About Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
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.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
The 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. Access into the reconstructed fort on a separate schedule—see the event calendar for hours of operation on scheduled plaza access days.
Activities
Getting There
The 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 six miles to the fort. From Las Animas, Colorado, on U.S. Highway 50, take Colorado Highway 194 west 13 miles. Set your GPS to 35110 State Highway 194 E., La Junta, CO.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
Bent's Old Fort Annual Park Pass - Cost $35. Covers entrance fees for passholder plus three adults at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. This pass can be purchased at the entrance inside the fort and at the Western National Parks Association park store in the back of the fort. Good for one year from purchase. Non-transferable and non-refundable.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Guided Tours of Bent's Old Fort
Take a tour with a Park Ranger to learn more about Bent's Old Fort. Tours are limited to fifteen participants…
Take a tour with a Park Ranger to learn more about Bent's Old Fort. Tours are limited to fifteen participants and…
Plaza Access in the Fort
The public is invited inside the reconstruction of Bent’s Old Fort, entering through the zaguan gate and into the plaza.…
Western National Parks Store at Bent's Old Fort
The park store is operated by Western National Parks, an official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to…
Hiking along the Arkansas River
Visitors can hike a 1.75 mile trail that winds its way through the cottonwood trees alongside the wetlands and the…
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site offers hikers access to the reconstructed fort and provides opportunities for bird watching and…
Trail to History
The entrance to the reconstructed fort is gained from the one-quarter mile paved pathway extending from the shade shelter to…
Become a Junior Ranger at Bent's Old Fort
Upon your arrival at the fort, request a Junior Ranger booklet from a park ranger. Tour the fort and grounds…
Visitor Centers
Information Center
NOTE: This facility will open to the public in June 2026. The information center is located at the visitor parking area, immediately next to the…
Hours: This facility will open to the public in June 2026.
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