Status of the Reconstructed Fort

The park is open; the reconstructed fort is temporarily closed


Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site has implemented a temporary safety closure of the reconstructed fort to address critical infrastructure concerns. We appreciate your patience as we work hard to address these concerns and ensure the safety and well-being of our visitors and staff. Park staff are working with National Park Service engineers developing plans to stabilize areas of concern so that the fort can be reopened.

In November 2023, the second story of the reconstructed fort at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site closed due to safety issues stemming from nearly fifty years of use and deficiencies in the original reconstruction of the Fort. A major snow event in early November 2024, deposited twenty-six inches of snow in the vicinity of the fort. This large amount of moisture accelerated previously documented and monitored areas of concern, creating numerous safety hazards which must be addressed.

The fort will remain closed until the safety concerns can be addressed. 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.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About The Reconstructed Fort

Updated February 2025

 
A park ranger wearing a hard hat holds an amended adobe brick that fell off of the south wall of the wagon alley.
A park ranger wearing a hard hat holds an amended adobe brick that fell off of the south wall of the wagon alley.

NPS photo

Debris is visible below the wall, and exposed bricks and failing render are visible.
Debris is visible below the wall, and exposed bricks and failing render are visible.

NPS Photo

Detail of a pile of bricks and associated debris that have fallen from the south wall of the wagon alley.
Detail of a pile of bricks and associated debris that have fallen from the south wall of the wagon alley.

NPS Photo

NPS staff wearing hard hats stand in the wagon alley. Snow is on the ground and the alley is deep in morning shadow.
NPS staff wearing hard hats stand in the wagon alley.

NPS photo

A park ranger wearing a hat hard views exposed brick and damage. A pile of bricks and dirt debris lines the bottom of the wall.
A park ranger wearing a hat hard views exposed brick and damage associated with recent snow fall.

NPS Photo

Interior wall of the side corral showing areas where moisture damage has caused render covering to fail. The side corral gate is darkened by mid-morning shadow.
Interior wall of the side corral showing areas where moisture damage has caused render covering to fail.

NPS Photo

 
A photograph showing heavy equipment in an adobe fort with a wall missing.
Reconstructing the Fort

Bent’s Old Fort was completely reconstructed by the National Park Service as a Bicentennial project and was dedicated on July 25, 1976.

A black and white line drawing of fortress showing round towers at opposite ends and a flag flying.
Architecture born of earth

Construction of the original Bent’s Old Fort was started in 1833 and completed probably in the spring of 1835.

Park Ranger looks up at a failing wall
Reconstruction Photo Galleries

Photographs of the 1976 Reconstruction showing current conditions and construction images from the 1970s.

Last updated: February 12, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

35110 State Highway 194
La Junta, CO 81050

Phone:

719 383-5010
The park's phone system is currently unreliable and may not work if you attempt to call; we strongly suggest use of email for all non-emergency inquiries. Staff are available Monday through Friday to take your call from 9:00 a. m. - 3:30 p. m. Mountain Time. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

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