According to the map (and most directions) Fort Bowie can be easily reached by gravel road -- Apache Pass Road -- just 13 miles south of Bowie, 
Arizona off Interstate 10. It is also easily reached by turning north on Apache Pass Road 20 miles southeast of Wilcox, Arizona, again off Interstate 10.
Naturally, since these were the easy ways, I and my companion (okay, mostly "I") decided upon a "more interesting route." Coming form the east at the end of the Christmas holidays, we took Route 80 in far western New Mexico south from I-10 down the San Simon Valley along the eastern base of the Chiricahua Mountains. We crossed into Arizona after turning west on Portal Road, at the end of which is the delightful little community of Portal, nestled at the mouth of Cave Creek Canyon.
From here we planned to drive Pinery Canyon Road (FR 42) northeast about 40 miles, crossing Onion Saddle at about 8,000 feet and emerging at the entrance to Chiricahua National Monument on the eastern slopes of the Chiricahua range.
Unfortunately, this road is not plowed during the winter, so it's usually closed between November and April. After driving only as far as the American Museum of Natural History Research Station and being told our 4x4 Jeep would never make it over the summit, we retraced our route back out to Highway 80, then drove southwest through the San Bernardino Valley to Douglas, Arizona on the Mexican border. From there we proceeded north on U.S. 191 along the western base of the Chiricahuas, through Sulphur Springs Valley, to Chiricahua National Monument.
As we head west out of Chiricahua National Monument on Route 181, we take route 186 north (right) for 6 miles until we see the signs to Fort Bowie National Historic Site. Here we turn right again and find ourselves at the southern end of Apache Pass Road. In late December, this red, gravel byway is in excellent condition and can actually be driven as if it were a paved road. (Heads up for oncoming trafic, though.)
When we reach the site along Apache Pass Roads, there is a sign and pulloff indicating that Fort Bowie can be seen in the distance, but you must get out of the vehicle and take a short walk. If you think you'll sneak a peek at the Fort and avoid the 3-mile hike later, don't bother. We never saw a thing!
Back to Sojourn at Apache Pass
Notes on the Trip 
