Fort Union National Monument, although 76 miles away, is an easy day trip from Raton and well worth the drive.  Fort Union is actually the ruins of three separate forts including star-shaped defensive walls built during the Civil War.  Fort Union was a politically and socially important site on the Santa Fe Trail, a stopover and meeting point for new settlers arriving on the Santa Fe Trail.

Unlike some other national monuments in the region, Fort Union National Monument has no entrance fee.

Hiking Opportunities:  The interpretive trail through the fort ruins is 1.6 miles.

More Information:

Official NPS website:  Link