Fort Union National Monument

Things To Do Near Fort Union National Monument

Bring a water bottle and sunscreen on your visit to Fort Union National Monument; most of the experience happens under the unrelenting high-desert sun. Start in the visitor center, where you'll learn about the strategic importance of the location and watch a video about the fort's history. The most exciting experiences are outside — spend an hour or two exploring the ruins on foot, examining the construction, and looking for the wagon-wheel ruts that still line the ground. Keep the fun going with a visit to the surrounding communities, which offer a selection of historic sites and creature comforts.

Hiking Trails

• Fort Union Trail

  The Fort Union Trail is the only maintained trail in Fort Union National Monument. Made from packed dirt and pea gravel, it winds through the ruins of the old fort; a number of side stone trails offer the chance to see the buildings from a variety of angles. The wide-open New Mexico countryside extends for miles in every direction, giving you a feeling for the isolation of the fort during the early days of the United States. This hike is exposed, with no shade, so bring water if you're visiting in the summer. 

  Location

  Visitor center

  Length

  1.2 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Easy

• Santa Fe Trail

  If you're interested in New Mexico history, walk along the old wagon ruts of the Santa Fe Trail. This is the route travelers took as they made their way from Missouri to Santa Fe; it was a crucial commercial and military path until the late 1800s. Today, the indentations are still visible in the desert. Pick them up just east of the ruined fort, parallel to Monument Lane, and follow them as they head north into the desert. The tracks disappear soon after you leave the fort, but they're worth following for a short hike to see the same views the wagon trains encountered 200 years ago.

  Location

  Visitor center

  Length

  Varies

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Fort Union Ruins

  The fort ruins are the main attraction at Fort Union National Monument. There are actually three different sets of ruins from different time periods. The third is the largest and best-preserved; it was built in 1862 using local red adobe brick coated with plaster and finished with red bricks. See the scale of this frontier fort as you walk the long trail around the open center plaza. The oldest ruins, which are closest to the visitor center, date back to 1851. The second iteration of Fort Union is the most distinctive — it was built with earthen walls in the shape of an eight-pointed star to increase defensive power and withstand prolonged attacks. The low mounds that remain are located southwest of the visitor center.

  Location

  Fort Union National Monument Visitor Center

• Night Sky Programs

  Some of the best views at the Fort Union National Monument aren't visible until the sun goes down — the remote location means that the stars are exceptionally bright and clear. Attend one of the park's Night Sky Programs, and you'll get the opportunity to walk around the fort at night with a ranger. The park provides telescopes to give you a closer look at the Milky Way.

  Location

  Fort Union National Monument Visitor Center

• Glimpses of the Past

  Throughout the year, the staff of Fort Union National Monument works with the Santa Fe National Historic Trail and the Las Vegas Citizen's Committee for Historic Preservation to put on a series of Glimpses of the Past Presentations. Located in historic Las Vegas, these free educational events cover a wide range of topics, from the women of the Wild West to the history of the Santa Fe Trail.

  Location

  116 Bridge Street, Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701

Museums

• las Vegas Museum

  Learn more about life on the New Mexico frontier at the Las Vegas Museum. Small but overflowing with artifacts, photos, and educational exhibits, it's well worth a stop. Discover how the Rough Riders shaped the American Southwest, examine a variety of period furniture, and marvel at a number of historic vignettes. Exhibits on topics ranging from fashion to military history provide a comprehensive view of early New Mexico.

  Location

  727 Grand Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701

• Cleveland Roller Mill Museum

  If you're heading west into the mountains from Fort Union National Monument, plan to stop at the Cleveland Roller Mill Museum. Located on the site of a historic mill, the museum is dedicated to wheat farming and processing in the 1800s and early 1900s. Don't miss the flour mill, which was powered by a water wheel. On special occasions, the museum staff will run the wheel and the milling equipment.

  Location

  NM-518, Cleveland, NM 87715

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Paper Trail

  Shop for a unique souvenir, a greeting card, or an item for your home at Paper Trail. Friendly and independently owned, this small store is a fun stop when you're passing through the small town of Las Vegas.

  Location

  158 Bridge St, Las Vegas, NM 87701

• Tito's Gallery

  Find one-of-a-kind pieces by local artists at Tito's Gallery. Whether you're interested in turquoise jewelry, sculptures, belts, or quirky crafts, Tito's has you covered. 

  Location

  157 Bridge St, Las Vegas, NM 87701

• Watrous Coffee House

  Watrous Coffee House is a bit of an anomaly — this beautiful, airy coffee shop sits in the middle of the desert, just 10 miles from Fort Union National Monument. Pick up a coffee and a muffin on your way to the park, or stop on your way back for a light meal. The hours are limited; make sure to check before you visit.

  Location

  2115 NM-161, Watrous, NM 87753

• Kocina De Raphael

  You're never far from fantastic Mexican food in New Mexico, and Kocina De Raphael is no exception. The chicharron burritos are exceptional, and if you're hungry, try the fajita special.

  Location

How To Get To Fort Union National Monument

Fort Union National Monument feels like it's in the middle of nowhere, but it's relatively easy to reach. If you're in an RV, the easiest option is to take I-25 north from Santa Fe or south from Raton and the Colorado border. Just north of Watrous, take 161 north; it dead-ends at the park.

Address

3115 NM Highway 161, Watrous, NM 87753

Fee: Entry fee $0

Fort Union National Monument brings the history of the Wild West to life. Whether you're interested in historical construction, commerce, or military operations, this well-preserved fort makes a memorable stop. RV camping is the perfect way to take in the rugged beauty of New Mexico during your visit to the fort.