Bent’s Old Fort to reopen for guided tours after safety concerns
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site will reopen its reconstructed fort to the public with guided tours beginning May 24. The National Park Service announced the reopening Friday, while noting that park trails and grounds remain open to visitors seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding holiday closures.
The fort had been closed to public access following safety issues discovered in November 2023, made worse by a major snow event in November 2024. These events led to significant plaster and render cover loss on brick walls, leaving the structure unstable. Stabilization work and monitoring are ongoing.
Bent's Old Fort park staff greasing the axle of the park's green Conestoga Wagon. Courtesy NPS - Jake Koch
Guided tours will be offered at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Saturdays and at 11:00 a.m. Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Each tour is expected to last approximately 75 minutes and will begin at the visitor parking orientation shelter. Tour participation is limited to 25 people.
Superintendent Eric Leonard stated that “The reconstructed fort offers valuable opportunities to explore and remember our nation’s past.”
Visitors are encouraged to check the park's website, www.nps.gov/beol, for current conditions, closures, alerts, hours of operation, and safety notices before their visit. The NPS app also provides information for planning a trip. Visitors exploring the grounds should be prepared for unpredictable high plains weather by bringing water, dressing in layers, and wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is located at 35110 State Highway 194 near La Junta in Otero County.
