Located in CO.
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…
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Tell Trailie your dates, pace, and interests — get a day-by-day Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
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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.
temperatures are often in the high 90s and low 100s.
temperatures can be below freezing.
Weather is generally fair in the fall and spring. Most of the fort is unheated and does not have modern cooling systems, so dress accordingly.
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.
Replica Fort
The public is invited inside the 1976 replica of Bent’s Old Fort, entering through the zaguan gate and into the plaza. Park Rangers will be present to explain the features of the fort and its 20th century reconstruction. Entry into the replica fort is limited to the central plaza, except on guided tours, due to safety issues. For your safety, respect all closures and restrictions. Guided tours provide access to some furnished spaces.
Annual Entrance - Park
$35.00Bent'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.
Common questions
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts and Permits for live updates.
TrailVerse lists 2 reservation types on the Permits tab, including Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site Tours and Evening Candlelight Tour. Recreation.gov listings can change seasonally — confirm current rules before you set dates.
