Aztec Ruins National Monument will host programs in honor of the winter solstice. Event will take place December 20 and 21, 2019.
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.
As of March 18, 2020, the visitor center, museum, and bookstore are closed until further notice due to the Covid-19 virus. The Aztec West trail and picnic area are still accessible. Those interested in learning more about Aztec Ruins are encouraged to take our cell phone audio tour by calling 505-386-0361 or by going to azru.toursphere.com.
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