Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

William and Charles Bent, along with Ceran St. Vrain, built the original fort on this site in 1833 to trade with plains Indians and trappers. The adobe fort quickly became the center of the Bent, St.Vrain Company's expanding trade empire that included Fort St.Vrain to the north and Fort Adobe to the south, along with company stores in Mexico at Taos and Santa Fe. The primary trade was with the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians for buffalo robes.

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. The fort provided explorers, adventurers, and the U.S. Army a place to get needed supplies, wagon repairs, livestock, good food, water and company, rest and protection in this vast "Great American Desert." During the war with Mexico in 1846, the fort became a staging area for Colonel Stephen Watts Kearny's "Army of the West". Disasters and disease caused the fort's abandonment in 1849. Archeological excavations and original sketches, paintings and diaries were used in the fort's reconstruction in 1976.

35110 Highway 194 East
La Junta, CO 81050-9523
719-383-5010 - Visitor Information
719-383-5032 - Visitor Information

By Plane
There are commercial airlines to Pueblo (75 miles) and Colorado Springs (110 miles).

By Car
The park is accessed via U.S. Highway 50 and Highway 194. From La Junta, Colorado on U.S. Highway 50, take Highway 109 north 1 mile to Highway 194, then east on Highway 194 six miles to the fort.
From Las Animas, Colorado, on U.S. Highway 50, take Highway 194 west 13 miles.

By Plane
Greyhound bus serves all surrounding communities. Amtrak trains have a stop in La Junta.

Getting Around
A shuttle service is provided for those unable to walk the 1/4 mile trail from the visitor parking lot to the fort.

Summer daytime temperatures range between 80 to 105 F, nights 50 to 75 F. Winter daytime temperatures range between 0 to 65 F, night -20 to 30 F. Precipitation is minimal. Brief afternoon thunderstorms with lightning, hail, and gusty winds can occur during the summer. Winter snow accumulations are generally light, but heavy snows may occur. Layered clothing appropriate for the season is recommended. Weather can vary greatly throughout the day.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Educational Programs
• Bird Watching

Recommended Activities
A 1/4 mile walk down the trail will bring you to the gate of the fort. Inside you can view the 20 minute documentary film, "Castle of the Plains". Self-guided tours and the film are available throughout the year. Living history interpreters provide guided tours and demonstrations June 1 through Labor Day. Tours for organized groups are available by reservation only from September through May.

Special Events include Kid's Quarters (June 17),
Santa Fe Trail Encampment (July 28-30), Millennium Tree Celebration (November 26), and the Traditional Holiday Celebration (December 1-2).

The trade room and bookstore offer fur trade and park related books and historically authenic reproduction trade goods for sale.