Name: Fort Union Main Loop Trail
Rating: 4.0

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Family Friendly The trails are flat and easy for kids to navigate. There is also a Junior Ranger booklet for kids to complete.

This trail is open to the public during operating hours of the National Monument. Check nps.gov/foun for hours and other important information. Stay on trail and out of the ruins for safety and protection of the site.

Description

This trail is a 1.1 mile loop that takes you around the ruins of the third fort at Fort Union, NM. As you exit out of the back of the visitor center there are three different ways you can go, but rangers suggest to take a left to follow the trail chronologically.

Along the trail you'll get to see Santa Fe trail ruts, officers row, mechanics corral, the prison, hospital, and many other ruins from the fort. When you walk along the trail, take time to read the waysides, they have a lot of great information about the history of the fort, the people who lived there, and people who traveled through the fort while it was open. This trail is flat, with little elevation change making it a very easy trail for anyone to enjoy.

If you cannot make the entire loop you can shorten the route by using the Parade Ground Connector. Make sure you stay on the trail for safety and preservation of the fort. It is a great place to stretch your legs if you are traveling on Interstate-25 near Las Vegas, NM and to learn about American history.

Flora & Fauna

You may encounter snakes and lizards along the trail. Pronghorn may be seen out in the prairie. Depending on the time of year and the amount of precipitation received, native short grass prairie flowers may be seen.