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 reco
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe 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 an
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 719 383-5010 · beol_interpretation@nps.gov
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
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Big Loop Trail, Paved Walkway, South Loop Trail. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Depends What are the hours?
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 an
Nearby sites
Jaywm / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers John Martin Reservoir
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
NPS Photo / Stuart West National Park Service Amache National Historic Site
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
