Walk the road with camels and step into history.

Join Willow Bend Environmental Education Center for a two-day (5/9 - 5/10) living history adventure along one of the best-preserved sections of the historic Beale Wagon Road in northern Arizona. This limited-capacity fundraising experience invites just 10 participants to retrace the footsteps of Lieutenant Edward Beale, his crews, and the camels that helped build the first federally constructed wagon road in the United States between 1857–1859.

Led by former South Kaibab Zone archaeologist Neil Weintraub and volunteer board member Eric Souders, known for his immersive portrayal of Lieutenant Beale, participants will hike two camels along the original roadbed across Government Prairie. Along the way, guides will interpret the cultural, archaeological, and ecological history of the landscape, connecting 19th-century exploration to modern forest restoration efforts on the Kaibab National Forest.

Evenings are spent at historic Spring Valley Cabin, where participants will enjoy a Dutch oven dinner, campfire storytelling, and an in-depth presentation on the Beale Wagon Road and the U.S. Army’s remarkable camel experiment. Sunday’s programming includes an interpretive hike to Laws Spring to explore prehistoric petroglyphs and historic inscriptions.

All proceeds support Willow Bend Environmental Education Center’s hands-on environmental education programs serving northern Arizona youth.

Trip Details:

Dates: Saturday–Sunday, May 9 –10

Group Size: Limited to 10 participants

Cost: $450 for Willow Bend members / $500 non-members (nonrefundable)

Location: Williams Ranger District, Kaibab National Forest

This event is permitted by the Kaibab National Forest.