Walk the road with camels and step into history.
Join Willow Bend Environmental Education Center for a two-day 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.
What’s Included:
Accommodations at the historic Spring Valley Bunkhouse
Two meals: Saturday night dutch oven dinner and Sunday breakfast
Two guided interpretive hikes + presentations on local ecology and history
Time spent with our two incredible camels, Gamal and Rakuda
The Itinerary
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12 PM to 4 PM: The tour begins with a meeting at the junction of the Beale Wagon Road and Forest Road 793 southeast of Government Mountain. Participants, guided by Eric, Neil, and two camels, will traverse one of the best-preserved sections of the wagon road in Northern Arizona—a 2-mile roundtrip hike. Opportunities to ride camels will be offered. Afterward, the group will caravan to Elk Springs for a quick interpretive stop, discussing the significance of recent forest restoration projects.
5:30 to 7:30 PM: Enjoy a Dutch Oven Dinner and a presentation on the history of the Beale Wagon Road by Neil and Eric at the Spring Valley Cabin. Spend the rest of the night at your leisure, enjoying the quiet of the forest, looking up at the vivid night sky, or relaxing with new friends!
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7 AM to 12 PM: Start your day with a relaxed breakfast. Afterwards, carpool from Spring Valley Cabin for an interpretive hike to Laws Spring, where you will explore the natural and cultural history of the area.
12 PM: Return to Flagstaff after Laws Spring hike.
