Park Hours (Today)
8:00AM - 4:00PM
Fort Union National Monument Visitor Center: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
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About the Park
Exposed to the wind, within a sweeping valley of short grass prairie, and along the eroded Santa Fe Trail, lie the adobe walled ruins of the largest 19th century military fort in the region. From 1851 to 1891, Fort Union functioned as an agent of change, desired or not, in the New Mexico Territory and throughout the Southwest.
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Visitor Centers
Fort Union National Monument Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is currently open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Handicapped parking spaces for standard sized vehicles are available in the Visitor Center parking area. Several "oversized" parking spaces in the parking lot can accommodate campers, buses, and large RV's.
Getting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
Fort Union National Monument is located in the Northeastern portion of the state of New Mexico. 8 miles off of Interstate I-25 on State Highway NM 161. New Mexico: 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. Colorado: 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.
Park Amenities
Operating Hours
Fort Union National Monument Operating Hours
The monument grounds and visitor center are generally open 7 days a week, from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The monument is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day.
- Monday8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Tuesday8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Wednesday8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Thursday8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Friday8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Saturday8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sunday8:00AM - 4:00PM
Photos
Wagons encrusted in frost
Sunflower in Enlisted Barracks
Moon in sky above adobe remnants
Fort Union Visitor Center Sign
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
1 day
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Planning Fort Union National Monument
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