Bent's Fort was a trading post for mountain trappers and Indians dealing in furs and buffalo robes. It became a point of supply, a social center, a place of refuge and safety, a rest and relaxation point for every white man and many Indian. It was a second home to many of the West's most famous mountain men, scouts, and Indian fighters, including the illustrious Kit Carson.
Fur traders William and Charles Bent built the Fort in 1833 and it boomed until 1848. War with Mexico and increasing unrest among the local Arapaho, Apache, and Cheyenne tribes put an end to Bent's Fort business. In it's hey day it was the Southwest's most important outpost of white civilization. The fort was a stopping place for travelers, trappers and explorers, including John C. Fremont, Francis Parkman and just about every other wild west luminary.
The Bent brothers and their business partner, Ceran St. Vrain, built what was to become a commercial hub of civilization whose influence and magnetic pull was felt throughout the high plains and the central rockies. Their name has become legendary, "Bent's Old Fort."
**Note** Enjoy the loop trail around Bent's Fort and be sure to read the informative signs along the way. Please DO NOT approach this cache from the main road. Watch for snakes during the warmer months, and bring water to drink as it can reach over 100 degrees during the summer. Bug spray is also highly recommended. Cache is small (3"x2"x3") with room for small trade items. Be discrete and watch for muggles. Place cache exactly as you found it so it's available for the next cacher. Enjoy the fort and be sure to visit the gift shop for some fun souvenirs of your visit!
Fees: The fee is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for children 6 to 12 years of age, and children under 6 years of age free. Interagency Annual Pass, Senior Pass and Access Passes are are accepted. .
The park is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Summer hours (June 1 through August 31): 8:00 A.M to 5:30 P.M. Winter hours (September 1 through May 31): 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
**Note: Please contact the park prior to visiting if you wish to go inside as their hours may have changed due to COVID. If the gates are locked, do NOT attempted to find this cache.