News Release

Reconstructed fort at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site to open for guided tours

A park ranger holds a replica trade item while conversing with a visitor

NPS Photo

News Release Date: May 9, 2025

Contact: Jake Koch, [phone]

Contact: Mario Medina, [phone]

LA JUNTA, Colo – The National Park Service is working to provide visitors to Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, and national parks throughout the country, with safe and memorable experiences. Guided, park ranger-led tours of the reconstructed fort will begin on Saturday, May 24, 2025. 

For the summer of 2025, guided tours of the fort will occur at 9 and 11 a.m. on Saturdays and at 11 am on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Each tour will last approximately 75 minutes and begin at the visitor parking orientation shelter. Tours are limited to twenty-five participants.

The park's trails and grounds are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m., except for holiday closures.The fort will remain closed to public access except during guided tours to ensure visitor safety.

In November 2023, the second story of the reconstructed fort closed due to safety issues stemming from nearly 50 years of use and deficiencies in the original reconstruction of the fort. A major snow event in November 2024 accelerated previously documented areas of concern, resulting in major loss of plaster and render cover on brick walls, leaving walls and supports severely unstable and liable of collapse. Stabilization work and monitoring of the structure is continuing."We are excited to invite the public back into the reconstructed fort through guided tours," said Superintendent Eric Leonard. "The reconstructed fort offers valuable opportunities to explore and remember our nation’s past.” 

It is important for visitors to do due diligence when planning to visit the park. This includes checking the park's website for weather-related conditions, closures and other alerts, services available, hours of operations, and safety notices. Visitors planning to explore the grounds and trails should be prepared for the often-unpredictable weather of the high plains. Bring water, dress in layers, and wear comfortable walking shoes.   

For more information on the reconstructed fort, please use the NPS App or visit the park’s web page at www.nps.gov/beol to plan your visit.