National Parks in the Four Corners Area

Love National Parks and exploring historic sites amidst stunning landscapes? If so, you will certainly enjoy exploring the Four Corners area! Farmington, New Mexico is the perfect destination for the exploration of National Parks, National Monuments, and Historical Parks and is one of the few cities in the United States where you can explore five National Parks and enjoy the comfort of being settled in one fun and affordable basecamp. Farmington sits at the center of a region rich with National Parks, historic sites, monuments, world heritage sites, and trails, while still having all of the amenities of a larger city, making it the ideal basecamp for visitors to the area. With thousands of acres of Public Lands, there are many outdoor and cultural adventures to be had!

Discover the beauty and history of the Four Corners region as you tour magnificent National Park Sites—Aztec Ruins National Monument, Chaco Cultural Historical Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument. This area provides the unique opportunity to offer out of the classroom learning, for both the young and young at heart.

Historical Sites and Cultural Parks

Visitors from across the world interested in archaeology, history and Native American cultures enjoy Farmington as their National Park and outdoor adventure basecamp. Centrally located amidst these national treasures, it’s easy to plan day-trips to explore the fascinating history and astonishing landmarks of the Four Corners region. Be sure to include hidden gems like Salmon Ruins, Dinétah Rock Art & Pueblitos, and Simon Canyon to your must-visit list. If you choose to extend your stay and explore the surrounding areas, New Mexico is home to 19 National Parks, Monuments, Trails, and Historic Parks. Enrich your vacation experience and explore New Mexico National Parks.

Hiking and Landscapes

If it is the desert southwest landscapes and unique geology that you are interested in, it's highly recommended that in addition to National Parks you explore the wilderness areas and public lands of North West New Mexico. Bring your hiking boots and camera to experience and capture the stunning landscapes at Angel Peak, Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness, Bisti Badlands, and Shiprock Pinnacle.

Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness Study Area

On US Highway 550, 7.5 miles northwest of Nageezi, NM along NM 57.

505-564-7600

The Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness Study Area is located in northwestern New Mexico and is a badland area of rolling water-carved clay hills. The area is rich in fossils and spectacular geological formations making it perfect for hiking and landscape photography!

Angel Peak Scenic Area

County Road 7175 off of Hwy. 550, South of Bloomfield, NM

505-564-7600

Angel Peak Scenic Area offers more than 10,000 acres of rugged terrain and is recognized for its scenic and scientific wonders. The nearly 7,000-foot "Angel Peak" is visible for miles in any direction and is surrounded by the Kutz Canyon badlands.

Aztec Ruins National Monument

725 Ruins Road, Aztec, NM 87410

505-334-6174

The site is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. All trails are self-guided, with park brochures and information available on site. The visitor center and museum are open.

Bisti Badlands / De-na-zin Wilderness

Road 7297, off of Highway 371 South of Farmington, NM

(505) 564-7600

The Bisti Badlands offers roughly 60 square miles of remote badlands and some of the most unusual scenery in the world. National Geographic Traveler listed the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, also known as the Bisti Badlands, one of their must-visit adventure destinations for 2019! This is a bucket list vacation for every venturesome hiker, explorer, and photographer.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

1808 CR 7950 Nageezi, NM 87037 

505-786-7014

Due to the weather, roads have been compromised. Please call or visit Chaco Culture National Historical Park online for updates. Due to the weather, roads have been compromised.

Dinétah Rock Art & Pueblitos

Dinétah is the traditional homeland of the Navajo people. The region is full of Ancestral Puebloan and Navajo rock art and small Navajo ruins called pueblitos, which is Spanish for “little pueblos.” There is also evidence left by the Ute tribes and early Spanish explorers and settlers. While not a National Park, these sites are of great interest to those interested in visiting Aztec Ruins National Monument, Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Mesa Verde National Park.

Four Corners Monument

Hwy. 160, 60 miles NW of Farmington, NM

(928) 871-6647

All Navajo Tribal Parks are closed to visitors at this time.

Hovenweep National Monument

McElmo Route, Cortez, CO 81321

(970) 562-4282

Hovenweep National Monument is open however, some facilities have closed.

Mesa Verde National Park

Hwy. 491, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330

(970) 529-4465

The campground, park bookstore, and most roads, sites, and trails are open within the park. However, services are limited and the Museum and Visitor Center remain closed. The cliff dwellings are also closed and guided tours are canceled until further notice.

Navajo Tours USA

PO Box 1795 Cuba, NM

855-422-5476

info@navajotoursusa.com

As a 100-percent Diné owned company, Navajo Tours USA offers interpretive tour guiding with Diné guides. Walk amongst, and learn about, the thousands of naturally sculpted toadstools, mushrooms, tent rocks, and spires at the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. Learn how the Ancestral Puebloans practiced archeoastronomy by aligning architectural works to solar and lunar cycles at Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Salmon Ruins

6131 Hwy. 64, Bloomfield, NM 87413

505-632-2013

Visit Salmon Ruins and you will discover a cultural museum, Heritage Park, Journey Into the Past Tours and the San Juan County Archaeological Research Center & Library.