Fort Piute is the stone ruin of a short-lived U.S. Army outpost above Piute Creek in the eastern Mojave National Preserve. Soldiers occupied it from 1866 to 1867 to guard mail and travelers along the Mojave Road, beside the only year-round stream in the preserve.
Details
- Type
- Historic Site
- Accessibility
- Limited accessibility
Last verified: 6/13/2026
Overview
The Army built the small redoubt above Piute Creek to protect the mail route and emigrants crossing the desert on the Mojave Road. It operated only about a year, from 1866 to 1867, as one of a chain of outposts at desert springs (Piute, Rock, Marl, and Soda). The low stone walls still stand near the creek.
What to See
Piute Creek runs year-round here, a rare thing in the Mojave, supporting willows, cottonwoods, and wildlife in an otherwise dry landscape. The historic Mojave Road, now a four-wheel-drive route and a branch of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail, passes through the area.
Getting There
The site is remote, reached by rough roads or on foot, and the approach needs a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle. Check current access and road conditions with the preserve first, carry plenty of water, and stay out of the fragile ruins and the creek's riparian zone.