Winters in Farmington offer a distinct mix of crisp yet relatively mild weather, paired with striking landscapes and easy access to nearby snowy adventures.
With abundant natural beauty, recreation opportunities at every turn, and a wide range of lodging and dining options, Farmington is a fantastic winter destination. Here are some of the activities you’ll find both in town and throughout the greater Farmington area.
Bike Trails and Winter-Friendly Riding
Farmington is well known for its bike trails and the fact that they remain accessible almost year-round. This includes paved and dirt paths such as the Animas River Trail, which follows the river for five miles out-and-back, with eight miles in the full trail system, as well as numerous mountain biking trails like the Road Apple Rally course, Alien Run, and the San Juan College Bike Park.
When it comes to winter biking, it’s important to come informed and prepared. Check in with local riding groups such as F.A.S.T. or San Juan Trails to confirm current trail conditions. Riding when the trails are muddy is never recommended, as it can damage the terrain. When conditions are good, focus on preparing both yourself and your equipment. Wear layers and warm gloves, stay alert to potential hazards, and understand how to approach changing conditions. Shaded areas, for example, can hold ice much longer than temperatures might suggest, so adjust your riding accordingly. For similar reasons, it’s best to avoid riding when trails are wet.
Also, remember to check your tire pressure regularly, as colder temperatures can cause pressure to drop more quickly than usual.
Winter walks, scenic hikes, and unique landscapes
The surrounding landscapes draw visitors to this corner of New Mexico year-round, and winter is a wonderful time to explore them!
Near Farmington, destinations such as Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Area, the Bisti Badlands, and Chaco Culture National Historical Park offer truly unique natural features and rich human history. Visitors will encounter hoodoos and rock formations found nowhere else on Earth, including iconic sites like the Egg Hatchery and Alien Throne. Within town, the Animas River Trail provides scenic river views and opportunities to spot local wildlife. Thanks to our open skies and low light pollution, these walks aren’t limited to daylight hours—winter night stargazing can be especially awe-inspiring.
Winter Fishing
With its extensive river systems, fishing is a major draw in this part of New Mexico. One seasonal highlight is the salmon snagging season at Navajo Lake, a can’t-miss event for many anglers. Running from October 1 through December 31, it coincides with the annual kokanee salmon run.
The San Juan River, which flows into and out of Navajo Lake, offers year-round fishing opportunities and is renowned for both the quality and quantity of its fish. Its Special Trout Waters are carefully managed to balance ecological health with angling access, providing excellent trout fishing throughout the winter months.
Off-Road Adventures
With its dramatic rock formations and varied terrain, Farmington is one of the Four Corners’ major off-roading hubs. Cooler winter temperatures create ideal conditions for exploring the surrounding high-desert landscape. Popular riding areas include Glade Run Recreation Area and Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area. Dunes is located south of Farmington off Highway 371, while Glade Run sits on the north side of town near Pinon Hills Boulevard.
Winter Golfing and Disc Golf
Most people don’t think of golf or disc golf as winter sports, and for good reason. In Farmington, however, the combination of quality courses and relatively mild winter weather often allows for year-round play.
Three courses serve golfers in the Farmington area: Civitan Golf Course, Riverview Golf Course, and Pinon Hills Golf Course. Civitan is a popular par-three course among locals, while Pinon Hills is frequently ranked among the top municipal courses in the United States. Riverview Golf Course is located in Kirtland, approximately 20 minutes west of Farmington on Highway 64. While these courses are generally open year-round, occasional snowfall does occur, so calling ahead to confirm conditions is recommended.
For disc golf enthusiasts, Farmington offers several excellent options. Civitan Golf Course includes a dedicated disc golf course on-site, and Lions Wilderness Disc Golf Course, located about 10 minutes outside the city, features 27 holes set amid high-desert terrain. Along with a challenging layout, players enjoy sweeping New Mexico views as they play.
Chill Cultural Adventures
For days when a more relaxed or indoor experience sounds appealing, Farmington offers a variety of museums, cultural spaces, and nearby historic sites for the perfect cultural adventure. Within the city, visitors can explore the Farmington Museum, the Museum of Navajo Art and Culture, E3 Children’s Museum & Science Center, the Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology, and the Bolack Museum of Fish and Wildlife. Just a short drive away is Aztec Ruins National Monument, about 20 minutes east of Farmington, and Salmon Ruins Museum, roughly 20 minutes southeast of town.
As you can see, Farmington offers a wide variety of activities to suit nearly every interest, no matter the season. Even in winter, the recreational and cultural experiences in this part of New Mexico shine—whether you’re casting a line in world-class waters, tackling mountain bike trails, or exploring the area’s deep cultural history.
We hope you’ll join us!