Aztec Ruins National Monument

Aztec Ruins National Monument Rationalobserver / CC BY-SA 4.0

This entry is a stub

Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding Aztec Ruins National Monument with additional information or photos.

The Aztec Ruins are exceptionally convenient to visitors as it’s within the city limits of Aztec. Aztec Ruins National Monument was designated a World Heritage site in 1987 as part of Chaco Culture World Heritage site because it preserves important Pueblo architectural and engineering achievements. Aztec Ruins was built as a public ceremonial, economic, and political center around 1100 and remained occupied by the ancestral Pueblo people until 1300. You will walk through the rooms and kivas built by the ancient Ancestral Puebloan people. Aztec Ruins National Monument is widely known for the Great Kiva.

Know Before You Go

No entrance fee. You can follow their passageways to a distant time through a self-guided tour. This is about a one hour stop. During the summer months, there are ranger-led talks and tours of the ruins and cultural demonstrations. Located 14 miles east of Farmington on Main Street, Highway 516, towards Aztec, NM. Turn left onto Ruins Road just before you cross the river (if you cross the river, you've gone too far). Follow Ruins Road directly to the monument entrance. Open 8-5.