Aztec, NM Road Trips

1 Aztec Ruins National Monument, 84 Ruins Road, Aztec (in the small town of Aztec, just northeast of Farmington proper on NM 516), ☏ +1 505 334-6174. Winter hours: daily, 8AM-5PM; summer hours: daily, 8AM-6PM. One of the many national parks and monuments of the Four Corners region, Aztec Ruins preserves the remains of a large pueblo village. A short trail winds through the ruins, allowing you to stoop through low doorways into the site and between the old walls. Another highlight is a massive restored kiva, which is quite impressive on the inside. Day use; $5/person entry fee (free for children 15 and under), interagency (NPS) annual pass applies. 2 Salmon Ruins. Open 9-5 daily (12-5 on Sundays during the winter). An archaeological site related to those at much more extensive Chaco Culture National Historical Park to the south (see under "Get out"). On US 64 between Farmington and Bloomfield. Admission $3, with reduced rates for seniors and children. 3 Shiprock. Located beyond the town of the same name, a spectacular monolith rising from the desert that has featured in many movies of the Wild West. It's well worth a visit for some photography. 4 Aztec Museum & Pioneer Village, 125 N Main Ave, Aztec, ☏ +1 505 334-9829. Historical artifacts and old or recreated buildings. (updated Sep 2021) Natural arches around Aztec, as they are numerous. One of the most visited is the 5 Cox Canyon Arch, though this is some distance (close to the Colorado state line). 6 Farmington Museum, 3041 E Main St, Farmington, ☏ +1 505-599-1174. M-Sa 10AM-5PM.

Farmington is known for its outstanding recreational facilities and events, annually hosting the Connie Mack World Series, the XTERRA Four Corners Off-Road Triathlon and The Road Apple Rally, the longest running annual mountain bike race in the country. World class trout fishing on the San Juan River, below the Navajo Dam, and golf at Pinon Hills Golf Course are top attractions year-around. 1 Northern Edge Casino, 2752 Indian Service Road 36, ☏ +1 505 960-7000, [email protected]. Slots and table games. (updated Feb 2025) 2 Flowing Water Casino, 2710 E Hwy 64, Shiprock, ☏ +1 505 368-2300. Slots only. (updated Feb 2025) 3 SunRay Park & Casino, 39 Rd 5568, Farmington, ☏ +1 505 566-1200. Slots, video poker, video blackjack, and horse racing. (updated Jan 2022) 4 Angel Peak Scenic Area, ☏ +1 505 564-7600. Some really impressive badlands. Hiking trails. Primitive camping. (updated Feb 2023) For a leisurely stroll along the Animas River, you can try the River Trails that interconnect for 8+ miles through the city. One place to access them is 5 Berg Park at 400 Scott Ave.

1 Three Rivers Restaurant and Brewhouse, 101 E Main St (at Orchard Ave), ☏ +1 505 324-2187. Great American food, craft beer, pizza, and shuffleboard. Friendly staff. Three Rivers won best beer and best cider at New Mexico's Fair Pro-Am Competition, so beer lovers have a good reason to get off the highway. (updated Jan 2022) 2 Rubio's Fine Mexican Dining, 116 S Main Ave, Aztec (between Chaco and Chuska Sts), ☏ +1 505 334-0599.

Lauter Haus Brewing Co, 1806 E 20th St, ☏ +1 505-326-BEER (2337). M-Sa noon-11PM, Su 10ː30PM-9PM. Brewery with food trucks and arcade games. (updated Feb 2023)

La Quinta Inn Farmington, 675 Scott Ave, ☏ +1 505 327-4706. outdoor pool. Kokopelli's Cave Bed & Breakfast, 87 Rd 1980, ☏ +1 505-860-3812, fax: +1 505 325-9671, [email protected]. Located in an underground cave which was dug out of sandstone. $240-380 (2 People/Four People).

Farmington is connected by roads coming from all directions. US-64 runs east-west through Bloomfield, Farmington, and Shiprock. US-550 runs north-south through Bloomfield and Aztec, running from near Albuquerque to the south and Durango to the north. US-491 runs north-south through Shiprock, continuing south to Gallup and north to Cortez. Farmington is served by commuter air links with Great Lakes Airlines, with flights to Denver under a codeshare agreement with United Airlines. No passenger trains serve the town.