Fort Union National Monument
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Fort Union at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- Half day–1 day
- Don't miss
- Main Fort Union highlights — see Things to Do for current listings
- Nearby city
- Watrous, NM
Explore this park
About Fort Union National Monument
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.
3 current NPS alerts
- Information: Park Open for Normal Hours - Visitor Center Closed
- Information: The Park is Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day each year.
- Information: New Mexico Road Advisories
Source: National Park Service (as of Oct 31, 2026). Official Fort Union National Monument page on nps.gov
Weather Information
Fort Union is situated at 6,760 feet above sea level. Daytime temperatures between June and September may exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Summer
expect high temperatures, intense sunlight and extremely low humidity.
- Winter
Down to 32°F
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
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
Common questions
Planning Fort Union National Monument
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Fort Union. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
