Winter Solstice

Aztec Ruins Winter Solstice Event

To view this event, visitors must arrive at the visitor center by 4:30pm to join the rangers and volunteers who will be escorting visitors to the alignment location. Please wear sturdy walking shoes, and dress for the weather.

The Aztec West great house was constructed by Ancestral Pueblo people about 900 years ago in alignment with the solstices.  Assuming that the western skies are clear, visitors will be able to observe the alignment of the north wall of Aztec West with the sunset position on the western horizon.  During the winter solstice, the sunset location appears to “stand still” in its southernmost point on the horizon for multiple days.

For those wanting some insight into this fascinating solar event, Aztec Ruins will offer two ranger programs in the visitor center: one program starting before the solar observation at 3:45pm and the other starting just after sunset around 5:00pm.  After the sunset observation, enjoy cookies and hot cocoa provided by the Friends of Aztec Ruins while learning about Pueblo winter traditions, other solar alignments, and the astronomy of the December sky. For more information about the solstice events at Aztec Ruins call (505) 334-6174.