After a period of temporary closures and service reductions across many of the nation’s most treasured natural, cultural, and historical sites, America’s national parks are beginning to welcome visitors back. Here in the Four Corners, several of our region’s most cherished destinations—including parks that help tell the story of the ancestral Pueblo world—were among those affected.
As of November 17, 2025, many of the parks and monuments surrounding Farmington have officially reopened. With renewed access to these incredible landscapes, now is the perfect time to plan your next outdoor escape. And there’s no better basecamp than Farmington, New Mexico, where adventure waits in every direction.
Important: Some national parks may have limited hours or closures during the upcoming Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year holidays. Always call ahead or visit the park's official website to confirm holiday hours, visitor services, and current road or weather conditions before you go.
Welcome Back to Our National Parks
With the November 17 reopening, visitors once again have access to trails, overlooks, scenic drives, and cultural sites across the region. While many services have resumed, please check each park’s individual site for the latest updates, as operations may vary.
Here’s an overview of what’s open—and why each park deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Also known as Chaco Canyon
The reopening of Chaco Culture National Historical Park means visitors can return to one of the most impactful archaeological destinations in North America. Chaco Canyon—center of ancestral Puebloan culture from AD 850–1200—is home to the largest excavated prehistoric ruins in the country. Massive great houses, ceremonial kivas, and ancient road networks reveal a story of astronomical knowledge, architectural mastery, and community life.
Aztec Ruins National Monument
Just minutes from Farmington, Aztec Ruins National Monument has reopened its plaza, structures, and trails. Built by ancestral Puebloans in the 1100s, the site features original masonry, interconnected rooms, and the remarkable Great Kiva—a reconstructed 40-foot-wide ceremonial space that immerses visitors in centuries-old tradition.
Hovenweep National Monument
The six ancestral Puebloan villages of Hovenweep National Monument—built between AD 1200 and 1300—are open again for exploration. Tower-like stone structures perched on canyon rims create one of the most striking archaeological landscapes in the Southwest. With trails reopened, this destination is ideal for hikers, photographers, and cultural travelers.
Mesa Verde National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde National Park houses the cultural heritage of 26 Pueblos and Tribes and is world-renowned for its remarkable cliff dwellings. With the park reopened, visitors can once again enjoy overlooks, short hikes, and seasonal dwelling tours as conditions allow.
El Malpais National Monument
Known for its dramatic volcanic geology, El Malpais National Monument offers reopened access to lava fields, sandstone bluffs, lava tubes, and unique ecosystems—including the rare pygmy pine forest, where resilient trees grow straight from ancient lava flows. It’s a spectacular place for hikers, geologists, and nature lovers.
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting
Holiday Hours & Seasonal Conditions
As winter approaches, some national parks may have reduced hours or full-day closures around major holidays. Before heading out:
- Call the park to verify Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year hours
- Check road conditions, especially if weather is changing
- Be prepared for colder temperatures and early sunsets
- Respect the Culture
To help preserve sacred and historic sites:
- Stay on marked trails
- Avoid touching or climbing structures
- Honor any posted closures
- Leave No Trace
- Protect these special landscapes:
- Pack out all trash
- Leave natural and cultural items where you find them
- Keep wildlife wild by observing from a distance
Why Farmington Is the Perfect Base for Your Adventure
Farmington sits at the heart of the Four Corners region, in the northwest corner of New Mexico. As the largest community in the region, amenities and location make Farmington the ideal base for adventurers. Chaco Cultural Historical Park, Aztec Ruins National Monument, Hovenweep, Mesa Verde, and El Malpais are each an easy scenic drive away. With over 100 restaurants to choose from, there are plenty of options for where to eat. The wide variety of lodging options can meet any budget and whim, from unique bed and breakfasts to RV parks and campsites. Location, amenities, and the friendly locals are just a few of the reasons many travelers choose Farmington as a base of operations on their Four Corners adventure.
Plan Your Visit
With national parks reopened as of November 17, 2025, now is the ideal time to rediscover the heritage, landscapes, and stories that define the Four Corners. Make Farmington, New Mexico, your home base, enjoy easy access to world-class destinations, and experience the spirit of adventure that makes this region unforgettable.
Start planning at FarmingtonNM.org—and remember to call ahead for holiday hours and road conditions. Your next great adventure starts here.