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Butterfield Trail - Fort Bowie - 2 members in 13 triplogs have rated this an average 4 ( 1 to 5 best )
13 triplogs
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Dec 14 2017
avatar

 Routes 85
 Photos 3,718
 Triplogs 486

female
 Joined Oct 15 2002
 Rimrock, Arizona
Butterfield Trail - Fort BowieTucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort Bowie
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 14 2017
cactuscat • Triplogs 486
Hiking3.70 Miles 507 AEG
Hiking3.70 Miles   1 Hour   36 Mns   2.58 mph
507 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I originally intended to do the whole figure 8 and finish off the Ft Bowie area trails, but halfway through I was good and wanted to get to my next stop and explore there. So I still have half the Butterfield trail to finish next time.
I was the only vehicle at the parking area upon my arrival at about 10:15. I have done the first part - Ft Bowie trail several times before so it was quick walking, pleasant as always. Started the Butterfield route just past the stage stop ruins. I saw a second car arrive at the trailhead as I headed up the hills. It was much more cloudy than I expected from the previous day's forecast - eventually stopped to put on my fleece and gloves for a while, and thought it might rain a bit (it didn't).
Returned via Apache Pass Rd. The sun finally smiled upon me and I enjoyed soaking it up, stretching my legs -
as much as these short legs can - and filling my lungs with fresh desert air. Saw a squirrel followed immediately by two deer. No cars or people until back at the parking area, where there were several of each.
_____________________
  3 archives
Nov 22 2016
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 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Fort Bowie LoopTucson, AZ
Fort Bowie Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 22 2016
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,605
Hiking8.20 Miles 800 AEG
Hiking8.20 Miles
800 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Butterfield Trail - Fort Bowie
Partners partners
AddSanz
Took Addie & Sabrina on an AZ history hike today.
We took off from the Ft Bowie Trail-head to the ruins and then added on the Butterfield Trail for the big figure 8 loop.
Great hike with the only bummer being that the Visitor center at the fort was closed today (Mon & Tue closed).
Cool highlight of the day was 4 guys showing up at the fort behind us with a drone that they flew over the ruins.
We got to watch the live camera view on there cell phone app!
Great history, awesome scenic views & with 2 very fun partners ..... it was a day well spent in Cochise land!
:D
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Light

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Apache Spring Gallon per minute Gallon per minute
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Mar 12 2013
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Fort Bowie LoopTucson, AZ
Fort Bowie Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 12 2013
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,605
Hiking7.10 Miles 1,022 AEG
Hiking7.10 Miles
1,022 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Butterfield Trail - Fort Bowie
Partners none no partners
My annual trip out to Cochise land before the heat moves in.
Hiked the Fort Bowie - Butterfield Trail - Apache Pass Rd. big loop clockwise.
As always - Awesome AZ history, great trail and wonderful scenery !!!

:D
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Mule Deer

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Apache Spring Quart per minute Quart per minute
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Nov 19 2010
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Butterfield Trail - Fort BowieTucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort Bowie
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 19 2010
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,605
Hiking6.11 Miles 507 AEG
Hiking6.11 Miles   2 Hrs   32 Mns   2.41 mph
507 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I have been doing a lot of mountain/forest hikes lately and was in need of a good desert hike. I love AZ history and thought the Butterfield trail to Ft. Bowie would give me my fix. Arrived at the TH and was just a few yards down the trail when 2 border patrol trucks pulled up and one of the officers called me over to ask about my plans. He told me that there has been some recent illegal activity in the area and for me to stick to the trail and bring my cell phone. A little bit of an unnerving start to my hike. I stuck to the Butterfield trail up & down the washes until it met up with the Ft. Bowie trail and took it to the ruins. Spent about an hour at the ruins & talking with the ranger at the visitor center before returning back to my truck the same path I came in. This hike was just what I had been craving and a good start to my 2 day trip. Next up, Cochise Stronghold !
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Arizona Rainbow Cactus
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Graveyard  Pioneer Fort/Fortification
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
  4 archives
Feb 13 2010
avatar

 Guides 20
 Routes 13
 Photos 3,189
 Triplogs 451

female
 Joined Mar 31 2002
 Chandler, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort BowieTucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort Bowie
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 13 2010
desertgirl • Triplogs 451
Hiking5.20 Miles 507 AEG
Hiking5.20 Miles
507 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Quick walk on this trail to see Ft Bowie ...
_____________________
 
Jan 06 2010
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort BowieTucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort Bowie
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 06 2010
PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097
Hiking5.40 Miles 800 AEG
Hiking5.40 Miles   1 Hour   49 Mns   2.97 mph
800 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
The usual for me: hiked from the west end trailhead of the Butterfield Trail to Fort Bowie by way of Apache Spring, then returned to the west Butterfield trailhead via the Fort Bowie overlook ridge. Studied sedimentary rock formations on overlook ridge and along the Apache Pass Road on the way home. Oooh! Ordovician rocks!
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
Nov 16 2009
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort BowieTucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort Bowie
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 16 2009
PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097
Hiking5.40 Miles 800 AEG
Hiking5.40 Miles   1 Hour   50 Mns   2.95 mph
800 ft AEG
 
Linked   linked  
Fort Bowie Loop
Partners none no partners
Took my usual favorite route to Fort Bowie: hiked from the west end trailhead of the Butterfield Trail to Fort Bowie by way of Apache Spring, then returned to the west Butterfield trailhead via the Fort Bowie overlook ridge. Picked up a detailed (yay!) geologic map of the Fort Bowie area at the visitor center, spoke with the guide there, then headed back. Didn't see anyone else on the trail.
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
  1 archive
Jan 07 2009
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort BowieTucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort Bowie
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 07 2009
PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097
Hiking5.40 Miles 507 AEG
Hiking5.40 Miles   2 Hrs   1 Min   2.68 mph
507 ft AEG
 
Linked   linked  
Fort Bowie Loop
Partners none no partners
Hiked from the west end trailhead of the Butterfield Trail to Fort Bowie by way of Apache Spring, then returned to the west Butterfield trailhead via the Fort Bowie overlook ridge. Sent my dad a wish you were here S.P.O.T. from the Fort. Counted 14 E. rigidissimus this trip. Sunny skies with a chilly breeze.
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
Dec 03 2008
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort BowieTucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort Bowie
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 03 2008
PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097
Hiking5.40 Miles 795 AEG
Hiking5.40 Miles   1 Hour   57 Mns   2.77 mph
795 ft AEG
 
Linked   linked  
Fort Bowie Loop
Partners none no partners
Hiked from the west end trailhead of the Butterfield Trail to Fort Bowie by way of Apache Spring, then returned to the west Butterfield trailhead via the Fort Bowie overlook ridge. Saw two other hikers, 11 rainbow cacti, and a rabbit. The visitor's center was closed when I arrived at 4:15 pm. Beautiful weather and a great hike in a very cool area.
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
  1 archive
Aug 20 2008
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort BowieTucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort Bowie
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 20 2008
PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097
Hiking0.40 Miles 507 AEG
Hiking0.40 Miles
507 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
A brief stop/hike to enjoy the prolific summer wildflowers.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Arizona Rainbow Cactus
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Extreme
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
Mar 26 2008
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort BowieTucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort Bowie
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 26 2008
PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097
Hiking2.52 Miles 507 AEG
Hiking2.52 Miles   1 Hour   22 Mns   1.84 mph
507 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Finished hiking the Butterfield Trail at Fort Bowie NHS by completing the eastern section. Started at the Fort Bowie Loop (main) trailhead, hiked south to the junction at the stage station ruin, then turned east to follow the Butterfield Trail down Siphon Canyon. This section was a little more challenging as far as following the trail markers went, but it was a rewarding stretch with beautiful, high desert scenery. I doubt it sees many hikers. I emerged from Siphon Canyon at Apache Pass Road, then headed west along the road, back to the main Fort Bowie Trailhead. This was an enjoyable "historical hike" project for me. :)
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Arizona Rainbow Cactus  Catclaw mimosa  Fendler's Hedgehog Cactus  Gooding's Verbena  Netleaf Hackberry
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
Mar 12 2008
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort BowieTucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort Bowie
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 12 2008
PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097
Hiking5.20 Miles 507 AEG
Hiking5.20 Miles   2 Hrs      2.60 mph
507 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
After seeing the route of the Butterfield Trail on the Fort Bowie brochure during a hike to the Fort, I was intrigued. Armed with good memories of having hiked the Butterfield Pass section near Maricopa during my teen years, I parked at Apache Pass on a warm late winter's afternoon, and headed east, following the markers, and reading history plaques along the way. After crossing over the Apache Pass Road multiple times and always staying near it, the thought "well, this is kind of pointless..." came to mind. I soon made it to the dirt parking area, where I was pleased to discover that it served as a trailhead of sorts for a much better section of Butterfield Trail. A NPS trail maintenance crew was piling into their vehicles, having just come off the Butterfield Trail. I "started over", and headed east along this nice stretch of trail. I made good time, but I realized I wasn't going to have enough time to complete the entire hike, so I turned around in Siphon Canyon, near the big cottonwood tree. I planned on returning to finish the hike.
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
Nov 23 2006
avatar

 Photos 2
 Triplogs 7

52 female
 Joined Aug 23 2009
 Casa Grande, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort BowieTucson, AZ
Butterfield Trail - Fort Bowie
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 23 2006
desertbon • Triplogs 7
Hiking5.20 Miles 507 AEG
Hiking5.20 Miles
507 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
We did this one the day after Thanksgiving, was a fun hike, I enjoyed searching for the next marker. :)
_____________________
 
average hiking speed 2.6 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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