This National Monument preserves the history of the location (due to the natural spring oasis in the desert), showcasing how Kaibab Paiute and the Mormon settlers used the surrounding land. There's a visitor center with a museum, historic fort, cabins, and garden. Make your first stop at the visitor center to check out the museum to get context about why this area was important. There's a bunch of exhibits and a museum. There's also a gift shop with books and souvenirs. Behind the building is a short path to the fort. You can see the spring's outlet through a pipe in the fort (although I confirmed with the volunteer that the water is now pumped out due to the water table dropping below the soil level - it's no longer an artesian spring). There's also a pen with longhorn cattle - don't get too close since they can be unpredictable. There are also several buildings for self guided tours. Great monument - the volunteers and rangers were very friendly. read more

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I am so glad I made a short stop at this national monument. Darcy, the ranger at the desk, was amazing and answered all of my questions and more. When she didn't know the answer, she looked it up and told me later. The Visitor's Center is extremely well designed and the history of the natives and LDS pioneers in the area is very thorough and exceptionally well presented. I also had the privilege of visiting the main historical building where another incredibly helpful ranger answered my mass of questions. He, too, was extremely knowledgeable about the area and history. This isn't a monument you will want to spend a whole day visiting; after all, it's only 400 acres. But, if you're driving through Fredonia, don't miss it. read more

Pipe Springs National Monument - Replicated, small native community - Parks Near Me - Fredonia, Arizona

I didn't really know what to expect but I was passing nearby and figured I should check out this national monument. I was picturing more of an aquatic scene with the word "springs" involved and pipe just some funny little name for it but...it really was a pipe! an pipe that ran the spring through the building, providing water to the Mormon settlers that came here. I knew very little about the history of the area, LDS settlers, or the Native Kaibab Paiute peoples that populated the area before the settlers arrived so I walked away with a lot more knowledge around their struggles over the land. It's not a big monument so you don't need a ton of time here, thought you could spend a while digging into the history with a ranger led walk or taking a stroll on the easy loop trails. They also host night stargazing sessions which I wish I would have been able to take advantage of. In addition to the historical structures and information I was given, I enjoyed checking out all the animals (chickens, steers, etc) and garden structures on the property as well. If you're a history buff and/or dig getting an education with your national parks adventures I recommend stopping by. If you're more into scenic views and nature, this one may not be your thing. But it's worth a stop no matter what if you're in the area. read more

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!!! Make sure to complete your National Park Service Junior Ranger booklet on site as this park will NOT mail you your badge with proof of completion. You can only get your free Junior Ranger badge on site. Onto the review: Have you heard of how the Mormon church turned Northern Arizona into a desert? Went to Pipe Springs National Monument this past weekend (and also in May 2021) in Fredonia, Arizona. This is the ancestral homeland of the Kaibab Paiute tribe. When the Mormons were running from the law, they made their way into Utah and Arizona where many tribes lived. In this particular area, the Latter Day Saint (LDS) Church set up a cattle ranching operation on Paiute land. Indian rice grass, a staple crop for native people and the animals that they hunted such as deer, was as high as a horse's belly. Once the Mormons moved in, they started storing cattle that church members gave them as a tithe in lieu of money. They put so many heads of cattle on the land, the rice grass was eaten down to the roots within 15 years. With no plants to hold in top soil, massive erosion happened and the place became a desert. The Mormons not only destroyed the natives' staple crop, they prevented them from hunting deer on their own land. Local tribes had enough of Mormon squatters and thus began the Black Hawk War. In retaliation, the Mormons built a fort over the top of the only water source for 5 miles - Pipe Spring. To keep Pipe Spring for the Mormons, and to keep polygamists out of prison, Mormon polygamists hid their pregnant extra wives and children here, along with poor men to be the ranch hands to manage the cattle. More than 30 women and children were running the fort while their "husbands" were living their lives with their first wives in more comfort in neighbouring towns. I visited in both May 2021 & April 2023. The park volunteer in 2021 gave a very comprehensive overview of the history of this place, while my most recent visit, the ranger seemed like a Mormon apologist. Read the placards and don't rely on a ranger because it's a total gamble what type of person will be doing the talks. There is a small museum with native artifacts, some live animals that seem miserable in the dirt pens as well a gift shop. read more

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Decent small NPS site. Energetic staff. Grounds are relatively well maintained. History of site told in a relatively balanced way. Not a destination, but not bad for a short stop if in area. read more

May 22, 2025 what a Sweet find removed from every day life. Needed to turn around and head back to Hildale to charge our EV CAR. Lots of history in connection with location.The ranger on duty was very informative. He explained that PIPE SPRINGS was part of the Dark Sky program and what it takes to be a Dark Sky designated location. We arrive late in the afternoon. We showed our senior pass but ranger said it wasn't necessary, because lateness no tours were available. We walk around there was no water in the pond, still there was a small trickle of water close by. Walked up the Trail loop into the mountains (all on Piaute Indian land) there was a nice view of the complex. Trail loop into the mountains all on Piaute Indian land has a nice view of the complex. I took the time to read some of the reviews. You'll find some more info. The reviews will describe what you will experience while visiting to Pipe Springs. Definitely was worth the stop! read more

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Oh man! It sure wasn't easy! Driving south on Route 89A we decided to turn west on AZ-389 in Fredonia and stop at Pipe Springs National Monument. The snap decision proved to be worth every minute of the extra driving time! This region was originally populated by Ancestral Puebloans and the Kaibab Paiute. The first European settlers were Mormon pioneers who arrived in mid to late 1800s. Living here was not easy by any means. They had to endeavor and overcome so many challenges. There is a lot to read on this site and I encourage all who may be interested to go to the official site listed at the very end of this review, but I can tell you that if you are interested in the history of this land and the work of the early explorers, this is a location worth your visit if you are in the area. There is a trail that loops above the hills behind the site. Once on the top, you will find the view amazing. It will give you a sense for what it might have looked way back then. The three structures on the location are also interesting, especially the fort. We were very lucky that it was open at the time and there was a ranger on site. He was wonderfully knowledgeable and patiently answered all of our questions. https://www.nps.gov/pisp/index.htm read more

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This is a beautifully done historic monument that is well worth a stop. There is an extensive museum with history of the Paiute Indians and the settlement by Mormons. The gift shop has beautiful jewelry and crafts as well as a good selection of books. The outdoor exhibits include gardens, corrals with a bull and horses, a couple of cabins that housed workers, ponds, and the main residence, which was staffed with a park interpreter dressed in period clothing who explained various features of the home, the artifacts and furniture. The main home is built right on the well and water runs through one of the food prep and storage areas where butter and cheese were made. If it is not too hot, hike the short half mile ridge trail for views of the Kaibab plateau and nearby mountains. read more

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At first, I wasn't sure how interesting this visit would be, but the park ranger inside "Windsor Castle" was so well-spoken, informed, and intelligent. She painted an incredibly detailed and interesting picture of the site's importance. Her name is Crystal and she knew the answer to every single question my boyfriend and I had. As such, we left with such a great understanding of the location's importance at the center of conflicts and partnerships between Mormons, Native Americans, and the federal government. Thanks Crystal! You have an amazing career ahead of you! read more

Not sure I'd come again if in the area (except to get gas - which is cheaper than anywhere else). The springs are not very impressive - nor is the fort or the view from the loop trails above it - but the short film they show was sort of interesting. read more

My 3rd visit here. Visit an actual Mormon pioneer farm and the fort house was named Windsor castle by the Mormons. Water flows here. See how they built water canals to route it to the fort and fields. Watch the movie it is a must see in visitor center. Fee required or national parks pass. read more

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This national monument is more about the history of the peoples than the natural world, but the natural world is important since the Spring was the only one for a long ways. Take the guided tour of the fort, check out the farming going on, including long horn cattle. It does cost $10/person, so those of us with senior access passes, or others with annual or lifetime parks passes are happy to have them. Get gas at the station by the entrance, being on Indian land it has the best prices in the area. read more

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Did you know the first telegraph station in Arizona was at Pipe Springs National Monument? This park is a great historical site. It's an educational and fun stop if passing through the area. As the NPS site states, American Indians, Mormon pioneers, plants, animals, and others have depended on the life-giving water found at Pipe Spring. Park Rangers lead tours of the fort at Pipe Spring, called Winsor Castle, every half hour throughout the day. Built by Mormon pioneers in the 1870s, Winsor Castle was the headquarters of a tithing ranch, operated by the Mormon Church. This park isn't really worth going out of your way to see, but if you are nearby I definitely recommend you stop to check it out. In the mood for something quirky? Check out the town of Colorado City about 20 miles up the road to see polygamist Mormons. It's creepy, it's weird, it's fascinating. read more

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Somewhat interesting if you like Native American or Mormon culture. Otherwise, maybe not. They have a nice short trail behind the fort with great views of the surrounding area and quite a few artifacts scattered about the grounds. read more

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I wasn't originally planning on stopping here, but rather discovered this place when I pulled into the gas station at the entrance. I was excited to learn there was an NPS site right around the corner and decided to stretch my legs and visit - plus I have an annual pass, so that's extra motivation. This National Monument is located in the Kaibab Paiute reservation and showcases early pioneer life as well as the complicated relationship between the Native Americans of the area and the Mormon settlers. The museum was well done and the buildings and grounds well-preserved. I found the info interesting but also somewhat tragic. You always wonder what really happened when settlers tried to claim land as their own. As I was leaving, the best (or worst) part of this trip happened as a twelve-seater van almost crashed into me and then out comes a Warren Jeffs lookalike and his ten or so long green dress, braided hair, croc-wearing wives. It was at that point I knew I needed to get back to reality (aka Phoenix) as soon as possible. However, I would like to return and spend more time perusing the grounds and displays. This area of Arizona is absolutely beautiful and worth exploring, especially in the winter. I'll return on my next trip to Zion for sure. read more

This place is awesome. Some of the friendliest rangers I've encountered at a National Monument. They are dog friendly and have a bark ranger program so your pet can explore the walking paths with you. I'd highly recommend especially if you need your faith restored in the National park service. read more

Having spent a week visiting canyons, I guess you could say that we were on Canyon Overload. So pipe springs was a great diversion. Not a canyon in site!!! Being from the east, our school history lessons focus on the Revolutionary War. We learn nothing about the West. So coming into Pipe Spring, I had never heard of Paiute Indians, The war of Utah, or Mormons for that matter. I thought Brigham Young was a University. So I was in for a major education. The tour lasted just shy of an hour. It's about a 5 minute walk from the visitor center to the tour starting point. The movie in the visitor center was about 25 minutes. Unfortunately no picnic spots. So we had to sit in the grass to have lunch. read more

My boyfriend has this thing about visiting all the National Parks and Monuments in AZ. This was the last one on his list. (Nerd alert.) It happened to be a day full of rolling thunderstorms, so we were treated to a private tour. The park ranger leading the tour was great. You could tell she really cared and had a personal interest in the history of Pipe Springs. All I could think while walking around the fort, was how miserable it must have been to live there. Talk about hard work and a rough life. The grounds house a couple long horn steers that will come right up to you should you walk up to the fence. Afterwards, drive up to Colorado Springs to see the polygamists. Another yelper also suggested this, and I have to agree that it really is a strange little place. read more

Pipe Springs is an old LDS fort that sits on an important water source and which has been preserved by a partnership between the NPS and the Paiute Indian tribe. You can tour the inside of the fort every hour, see a really interesting video about the history of the people's in the area and get a little bit of an understanding about Paiute Culture then and now. We also had an amazing Ranger give our tour who really was great bringing to life a chapter of US history that I didn't know much about. We stopped in on a whim on our way back to Las Vegas from the Grand Canyon and couldn't have been happier. Allow for a good 90 minutes or more to really experience the place. It's free with an annual park's pass, or else it's $10 admission per vehicle. We didn't take the historical walking trail, which shows other artifacts and gives views. read more

An unexpected detour from Page to Vegas to catch our flight -- there is a reasonably priced gas station right at the entrance. The Tribe Headquarters is the first thing you will see, but keep up the road 0.2 miles and you will see the visitors center clearly labeled (we went to the tribe headquarters and there was a big sign letting us know it was the wrong place). There is a nice outdoor museum with a 0.5 mile hike -- since we came late, we were advised to make sure to leave 30 min for the hike, but we hustled and it only took about 15 min. The views are gorgeous (and flat) from up there. The front desk is a treasure trove of information and the park ranger talked us into getting an annual pass (she applied our Grand Canyon pass to it too!). Typically prices are 7$ a person, but free with your annual pass that works at any national park. They have guided hikes and tours as well :). All in all, a perfect stop along the highway with interesting stories definitely worth stopping for. read more

I had heard of this place before, I think I heard about it in jon krakauer's under the banner of heaven. Amazing historical site and well worth the stop for these two hurried best friends animal society volunteers rushing home to their own animals. read more

A very cool place; the private tours are very nice!

I loved visiting here. When we arrived, we just missed a tour of the fort so we waited an hour for the next one and it was worth it. We enjoyed walking around outside and checking out the museum while we waited. The tour was excellent. Actually looking in the fort was a great experience. You got a good sense of what the area was like in the recent past. All staff members were helpful and friendly. It was an easy drive for us from Kanab. read more