A park ranger speaks to visitors gathered around the fur press in the plaza of the reconstructed fort.
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
National Historic Site · CO
In the 1840s the Arkansas River was the border between territory claimed by the United States and Mexico. Located along the river, Bent's Fort was an adobe trading post on the Santa Fe Trail, where traders, trappers, travelers, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes came together in peaceful terms for trade. Today, a reconstructed fort allows visitors to explore the front line of Westward Expansion.
Park report
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesGuided Tours at the Reconstructed Fort
Alert: Caution
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesCapacity Restrictions at the Reconstructed Fort
Alert: Caution
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesPlaza Access to Reconstructed Fort
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesA Short Walk is Required to Reach the Fort
Hours Exceptions
NoteThanksgiving Day; Christmas Day; New Year's Day; Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.; Washington's Birthday
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Visitor Centers
Good1 visitor center
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available17 activities
Park Name
InfoBent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Designation
InfoNational Historic Site
State(s)
InfoCO
Phone
Info719 383-5010
beol_interpretation@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoThe park grounds are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except on New Year's Day, the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr, Washington's Birthday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. During the off-season [October-March annually], the grounds are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except for the holidays listed above. Plaza access into the reconstructed fort is on a separate schedule—see the event calendar for hours of operation on scheduled plaza access days.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Visitor Center: Information Center
InfoSee park for hours
Themes & Topics
InfoArchitecture and Building, Archeology, Colonization and Settlement + 17 more
Weather Info
InfoSummer temperatures are often in the high 90s and low 100s. Weather is generally fair in the fall and spring. Winter temperatures can be below freezing. Most of the replica fort is unheated and does n
Getting There
InfoThe park is accessed via U.S. Highway 50 and Highway 194. From La Junta, Colorado on U.S. Highway 50, take Colorado Highway 109 north 1 mile to Colorado Highway 194, then east on Colorado Highway 194
Location
Info38.0398° N, -103.4266° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website