Fort Union National Monument

10/05/2026

Today’s homework: thank a teacher.

National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it happened, explore science by observing nature, and discover stories that help us better understand the people and places that shaped our world.

Behind those experiences are teachers helping students ask questions, make connections, and learn about the world around them.

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage exploration and remind us that learning can happen just about anywhere. (Including places with a really good view.)

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Image

10/05/2026

Every day from October 12 to November 5, 2026, visit Mission San José's granary during park hours (9am-5pm) to view the mission descendant community's family ofrendas.

Ofrendas are an essential part of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called "altares" or altars, but not for worship. These altars are not only full of family pictures, but of symbols and meaning, honoring the ancestors who have passed, and offering them items of the celebration such a "pan de mu**to" and marigold flowers.

NPS Photo

10/04/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

And we’re rather glad there are national parks to experience them in. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular spectacle (say that five times fast) of changing leaves. There is plenty of room for imagination when you find yourself surrounded by forests painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In our experience, you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. So consider this your invitation to find a little wonder, a little enchantment, and perhaps a kindred spirit among the trees.

Forests, woods, and shrublands in national parks put on their autumn colors from September through December. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be explored!

Image 1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Image 2: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image 3: Great Sand Dunes NPP
Image 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Image 5: TheodoreRooseveltNPS

10/03/2026

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady Heron

It’s October 3rd.

October is kind of a big deal around here. The autumn months splash many national parks with a rich array of fall colors, while cooler temperatures have wildlife getting ready for winter. Some are migrating. Some are gathering food. Some are putting on extra layers.

Same, honestly.

So whether you’re here for the foliage, the wildlife, or simply to judge the leaves on their color palette, national parks are a pretty fetch place to experience fall. Fetch? We’re making it happen.

And if you want to keep up with what’s happening in parks this season, you can find more ways to connect with your national parks at the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/fall-season.htm

Image: Red Osier Dogwood leaves stand out against aspen trunks at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. NPS/Patrick Myers

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.

Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families can get a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing access to national parks and federal recreation sites across the country.

Active-duty military families can also find free events, nearby outdoor opportunities, and resources for exploring national parks, public lands, and waterways through the Military Families Outdoors Program, wherever military life takes them. Visit: go.nps.gov/mfo

Whether you’re PCSing, exploring near your duty station, or looking for a weekend adventure, your next park visit may be closer than you think.

NPS Photo: Rangers at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park recently teamed up with Blue Star Families and community partners for a day of fishing, outdoor fun, and family time at Fletchers Cove.

Blue Star Families Defense Public Health

10/01/2026

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.

What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories begins with a single salmon. Something like that. There might be some steps involved too.

In the end, 16 bears entered. Bear 89 “Backpack” became champion. Talk about the hunger games. And several ate their way into our hearts. Figuratively. And thousands of us humans spent an unreasonable amount of time judging bears for being excellent at being, well, bears.

It was a week of big bellies, bigger appetites, and absolutely no regrets. We shared some science, learned about the Alaskan ecosystem, stood around for hours watching large mammals eat, and found multiple way to incorporate “chonk” in everyday vocabulary.

Now the bears have more important things to do, such as eating then sleeping, a bit more eating, sleeping, and finally preparing to sleep after eating. As for the rest of us, we all return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Must we?

We must.

We will miss you, Fat Bear Week. Until next year: stay chunky, stay hungry, and remember: there’s always room for one more salmon.

NPS Images

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, it's time for Chunky Puppy Day! Tune in to the Puppy Cam tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 2pm AK time to find out how big the America's Best Idea litter got this summer.

How much do you think they weigh now? Share your guesses in the comments below.

NPS Photo: Graupel from the Weather litter during a weigh-in last year.

09/30/2026

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks like.

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled programming: other fat mammals.

The tundra-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots have been preparing for hibernation for the last couple of months. Since marmots spend more than half their lives hibernating, they’ve developed some impressive adaptations for surviving the winter:

✅ First, they’ve been building up healthy fat reserves (sound familiar? Bears. Us too, but that’s another post) to sustain them for up to eight months. Basically, a nice winter savings account.

✅ When they finally enter hibernation, they become true hibernators, slowing their heart rate from around 200 beats per minute to as low as 30. It’s an impressive energy-saving strategy.

✅ Speaking of saving, they also save on utilities by cuddling up with the colony in a communal burrow. Because heating is expensive, and roommates are the answer. Was that on the lease?

NPS Photo: A rotund marmot standing on a rock at Rocky Mountain National Park

08/21/2026

“A Play of Candlelight” Annual Program

WATROUS, N.M. - Step into history at your Fort Union National Monument! On Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, as dusk settles over the historic grounds, the gates of Fort Union will swing open at 6 p.m. for an unforgettable evening. Dressed in authentic period costumes, our staff will lead you on a magical lantern-lit journey through time. Along the way, you’ll “meet” some of the remarkable personalities who helped weave the fabric of Fort Union’s legacy—each story brought to life in the flickering glow of lanterns.

Tour times are 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Each immersive program will last about 45 minutes. Don’t miss this chance to walk in the footsteps of history and experience storytelling along the Santa Fe Trail at Fort Union.

Learn more at: www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=007AF177-A54E-A04B-1B153B5CCDD86319

NPS Image

Alt Text: The sun sets behind the adobe walls and stone foundations of historic Fort Union. (NPS)

08/05/2026

Fort Union National Monument Announces Annual First Fort and Arsenal Tours

WATROUS, N.M. − Fort Union National Monument proudly announces its annual First Fort and Arsenal Tours Days, offering visitors a rare opportunity to stand where Fort Union’s story began. On Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, 2026, the park will host special two-hour guided programs that bring this foundational chapter of New Mexico and Western history to life.

Each tour features engaging living history presentations, demonstrations of historical weaponry, and dedicated time to explore the First Fort and Arsenal sites up close. Knowledgeable interpreters will share the stories of soldiers, civilians, and communities that shaped the early years of Fort Union, helping visitors connect with the past in an unforgettable way.

“Fort Union’s story began at the First Fort and the Arsenal, and for one special weekend each year, visitors can stand exactly where that history unfolded,” said Lorenzo Vigil, superintendent of Fort Union National Monument. “These tours are the only opportunity in 2026 to experience these remarkable sites up close, to see the landscape as soldiers and civilians once did, and to connect personally with the stories that shaped the Southwest. We invite everyone to join us, step into the past, and discover why Fort Union remains such an important piece of our national heritage.”

Car caravans will depart from the Fort Union National Monument visitor center at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on both days. Space is limited, and these tours will be the only opportunity to visit the First Fort and Arsenal sites in 2026. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, bring water, wear appropriate footwear, and be prepared for outdoor conditions.

Join us for an exclusive chance to experience where Fort Union began and to see history come alive on the ground where it happened!

Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=003E956E-DDFC-5720-D3B5E2A71E7D42E5

www.nps.gov/foun/learn/news/annual-first-fort-and-arsenal-tours.htm

NPS image.



Alt Text: An illustration of the first Fort Union featuring wooden buildings, wagons, flag, and hill side.

06/05/2026

Join Fort Union National Monument for our Fort Fashions & Pastimes programs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, (June 19 - 21).

Each one-hour program will highlight 1800s clothing styles and leisure activities that were an integral part of everyday life at Fort Union.

These free programs are at 10 am and 1 pm each day.

National Park Service image.



Alt Text: Modern image of a covered wagon with two people dressed in 1800s-style clothing.

05/28/2026

Join Fort Union National Monument for Fort Union days on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14.

The event is free and runs from 9 am to 3 pm both days.

The event will feature an 1800s military encampment, living historians portraying soldier and civilian life, and historic weapon and uniform presentations highlighting the period of the 1850s to 1890s. Learn more on our website at: www.nps.gov/foun/planyourvisit/events-calendar.htm

National Park Service image.



Alt Text: Modern image of tan 1800s style tents with a covered wagon and flag under a mostly cloudy sky.

05/14/2026

Fort Union to host Dineh Tah’ Navajo Cultural Program

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The Dineh Tah’ Navajo Cultural Program and Fort Union National Monument announces a special event day of presentations and performances on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

This event is part of the continued reconciliation process between the two nations, and visitors are asked to please respect that photography, and videography may be limited during portions of these special programs.

Each presentation is 45-minutes with shaded seating available.

11:00 am – “William T. Sherman: War Maker / Peacemaker” presentation by Tribal Historian Shawn Price

1:30 pm – Performances of traditional Navajo dances, songs and narration

2:30 pm – Hozhoji “Blessingway” prayer and Treaty Fabric distribution

National Park Service image.



Alt Text: Modern image of Navajo cultural performers wearing traditional dress under a canopy with adobe ruins in the background.

01/27/2026

During this cold time of year at your Fort Union, hoarfrost can form!

Hoarfrost is a white, feathery layer of ice that forms on surfaces like grass, leaves, and branches during cold, clear nights. It develops when the air is moist and the temperature of surfaces drops below freezing, causing water v***r in the air to change directly into ice without becoming liquid first. This process, called deposition, creates delicate ice crystals that often sparkle in sunlight.

National Park Service image.



Alt Text: A modern color image of dead vegetation covered in a white fuzzy-like coating of Hoarfrost. In the background, the brown adobe walls of the Fort Union Mechanics Corral are visible.

01/23/2026

Fort Union National Monument wants you to be safe out there!

Winter Weather Advisory - January 23, 11:00 am until January 25, 05:00 am

Due to potential Winter Weather conditions, visitors heading to Fort Union National Monument may experience potential snow accumulation and ice along the eight-mile entrance road, parking lot, sidewalks and trails.

For the current area forecast, please visit:

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.013&lat=35.907

New Mexico Road conditions can also be checked at:

https://nmroads.com/default.html?

National Park Service image.



Alt Text: Color image of a ranger in an 1800s style soldier uniform with weapon walking along a snowy path near stone foundations and adobe ruins.

01/06/2026

Are Pets Allowed at Fort Union National Monument?

They sure are!

Pets are allowed on the trails and within the picnic areas, and federal law requires that they must be on a maximum 6-foot leash. Pets are not permitted inside public buildings, such as the Visitor Center, offices, museum and public restrooms, with the exception of service animals. There are gates on either side of the Visitor Center with access to the trails.

You and your pet can also participate in our onsite B.A.R.K. Ranger program and earn a pet tag like Bubbles did!

What is a B.A.R.K. Ranger? Find out more at this link:
www.nps.gov/subjects/pets/be-a-bark-ranger.htm

National Park Service image of Bark Ranger Bubbles.



Alt Text: Image of a small dog with collar and wooden tag stating BARK RANGER.