Spring National Monument, a little known gem of the National Park
System, is rich with American Indian, early explorer and Mormon
water of Pipe Spring has made it possible for plants, animals, and
people to live in this dry, desert region. Ancestral Puebloans and
Kaibab Paiute Indians gathered grass seeds, hunted animals, and
raised crops near the springs for at least 1,000 years. In the 1860s
Mormon pioneers brought cattle to the area and by 1872 a fort (Winsor
Castle) was built over the main spring and a large cattle ranching
operation was established. This isolated outpost served as a way
station for people traveling across the Arizona Strip, that part
of Arizona separated from the rest of the state by the Grand Canyon.
It also served as a refuge for polygamist wives during the 1880s
their way of life was greatly impacted, the Paiute Indians continued
to live in the area and by 1907 the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation
was established, surrounding the privately owned Pipe Spring ranch.
In 1923 the
Pipe Spring ranch was purchased and set aside as a national monument.
Today the Pipe Spring National Monument - Kaibab Band of Paiute
Indians Visitor Center and Museum explains the human history of
the area over time. Daily tours of Winsor Castle, summer "living
history" demonstrations, an orchard and garden, and a half-mile
trail offer a glimpse of American Indian and pioneer life in the
Longhorns! - These Texas Longhorns have a long
history at Pipe Spring
Amazing Junior Ranger - This
young woman has taken more than 235 Junior Ranger Programs. Wow.
Events 2011- Ranger Tours and Talks, and much
more throughout the summer
Pipe Spring: Great things to do here, time needed
for a visit, travel directions, Arizona Strip information, etc.
a Virtual Tour of Winsor Castle or of the Visitor
Center and Cultural Museum.
Ranger Information or try the Cultural History
to Do - Explore on your own or take a Ranger