Last updated: May 13, 2025
Thing to Do
Guided Tours of Bent's Old Fort
NPS/D. Ocheltree
Take a tour with a Park Ranger to learn more about Bent's Old Fort. During the summer of 2025, guided tours of the fort will occur at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, guided tours will be available at 11:00 a.m. only. Each tour will last approximately seventy-five minutes and begin at the visitor parking orientation shelter. Tours are limited to twenty-five participants and will explore the historic use of the site and the reconstruction of the fort in the 1970s.
Details
Duration
60-75 Minutes
Activity
Guided Tours
Take a tour with a Park Ranger to learn more about Bent's Old Fort. Tours are limited to twenty-five participants and will explore the historic use of the site and the reconstruction of the fort in the 1970s.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are permitted on trails, and must be leashed at all times, kept close at hand and away from fort livestock. Pets are allowed inside the fort plaza only. Learn more about our pet policy.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Bent's Old Fort
Tours begin at the Orientation Shelter at the visitor parking area before walking to the fort.
Reservations
No
At this time, guided tours are conducted on a first come, first serve basis.
Season
Summer
Regularly scheduled guided tours are available five days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
Parking and Wheelchair Use
Accessibility parking is available at the visitor parking lot. There is a paved pathway, 1,275 feet in length, from the parking lot to the fort that is hard-surfaced and wheelchair accessible.
Fort Accessibility
Most of the first floor of the fort is wheelchair accessible, with soft surfaces. Visitors with accessibility needs are asked to arrive thirty minutes in advance or contact the park to arrange accomodations, if needed.
Service Animals
Service animals are allowed anywhere in the park when kept 25 yards or more away from fort livestock.
Accessibility parking is available at the visitor parking lot. There is a paved pathway, 1,275 feet in length, from the parking lot to the fort that is hard-surfaced and wheelchair accessible.
Fort Accessibility
Most of the first floor of the fort is wheelchair accessible, with soft surfaces. Visitors with accessibility needs are asked to arrive thirty minutes in advance or contact the park to arrange accomodations, if needed.
Service Animals
Service animals are allowed anywhere in the park when kept 25 yards or more away from fort livestock.
Frequently asked questions about guided tours
During the summer of 2025, guided tours of the fort will occur at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, guided tours will be available at 11:00 a.m. only. Each tour will last approximately seventy-five minutes and begin at the visitor parking orientation shelter. Tours are limited to twenty-five participants and will explore the historic use of the site and the reconstruction of the fort in the 1970s.
At this time, guided tours are conducted on a first come, first serve basis the day of the tour.
Larger groups must contact the park at least 60 days in advance to discuss arrangements to accommodate more than 25 persons through the Special Use Permitting process.
Access to the reconstructed fort is restricted to ranger-led guided tours only due to safety issues stemming from nearly 50 years of use and deficiencies in the design and construction of the reconstructed Fort. A winter weather event in November 2024 accelerated deterioration of previously documented and monitored areas of concern. Staff continue to monitor the condition of the structure for further change.
Pets are permitted on tours, and must be leashed at all times, kept close at hand and away from fort livestock. Pets are allowed inside the fort plaza only. Learn more about our pet policy.