fort-union | NM | Find park

Blue skies and billowing clouds frequently add to the incredible viewshed that surrounds the monument grounds.

One of the most photographed areas of the monument, the Mechanics Corral onced serviced wagons that travelled along the Santa Fe Trail.

Located deep within the Mora Valley, Fort Union National Monument contains a vast array of plant and animal life.

Located on the monument grounds is the world's largest collection of Territorial-Style adobe remanants.

Completed in 1960, the Visitor Center at Fort Union was one of the first built during the "MIssion 66" program for the National Park Service. It was designed by the internationally known architect Cecil Doty.

Physical Address:

3115 NM Highway 161

Watrous, NM 87753

Mailing Address:

PO Box 127

Watrous, NM 87753

contact-details

Phone Number: 505-425-8025 Voice
Phone Number: 505-454-9272 Fax

Email Address: foun_information@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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.

park designation:National Monument

Directions:

Fort Union National Monument is located in the Northeastern portion of the state of New Mexico. 8 miles off of Interstate I-25 on State Highway NM 161. New Mexico: From Albuquerque (156 miles), Santa Fe (94 miles) or Las Vegas, NM (28 miles) take I-25 North, exit 366 at Watrous, 8 miles on NM 161. Colorado: From Denver (313 miles), Colorado Springs (243 miles) or Raton (95 miles) take I-25 South, exit 366 at Watrous, 8 miles on NM 161.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

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.

Exceptions:

Thanksgiving Day Holiday Closure (November 27, 2025 - November 27, 2025)

Christmas Day Holiday Closure (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

New Year's Day Holiday Closure (January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025)

Winter Hours of Operation (September 1, 2024 - May 27, 2025)

Weather Information:

Fort Union is situated at 6,760 feet above sea level. Daytime temperatures between June and September may exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures often drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 summer, expect high temperatures, intense sunlight and extremely low humidity.