Laws & Policies

Rules and regulations are in place to protect the visitors and the resources of Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site. Please do your part to protect this special place.

 

Bicycling

Bicycling is permitted on the visitor entry road and on the ¼ mile trail from the parking lot to the fort. If ridden to the fort, the bicycle must be parked on the East side of the fort to permit a clear view of the front of the fort. Bicycling is not permitted on the river hiking trail. Pedestrian have the right of way.

Camping

Camping is not allowed in the park. Overnight accommodations and campgrounds are available in La Junta, 7 miles to the West.

Firearms

People who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, can legally possess firearms in Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site and must follow all state and federal laws. Discharging firearms or hunting within the park is prohibited. Firearms are prohibited in the Fort and park facilities.

Pets

Activities with pets are limited at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. Pets are permitted on the trail and must be leashed at all times, kept close at hand and away from fort livestock. Pets are not allowed inside the fort.

Resource Damage

Damaging the park's natural and cultural resources is prohibited. Activities that damage resources include walking on vegetation, the taking of natural or cultural objects, and graffiti and other vandalism.

Livestock

Feeding and approaching the park livestock is prohibited. The park livestock consists of oxen, mules, horses, peacocks, chickens and cats. The livestock are not pets.

Drugs and Alcohol

Possession of any controlled substance is prohibited. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants, or having open containers of alcohol in a vehicle, is prohibited.

Marijuana on Federal Lands

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site would like to provide clarification regarding the use and possession of marijuana on Federal lands. Colorado State Laws which allow for limited recreational marijuana use under certain conditions, has no bearing on Federal laws which continue to identify marijuana as a Schedule I illegal drug, and prohibit its use. Possession of marijuana or use of any amount of marijuana is still prohibited in Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site and all its facilities. Violations are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual or $10,000.00 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both (16 U.S.C. 551, 18 U.S.C. 3559 and 3571).

Superintendent's Compendium

The Superintendent's Compendium lists the special designations, closures, public use limits, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent.

More Information

Certain regulations apply to every national park unit. Those regulations can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7).

 

No Drone Zone

Launching, landing or operating uncrewed or remote-controlled aircraft at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is prohibited.

Uncrewed Aircraft defined: The term "uncrewed aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. Read more about uncrewed aircraft in the national parks.