Aztec Ruins National Monument
National Monument · New Mexico
NPS Photo
US national monument in New Mexico
The Aztec Ruins National Monument in northwestern New Mexico, United States, consists of preserved structures constructed by the Pueblo Indians. The national monument lies on the western bank of the Animas River in Aztec, New Mexico, about 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Farmington. Additional Puebloan structures can be found in Salmon Ruins and Heritage Park, 9.5 miles (15.3 km) south. Archaeological evidence puts the construction of the ruins in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Puebloan-built ruins were dubbed the "Aztec Ruins" by 19th century American settlers who misattributed their construction to the Aztecs.
About Aztec Ruins National Monument
Aztec Ruins has some of the best-preserved Chacoan structures of its kind. Learn more about the ancestral Pueblo people in the park's museum and explore the Aztec West great house to see exceptionally advanced architecture, original wooden beams, and a restored Great Kiva. Aztec Ruins is a deeply sacred place to many Indigenous peoples across the American Southwest. Please visit with respect.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Hours
Aztec Ruins National Monument is open to the public from 7:00am-5:00pm, which includes the parking areas, archeological sites, picnic areas, and trails. The visitor center is open from 9:00am-5:00pm daily. The monument and visitor center close on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Days. Unless there is a public program scheduled, there is no after-hours access. Vehicles are not permitted to be left in the parking lot after closing.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Aztec Ruins National Monument?
Aztec Ruins National Monument is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Aztec Ruins National Monument?
Popular activities at Aztec Ruins National Monument include: Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking, Front-Country Hiking, Junior Ranger Program, Park Film.
What is the weather like at Aztec Ruins National Monument?
Summer High temperatures range between 80°F and 99°F degrees with a few days over 100°F. Afternoon thunderstorms usually cool things down in late July and August. Fall Usually pleasant, with mild days and crisp nights. Winter Daytime temperatures range between 20°F and 50°F with cold nights that can reach 0°F. Snow is periodic, but accumulations are typically only 1-2 inches. Spring Weather is especially unpredictable: it can be windy, cold, and wet, or still, warm, and dry.
How do I get to Aztec Ruins National Monument?
From Albuquerque/Bloomfield, NM: Follow Hwy 550 north into Aztec, turn left onto Highway 516, drive 3/4 mile, then turn right onto Ruins Road. Follow Ruins Road 1/2 mile to the monument. From Durango, CO: Follow Hwy 550 south into Aztec, where it will become 516. Turn right onto Ruins Road. Follow Ruins Road 1/2 mile to the monument. From Farmington, NM Follow Highway 516 east into Aztec. 1/4 mile past Lightplant Road, turn left onto Ruins Road. Follow Ruins Road 1/2 mile to the monument.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
Weather
Summer High temperatures range between 80°F and 99°F degrees with a few days over 100°F. Afternoon thunderstorms usually cool things down in late July and August. Fall Usually pleasant, with mild days and crisp nights. Winter Daytime temperatures range between 20°F and 50°F with cold nights that can reach 0°F. Snow is periodic, but accumulations are typically only 1-2 inches. Spring Weather is especially unpredictable: it can be windy, cold, and wet, or still, warm, and dry.
Directions
From Albuquerque/Bloomfield, NM: Follow Hwy 550 north into Aztec, turn left onto Highway 516, drive 3/4 mile, then turn right onto Ruins Road. Follow Ruins Road 1/2 mile to the monument. From Durango, CO: Follow Hwy 550 south into Aztec, where it will become 516. Turn right onto Ruins Road. Follow Ruins Road 1/2 mile to the monument. From Farmington, NM Follow Highway 516 east into Aztec. 1/4 mile past Lightplant Road, turn left onto Ruins Road. Follow Ruins Road 1/2 mile to the monument.
📍 View on Google Maps →Location
Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in New Mexico
Other national park sites you might enjoy
