Pipe Spring National Monument
- Utah
 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.
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