Fort Cummings Cookes Spring
Explore the remote ruins of Fort Cummings, a historic frontier post offering a glimpse into the challenges of the Indian Wars.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Smoother road conditions
Fort Cummings Cookes Spring
Best Time
Smoother road conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the remote ruins of Fort Cummings, a historic frontier post offering a glimpse into the challenges of the Indian Wars.
"A remote historical gem, but requires a sturdy vehicle and managing expectations about the ruins."
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
A 4x4 is a must in wet conditions due to ruts and holes. Take it slow!
🗺️ Follow Signs, Not GPS
GPS can lead you astray to private property. Stick to the marked signs for the fort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fort Cummings Ruins
Western end of the trail
Explore the remnants of a historic fort, offering a glimpse into the challenges of the Indian Wars.
Cooke's Spring House
Near the entrance trail
A gazebo-like structure at Cooke's Spring, but beware of rattlesnakes guarding the area.
Victorio War Terrain
Surrounding landscape
Understand the challenging terrain faced by the 9th Cavalry during the Victorio War.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Conditions & Vehicle Choice
Site Preservation & Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
A 4x4 is a must in wet conditions due to ruts and holes. Take it slow!
🗺️ Follow Signs, Not GPS
GPS can lead you astray to private property. Stick to the marked signs for the fort.
🐍 Watch for Snakes
Rattlesnakes are common, especially near Cooke's Spring. Be vigilant.
💧 4x4 Essential if Wet
The dirt road becomes very challenging with significant ruts and holes when wet.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
A 4x4 is a must in wet conditions due to ruts and holes. Take it slow!
🗺️ Follow Signs, Not GPS
GPS can lead you astray to private property. Stick to the marked signs for the fort.
🐍 Watch for Snakes
Rattlesnakes are common, especially near Cooke's Spring. Be vigilant.
💧 4x4 Essential if Wet
The dirt road becomes very challenging with significant ruts and holes when wet.
📜 Limited On-Site Info
Bring your own research; there's little interpretive signage at the ruins.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fort Cummings offers a remote historical experience for those willing to brave rough roads and manage expectations. Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the challenging drive, but note the site's deteriorated state and lack of on-site information. Wildlife, particularly rattlesnakes, is a concern.
"The road to the ruins is immediately after the cattle guard with the "Ft. Cummings" arrow signage pointing left (south-west), follow the barbed fence and then follow the only tracks westward afterwards. Following Google maps will route you to the Hyatt family's driveway instead of the ruins since the ruins themselves are (from the gps' view) "right there", when in fact they are a whole hillside behind their private property (you obviously cannot access it from there). You will need a high clearance vehicle with thick tires since other vehicles and the elements have eroded away the single lane dirt road there. I would not recommend bringing too large of a vehicle or a trailer/camper here. 4x4 is a must in wet conditions.
The ruins themselves have been fenced with a narrow entry way, or otherwise inaccessible, so the pictures posted by others here might be better than actually visiting the site itself."
B Skits
"Really neat place. Extremely remote down some pretty rough roads, and the park trails are quite deteriorated as well. I was able to find some interesting stones in the road along the way, though. I definitely recommend a 4x4 if it's wet. There are some pretty big holes.
NOTE: If you head to Cooke's spring house (the gazebo looking structure), BEWARE OF RATTLESNAKES! It was literally being guarded by one on the concrete pad by the signs, and he wasn't going to move."
Willy Nillie
"If you enjoy reading about the Indian Wars a visit to Fort Cummings is worth the trip, if just to better understand the terrain challenges faced by the 9th Cavalry during the Vicotorio War. I was able to get to the site in a Ford Escape rental car and if you are comfortable on dirt roads and take your time most vehicles should not have an issue. There are a few spots where the road is rutted or rocky but careful driving will get you through.
As others have pointed out follow the signs and not your GPS. Almost exactly 1 mile after turning off State Route 26 onto County Road A019 you will pass through a cattle guard (32.428614, -107.587472), turn left and follow the trail due west along the fence line. It is about 4 miles to the Cemetery and 4.5 miles to the ruins of the Fort. According to GAIA GPS you are on either BLM or State Trust land except for the Butterfield Stage area that is on Flying U Ranch Land."
M.E. Mihok
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From State Route 26, turn onto County Road A019. After about 1 mile, pass a cattle guard and turn left (south-west). Follow the fence line west for about 4.5 miles to reach the fort ruins. Always follow the signs and not your GPS, which can lead to private property.
A high-clearance vehicle is essential, and a 4x4 is highly recommended, especially if conditions are wet. The dirt road is rough, rutted, and can have large holes. Avoid large vehicles or trailers. +1
No, the road is a single-lane dirt road that is subject to erosion and can become very rough, particularly after rain.
It's strongly advised not to rely solely on GPS. Google Maps has been known to route visitors to private driveways instead of the fort ruins. Follow the physical signs posted along the route.
After turning off State Route 26 onto County Road A019, it's approximately 4 miles to the cemetery and 4.5 miles to the fort ruins.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Fort Cummings is generally accessible without tickets. It's located on BLM or State Trust land, with a portion on Flying U Ranch land.
There are no official operating hours as it's an open historical site. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility on the rough roads.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Fort Cummings ruins.
The ruins are fenced for preservation, but there is typically a narrow entry way for visitors.
Yes, it is a historical site, but reviews suggest it has been allowed to deteriorate, with limited government intervention for preservation.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a few remaining wall ruins and a historical marker. The site offers a sense of the terrain challenges faced by soldiers during the Indian Wars. +1
The park trails are reported to be quite deteriorated. Visitors should be prepared for rough conditions.
While the ruins themselves are limited, the rugged desert landscape offers photographic opportunities. Some visitors note that photos posted online might be better than the current state of the ruins.
Cooke's Spring House is a gazebo-like structure located near the entrance trail. Visitors are warned to be cautious of rattlesnakes in this area.
Unfortunately, there is very little information posted on-site about the history of Fort Cummings. Visitors are advised to do their research beforehand.
🎫 🐍 Wildlife & Safety
The primary safety concern is wildlife, particularly rattlesnakes, which have been observed guarding areas like Cooke's Spring. The rough roads also pose a risk to vehicles. +1
Rattlesnakes are a significant concern, especially around water sources like Cooke's Spring.
Hike with caution, especially due to the rough terrain and potential for wildlife encounters. Stick to marked paths if possible, though trails are deteriorated.
Maintain a safe distance and do not approach or provoke the snake. If it's blocking your path, try to find an alternative route or wait for it to move.
Given its remote location, cell service is likely to be very limited or non-existent. It's advisable to inform someone of your travel plans before you go.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are non-existent. The experience is more about the journey and the historical context than elaborate attractions. Consider bringing a book or printouts about the fort and the Indian Wars to supplement the on-site experience and make it more engaging for kids. The remoteness also means it's a good opportunity to teach children about preparedness and respecting natural environments.
🚗 Adventurous Drivers & Off-Road Enthusiasts
This destination is ideal for drivers looking to get off the beaten path and explore a remote historical site. The journey itself, with its rugged landscape, is as much a part of the experience as the destination. Be prepared for a bumpy ride and the satisfaction of reaching a place that requires a bit more effort to access. Remember to check your vehicle's condition before and after the drive, and carry necessary tools for minor repairs if needed.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
To maximize the experience, conduct thorough research beforehand on the fort's history, its role in the Indian Wars, and the significance of the surrounding landscape. The lack of on-site interpretation means your own knowledge will greatly enhance your visit. Consider bringing historical maps or accounts to compare with the actual terrain. The site's preservation status, or lack thereof, also presents a point of reflection on historical site management.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Rough Terrain
Travelers suggest that while a Ford Escape might manage with careful driving, larger vehicles or trailers are not recommended due to the narrow and eroded nature of the road. The experience is best suited for those comfortable with off-road driving and who can take their time to assess the path ahead. The remoteness of the location means that assistance is not readily available, so ensuring your vehicle is in good condition and equipped for rough terrain is paramount for a safe and successful visit.
Understanding the Historical Significance
While the physical remains are limited to a few walls and a marker, the surrounding landscape itself tells a story. The rugged terrain and vastness of the desert underscore the immense challenges of military operations and daily life for those stationed at the fort. Visitors interested in this period of history will find value in imagining the past within this starkly beautiful, yet demanding, environment. However, it's important to note that the site lacks extensive interpretive signage, so prior research into the fort's history and the context of the Indian Wars is highly recommended for a richer understanding.
Wildlife Encounters and Safety Precautions
Beyond snakes, general precautions for desert environments apply. This includes staying hydrated, wearing appropriate footwear, and being aware of your surroundings. Given the site's remoteness and the potential for limited cell service, it's wise to inform someone of your travel plans and expected return time. The rough road conditions also present a safety risk to vehicles, so driving cautiously and being prepared for potential vehicle issues is advisable.
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