Besh-Ba-Gowah

Besh-Ba-Gowah is an archaeological site with the remains of a pueblo settlement built on a ridge above Pinal Creek, featuring roughly 200 rooms made of stone. The buildings connect to each other through hallways and corridors, and the masonry shows traces of white plaster that once covered the walls.

The Salado people built this settlement between 1225 and 1400, marking an important period in the region's ancient history. This occupation helps archaeologists understand how communities organized themselves and constructed their dwellings during that era.

The site's name means 'house of the metal worker' in Apache language, reflecting the cultural connections between different peoples in the region. Today visitors can see pottery and tools in the museum that reveal how people managed their daily lives and crafts.

The grounds offer accessible paths for visitors to explore the different areas of the ruins and visit the attached museum. The best time to visit is during the cooler months, as the area can become very hot.

The stone walls show a distinctive building technique with vertical stone slabs at the base that stand out from the rest of the structure. This construction style was common among the Salado and makes this location a valuable example of their methods.

Location: Gila County

GPS coordinates: 33.38190,-110.77190

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43