Fort Union National Monument

Fort Union was established in 1851 as the guardian of the Santa Fe Trail. During it's forty-year history, three different forts were constructed close together. The third Fort Union was the largest in the American Southwest, and functioned as a military garrison, territorial arsenal, and military supply depot for the southwest. The largest visible network of Santa Fe Trail ruts can be seen here.

The Basics

Hours:

Open daily except New Year’‘s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Winter Hours: Labor Day to Memorial Day 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Summer Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Address:

P.O. Box 127
Watrous, NM 87753

Information:

505-425-8025

Directions

From Albuquerque (156 miles), Santa Fe (94 miles) or Las Vegas, NM (28 miles) take I-25 north, exit 366 at Watrous, 8 miles on NM 161.

From Denver (313 miles), Colorado Springs (243 miles) or Raton (95 miles) take I-25 south, exit 366 at Watrous, 8 miles on NM 161.

Climate

Sunny year-round with semi-arid conditions. July's average high is 85°, low is 51°. January's average high is 47°, low is 16°. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Link to our Las Vegas (NM) Weather coverage for more information.

Things To Do

Park Interpretive Programs

During the summer, scheduled interpretive talks, guided tours, and living history programs are offered. Commercial and school groups numbering ten or more, interested in a formal guided tour, may make advance reservations.

A 1.6 mile, self-guided interpretive trail enables visitors to tour the ruins. Visitors may opt to do a shorter .5 mile self guided tour.

Allow approximately two hours for visit.

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