllTrails The trail is open all year ‘round, so you can embark upon it at any time. We recommend timing your adventure for spring, autumn or winter, when the weather is cool and pleasant and heatstroke is less of a possibility. There isn’t a lot of shade along the way, so plan for a sunny hike as well and bring plenty of water.

Visitors in the spring and early summer are treated to wildflowers, given that the previous winter was nice and rainy.

Jacek Janik/AllTrails

What do you think? Have you ever embarked upon this fascinating ruins trail in Arizona? If so, what was the part that intrigued you the most? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Jake Skakal/AllTrails

Should you play your cards right and arrive early during the middle of the week, you might just be able to experience this hike with little to no other hikers around. Perfect!

The Wandering Shores/AllTrails

First, you’ll happen upon the remains of an old miners’ cabin. Here, you’ll be able to see bits of the old Butterfield Overland Trail and some other ruins of what was once a stage station.

Chris Berry/AllTrails

You’ll also pass ruins of the old Chiricahua Indian Agency, an old Apache Wikieup, Apache Spring, and finally, the remains of Fort Bowie.

Ryan Shipp/AllTrails

The fort is only accessible via the hike to reach it; as a result, should you visit during the week, you’re likely to have it all to yourself.

The trail is open all year ‘round, so you can embark upon it at any time. We recommend timing your adventure for spring, autumn or winter, when the weather is cool and pleasant and heatstroke is less of a possibility. There isn’t a lot of shade along the way, so plan for a sunny hike as well and bring plenty of water.

Jacek Janik/AllTrails

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Address: Fort Bowie Trailhead, 3500 Apache Pass Rd, Bowie, AZ 85605, USA