National Monument

Fort Union National Monument

Southwest

About Fort Union

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.

From the National Park Service.

Region: Southwest
State: New Mexico
Designation: National Monument
Entrance fee: None listed

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Fort Union.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

Fort Union National Monument Operating Hours

Mon: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Tue: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Wed: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Thu: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Fri: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Sat: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Sun: 8:00AM - 4:00PM

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.

Weather and when to go

Fort Union is situated at 6,760 feet above sea level. Daytime temperatures between June and September may exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures often drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures may vary within 50 degrees in a 24-hour period. During the winter, it is not uncommon for the temperatures to drop below 0°F (-18°C.) During the summer, expect high temperatures, intense sunlight and extremely low humidity.

Getting there

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.

Directions from the National Park Service