Aztec Ruins National Monument: Echoes of the Ancestral Puebloans
Step back in time and explore the ancient dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans at this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore the well-preserved remnants of an Ancestral Puebloan community at Aztec Ruins National Monument in Aztec, New Mexico. Wander through ancient rooms, marvel at original timber roofs, and descend into the reconstructed Great Kiva, a testament to the ingenuity and cultural practices of the people who called this place home between the 12th and 13th centuries.
A brief summary to Aztec Ruins National Monument
- 725 Ruins Rd, Aztec, New Mexico, 87410, US
- +1505-334-6174
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during the summer months to take advantage of ranger-led tours and cultural demonstrations.
- Take your time exploring the West Ruin; look for the fingerprints of ancient workers in the mortar.
- Check out the visitor center for museum exhibits, a park film, and a Junior Ranger program for kids.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the half-mile self-guided tour.
Getting There
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Driving
Aztec Ruins National Monument is located in the city of Aztec, New Mexico, approximately 14 miles northeast of Farmington. From Farmington, follow Highway 516 east towards Aztec. About 1/4 mile past Lightplant Road, turn left onto Ruins Road. Follow Ruins Road for about 1/2 mile to the monument entrance. Parking is available at the visitor center.
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Public Transport
From Farmington, you can take the Aztec Tiger Bus Route on the Red Apple Transit to the Safeway/W Express stop. From there, walk north on Main Street, cross Highway 516, and follow the Old Spanish Trail across the footbridge to Aztec Ruins National Monument. The walk from the bus stop to the monument is approximately 20 minutes. A one-way fare on the Red Apple Transit is approximately $1-2.
Discover more about Aztec Ruins National Monument
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Lake Farmington
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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