Bent’s Old Fort Closures and Damage Sparks Concern in La Junta as Access Shrinks and Repairs Stall
Description: Bent’s Old Fort in La Junta is closing key areas, limiting visitor access and raising concerns over preservation and tourism. Here’s what’s happening and why it matters...
Bent’s Old Fort Faces Reduced Access as Community Pushes for Action
LA JUNTA, Colo. — Access to Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site has significantly declined over the past several years, raising concerns among residents and local leaders about the future of one of the region’s most important historic and tourism landmarks.
Just three years ago, visitors could explore much of the reconstructed 19th-century trading post. Today, however, large portions of the fort are no longer accessible. The entire second floor is closed, the towers have been shut down, connecting bridges have been removed, and only a limited number of rooms on the first floor remain open to the public.
For many in the community, the changes are more than logistical—they represent the gradual loss of a shared experience. The fort has long served as a place where visitors, especially children, could immerse themselves in history. The closure of key features, such as the towers, has altered that experience in ways that are difficult to ignore.
Bent’s Old Fort is not only a cultural landmark but also a major driver of tourism in La Junta. As access continues to shrink, concerns are growing about its long-term impact on both preservation efforts and the local economy.
Community members say that while discussions about future plans have been mentioned, meaningful progress will depend on continued public engagement. Residents are being encouraged to attend meetings, reach out to state and federal representatives, and advocate for the funding and attention needed to maintain and restore the site.
Local officials are already taking steps in that direction. Members of the La Junta City Council and the Tourism Board recently visited Bent’s Old Fort to continue discussions and strengthen collaboration around the site’s future. Their visit underscores the importance of the fort as both a historic resource and a cornerstone of local tourism.
Despite the closures, the site remains open in a limited capacity. Park grounds and trails are accessible daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and ranger-led guided tours are available on select days and times.
Visitors are encouraged to check the National Park Service website for the most current information on hours, tours, and access:
https://www.nps.gov/beol/planyourvisit/hours.htm
As conversations continue, many in the community stress that preserving Bent’s Old Fort will require more than plans—it will require sustained attention, funding, and public involvement to ensure the site remains accessible for future generations.
A message from La Junta Mayor Joe Ayala:
If people want to help push for repairs at Bent’s Fort, the most effective place to speak up right now is with our federal delegation since it’s a National Park Service site.
Congressman Jeff Hurd is at (719) 696-6968 locally or (202) 225-4676 in DC.
Senator Michael Bennet is (202) 224-5852 and Senator Hickenlooper is (202) 224-5941.
Public interest really does make a difference on projects like this.
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Photos from La Junta Officials
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