Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Bent's Old Fort

For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements.

Ohanapecosh Campground - Site A008

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site features a reconstructed 1840s adobe fur trading post on the mountain branch of the Santa Fe Trail where traders, trappers, travelers, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes came together in peaceful terms for trade. Today, living historians recreate the sights, sounds, and smells of the past with guided tours, demonstrations and special events.

Ohanapecosh Campground - Site A008

Bent's Old Fort

For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements.

Santa Fe Trail Encampment and Trail Hike

The Park features the Santa Fe Trail Encampment during certain years. Historical interpreters bring the fort to life. Visitors can hike 3 miles down the original Santa Fe Trail with the fort's wagons.

Bent's Old Fort

For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements.

Fur trapper explains the work of the 1830s.

Special events bring the past alive with encampments, fort trade and Plains Indian life.

A Lakota warrior barters with the traders in the fort plaza

Trade with a Lakota warrior for trade goods from around the world.

Hiking the Santa Fe Trail

The Santa Fe Trail Encampment features a hike with the fort's wagon down the original Santa Fe Trail.

Open hearth cooking in the fort kitchen

Buffalo meat is broiled in the reflector oven as was done historically in the 1840s.

Swivel cannon is fired using 18th century drill

The fort's security depended on its ability to resist attack.

Ohanapecosh Campground - Site A008 Parking Area

Ohanapecosh Campground - Site A008

Campers are provided with a picnic table, food storage box, and fire pit.

RecAreaDirections

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.

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Facilities

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site Tours Ticket Facility

Bent's Old Fort Facility

Visitors park at the parking lot and walk the 1/4 mile (1,275 feet) trail to the fort where you will be met by an interpreter wearing period clothing. Brochures and a documentary film are available in one of the fort rooms. Western National Parks bookstore is located at the left rear corner of the fort.

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