Blue skies and billowing clouds frequently add to the incredible viewshed that surrounds the monument grounds.
Photo: Ron Harvey - Fort Union National Monument
About
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.
Location
3115 NM Highway 161
Watrous, NM 87753
Hours
wednesday8:00AM - 4:00PM
monday8:00AM - 4:00PM
thursday8:00AM - 4:00PM
sunday8:00AM - 4:00PM
tuesday8:00AM - 4:00PM
friday8:00AM - 4:00PM
saturday8:00AM - 4:00PM
Activities
Guided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingLiving HistoryHistoric Weapons DemonstrationJunior Ranger ProgramShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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.
Get directions →Weather
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.