📷 NPS staff, Public domainFort Union National Monument
Watrous, NM
Adobe ruins of the largest 19th-century fort on the Santa Fe Trail, with wagon ruts still visible in the grass.
Fort Union National Monument is the ruin of a US Army fort about 7.7 miles (roughly 12 km) north of Watrous in northeastern New Mexico. The Army built three forts here in succession: in 1851, in 1861 and from 1863 to 1868. The site lay where the Mountain Branch and the Cimarron Branch of the Santa Fe Trail met, and it served as an important supply depot. According to Britannica, the third fort was the largest in the Southwest.
During the Civil War a star-shaped earthen fort was built in 1861 to fend off a Confederate advance. The fort was abandoned in 1891 and fell into decay. The 720-acre site became a national monument in 1954. A self-guided trail takes you through the ruins, the visitor center has exhibits, and wagon ruts of the Santa Fe Trail can still be seen.
The address is 3115 NM Highway 161. Check opening hours in advance.
- Nearest town
- Watrous, NM
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 35.9081, -105.0139
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Storrie RV AreaMotorhome stopover21 mi from Fort Union National MonumentMotorhomes
- Las Vegas RV Over Nite ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Fort Union National MonumentMotorhomes
All campsites in New Mexico · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fort Union National Monument?
Fort Union National Monument is in Watrous, NM, at GPS 35.9081, -105.0139. It is about 25 mi from Las Vegas.
Can you camp near Fort Union National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Storrie RV Area, about 21 mi away; within 25 mi there are 2 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Fort Union National Monument?
Fort Union National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: On the Santa Fe Trail: Trinidad to Santa Fe.
What is there to see near Fort Union National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park (38 mi), Pecos National Historical Park (45 mi), Eagle Nest Lake State Park (46 mi) and Taos Pueblo (47 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fort Union National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)