Fort Piute Historic Site

The remains of this short-lived military outpost sit on a rocky hill overlooking Piute Creek, consisting of stone foundations, partial walls, and a few intact rooms. Built during the Indian Wars to protect mail carriers and freight wagons, the fort was abandoned after just three years when the railroad made the old road obsolete. The isolation is palpable—it’s easy to imagine how brutal garrison duty must have been in this waterless waste.

A rough dirt road leads 0.7 miles from the Mojave Road to the fort ruins. High-clearance recommended for the final approach. Interpretive signs explain the fort’s brief history, and you can explore the foundations freely. Bring water and watch for rattlesnakes in the rock piles. The site offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Abandoned 1867 military outpost ruins