Nine hundred years ago, a bustling Pueblo community lived in the stone buildings at the Aztec Ruins National Monument. Today, you can walk through their homes and imagine ancient ceremonies in the reconstructed kiva. Whether you're a student of history or you're traveling with the family, the museum, short hiking trails, and exceptional ranger-led programs make a memorable experience. Small but fascinating, the ruins are the perfect home base for a longer trip in northern New Mexico; Chaco Canyon, Navajo Lake State Park, and the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad all sit within a two-hour drive.
Aztec Ruins National Monument sits at 5,600 feet above sea level, which leads to temperature and weather extremes. RV camping is a wonderful way to experience the ruins and sleep comfortably, no matter what time of year you're visiting. Don't have your own RV? No problem — with RVshare, you can rent the perfect motorhome for the duration of your trip. There are no campgrounds inside the monument, but you'll find plenty of options nearby.
The ruins are the highlight of any visit to the Aztec Ruins National Monument. Take the self-guided walking tour and explore the Great House and the individual rooms at your own pace. If you'd like more insight into the history of the house, join one of the ranger-led tours. The Great Kiva, a round room that's partially buried in the earth, is an exciting chance to see what the ruins might have looked like when they were in use 900 years ago.
Hiking TrailsThe Aztec West Self-Guided Trail travels through the ruins of the Pueblo Great House, taking you into different rooms and past some of the most beautiful examples of Pueblo masonry. Along the way, check out the interpretive markers to learn about the building techniques and history of the area. This trail also passes next to the Great Kiva, which has been rebuilt to resemble its original design; for a unique experience, walk inside and listen to the ceremonial music.
Visitor center 725 Ruins Rd, Aztec, NM 87410
0.5 Miles
Easy
Stroll through a collection of crops used and grown by the Pueblo people at the Heritage Garden and the Native Plants Walk. This short, kid-friendly trail takes you past many of the valuable plants that fed and sustained the community. In the summer, you can take a guided walk with a park ranger to learn about the different uses for each plant.
Picnic Area
Varies
Easy
Follow the route of 1800s-era traders on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail. It travels from the picnic area at Aztec Ruins National Monument, over the Animas River, and into the town of Aztec. If you're visiting in the summer, bring plenty of water and sunscreen to combat the high-elevation heat and sunshine.
Picnic Area
1.5 Miles One-Way
Easy
SightseeingLocated about 0.5 miles from the picnic area, the pedestrian bridge is a picturesque spot on the Animas River. It's beautiful year-round, but it's especially lovely in the fall and early spring.
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
Serving as an introduction to the park and a museum, the Visitor Center at the Aztec Ruins National Monument is well worth a visit. Inside, you can check out artifacts used by the Pueblo people 900 years ago, learn about the history of the area, and watch the park's video. The center itself was once the home of Earl Morris, an archaeologist who played a big role in the excavation and understanding of the ruins.
Aztec Ruins National Monument
Museums Nearby Shops and RestaurantsKnown for its friendly service and ultra-flavorful dishes, FATMan Approved is a popular restaurant a few minutes from Aztec Ruins National Monument. Bring your appetite — you'll need it for the green chile cheese fries, Saturday barbecue, and massive burgers.
122 N Main Ave, Aztec, NM 87410
Relaxed and unassuming, Thanthip Thai Cafe serves authentic dishes with plenty of spice. After a meal of pad Thai and pot stickers, make sure to try the custard sticky rice.
104 S Main Ave, Aztec, NM 87410
Wash down a pizza with a locally brewed beer at 550 Brewing & Pizza Parlor. Play retro games inside the taproom, or sit in the pizza parlor with your little ones. The restaurant also offers a large outdoor seating area.
119 N Main Ave, Aztec, NM 87410
Soaps On Main is a bright, beautiful store specializing in handmade soaps, wax melts, and bath and body products. Everything is made on site and packaged beautifully for gifts or home use.
108 S Main Ave, Aztec, NM 87410
Located near the entrance to Aztec Ruins National Monument, Monument Trading Post is a great place to shop for a souvenir or a piece of locally made art.
601 Ruins Rd, Aztec, NM 87410
To reach Aztec Ruins National Monument, you'll need to get to the town of Aztec, New Mexico. If you're coming from Colorado, head south on Highway 550. From Albuquerque, take Highway 550 north. From the east or west, take Highway 64 and turn north on NM 516 in Farmington or north on Highway 550 in Bloomfield. Once you're in Aztec, take Ruins Road to the park entrance. Crowd levels are highest in the summer, but fall brings more pleasant temperatures and lower visitor numbers.
725 Ruins Road, Aztec, NM 87410
Fee: Entry Fee (Per Vehicle)
There is no entry fee.
Aztec Ruins National Monument offers the unique opportunity to experience the way ancient Pueblo people lived, worked, and worshipped in New Mexico. Whether you're interested in the history of the region or you're looking for a pleasant stroll through the ruins, the park makes a fascinating day trip. Whether you're coming for a weekend or longer, an RV is a comfortable way to take in the beauty of the northern New Mexico landscape any time of year.
RV Rentals near Aztec RV Resort in Margate, Florida RV Rentals near Sun Life Vacation Resort in Mesa, Arizona RV Rentals near Mesa Regal RV Resort in Mesa, Arizona Top 10 Campgrounds & RV Parks in Sedona, AZ RV Rentals near Val Vista Village in Mesa, Arizona RV Rentals near Apache Wells RV Resort in Mesa, Arizona RV Rentals near Good Life RV Resort in Mesa, Arizona RV Rentals near NAS RV Park Corpus Christi in Corpus Christi, Texas
