Which national parks are within a day's drive of Fort Union National Monument?

Within about a day's drive you can reach Pecos National Historical Park (1 h 20 min), Manhattan Project National Historical Park (2 h 12 min), Capulin Volcano National Monument (2 h 13 min), Petroglyph National Monument (2 h 50 min), Bandelier National Monument (3 h 3 min), Valles Caldera National Preserve (3 h 3 min).

NATIONAL MONUMENT

Fort Union National Monument

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.

Photo: Ron Harvey - Fort Union National Monument / NPS

state

things to do

parks within a day

OVERVIEW

About Fort Union National Monument

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.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Large brown adobe mission church with low brick walls and kiva ladder in front

Fort Union National Monument◆◆this park

National Historical Park · New Mexico

Pecos National Historical Park

Fort Union National Monument◆◆this park

National Historical Park · New Mexico

Manhattan Project National Historical Park

Fort Union National Monument◆◆this park

National Monument · New Mexico

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Fort Union National Monument◆◆this park

National Monument · New Mexico

Petroglyph National Monument

Fort Union National Monument◆◆this park

National Monument · New Mexico

Bandelier National Monument

Fort Union National Monument◆◆this park

National Preserve · New Mexico

Valles Caldera National Preserve

Driving times from Fort Union National Monument, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Fort Union National Monument Operating Hours

Mon: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Tue: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Wed: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Thu: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Fri: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Sat: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Sun: 8:00AM - 4:00PM

THINGS TO DO

Activities

Bookstore and Park StoreGuided ToursHistoric Weapons DemonstrationJunior Ranger ProgramLiving HistorySelf-Guided Tours - WalkingShopping

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

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.

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at Fort Union National Monument?: Popular activities include Bookstore and Park Store, Guided Tours, Historic Weapons Demonstration, Junior Ranger Program, Living History, Self-Guided Tours - Walking.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Fort Union National Monument?: Within about a day's drive you can reach Pecos National Historical Park (1 h 20 min), Manhattan Project National Historical Park (2 h 12 min), Capulin Volcano National Monument (2 h 13 min), Petroglyph National Monument (2 h 50 min), Bandelier National Monument (3 h 3 min), Valles Caldera National Preserve (3 h 3 min).