Adventures in an Ancient World
One of the most culturally rich areas in the United States in ancient times was the Four Corners, home to the Anasazi (the ancient ones). These pueblo peoples lived in numerous settlements in the area, some housing as many as 1,200 people. At the height of their civilization from about 900 to 1100, the Anasazi excelled in knowledge of astronomy and development of road systems, irrigations systems and complex dwellings built on high desert plateaus, in river valleys and sheltered in high cliffs and mesas.
Farmington is surrounded by many fine examples of the Anasazi culture. Guided and self-guided tours are available for visitors seeking a view of this ancient world.
Chaco Canyon, the heartland of the Chaco world, in what is now Chaco Culture National Historic Park, lies just 45 miles south of Farmington. (Note: some of those miles are on very rugged dirt roads.) At the edge of Farmington, is Aztec Ruins National Monument an Anasazi settlement of about 400 interconnecting rooms with a dramatic reconstructed Great Kiva which offers a real sense of the original sacred space. Salmon Ruins is another ancient site at the edge of Farmington where archaeological research continues. Its museum displays include artifacts unearthed there and replicas of more modern Native American culture. Experts at Salmon Ruins give guided tours of Chaco Canyon and other sites in the area. Mesa Verde National Park, 75 miles north of Farmington, offers a view of dramatic cliff dwellings built by the Anasazi.
All Veterans Memorial Plaza
South Tucker Ave. and River Road Animas Park, Farmington, NM
505-599-1400
All Veterans Memorial Plaza is located within Animas Park, along the Animas River. This memorial park is a place where all veterans can be honored and remembered.
Aztec Museum & Pioneer Village
125 N. Main, Aztec, NM
505-334-9829
The Aztec Museum & Pioneer Village is a historical museum of northwest New Mexico featuring a pioneer village with 14 original and replicated structures dating from the 1880s.
Aztec Ruins National Monument
725 Ruins Road, Aztec, NM 87410
505-334-6174
Aztec Ruins National Monument provides visitors an intimate opportunity to explore ancient ruins built by the ancient Ancestral Puebloans in the 1100s. Aztec Ruins features ceremonial, public, and storage structures as well as the "Great Kiva" the oldest and largest reconstructed Kiva in North America.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Turn off is on US 550 at CR 7900 Nagezzi, NM
505-786-7014
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, also known as Chaco Canyon, is the largest excavated prehistoric ruins in North America and is a must-see for history buffs and outdoor lovers. It is advised that visitors call the Park prior to a visit to ensure roads are accessible during inclement weather.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
500 S. Terrace Ave, Chama, NM 87520 and 5250 US Highway 285, Antonito, CO 81120
Chama Location: 575-756-2151 or 888-286-2737 Antonito Location: 719-376-5483 or 888-286-2737
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a coal-fired, steam-operated, narrow gauge train that travels through the remote wilderness of the southern Rocky Mountains between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. The railroad is known around the world for its spectacular scenery, unique machinery, and historic structures.
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.
Farmington Museum
3041 E. Main Street, Farmington, NM
505-599-1174
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm. Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm. Experience a wide variety of exhibits relating to the diverse history of the area’s cultures, traveling exhibits, and art shows when you visit the Farmington Museum. National and regional juried arts shows are also featured as well as an exceptional selection of lectures and workshops.
Four Corners Monument
Hwy. 160, 60 miles NW of Farmington, NM
(928) 871-6647
CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
The Four Corners Monument, also known as the Four Corners Tribal Park, is the only point within the United States where four states intersect at one point. You can stand in one spot with a hand or foot in each state: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. This special geographical location is noted with a beautiful monument perfect for that one of a kind photo stop. Four Corners Monument is not a National Park or Monument. The park is designated as a Tribal Park.
Hopi Nation
Although completely surrounded by the Navajo reservation, the Hopi people have a long history that is distinctly different from their neighbors. The major Hopi villages are located at the top of three mesas in Northeastern Arizona. Each village is independent and practices its own style of government. All Hopi villages have gifted artisans, and distinctions can be made by the crafts that each village produces.
Hovenweep National Monument
McElmo Route, Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 562-4282
Hovenweep National Monument is open however, some facilities have closed.
Jicarilla Apache Reservation
POB 507 Dulce, NM 87528
575-759-3242
Located in the mountains and mesas of north-central New Mexico, the Jicarilla Apache landscape offers diverse scenery, from forests of Ponderosa Pines to flats dotted with Sagebrush.
Mesa Verde National Park
Hwy. 491, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330
(970) 529-4465
For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. Today, the park protects the rich cultural heritage of 26 Pueblos and Tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past.
Museum of Navajo Art & Culture
301 W Main St, Farmington, NM
505-599-1533
The Museum of Navajo Art and Culture is located in historic downtown Farmington, as part of the newly dedicated New Mexico Arts and Cultural District. The museum features a truly significant collection of Navajo Rugs with Navajo textiles from the early 1900's to today.
Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation is the largest Indian tribe in the United States, with roughly one third living in New Mexico. The majority of the Navajo people live in Arizona, while a small population resides in southern Utah. The Navajo reservation covers more than 27,000 square miles of land throughout Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.
Navajo Tours USA
Nageezi, NM
855-422-5476
tours@NavajoUSA.com
Embark on an enriching hike through the Bisti Badlands with Navajo Tours USA. The 5-hour tours provide insights into both the history of the landforms and their Indigenous cultural significance. Enjoy additional tour offerings to Chaco Canyon, the surreal Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, and the majestic Shiprock Peak. Photo enthusiasts are encouraged to pack their gear to capture the spellbinding moments!
Roadrunner Flight School
1090 W Navajo St, Hangar 10 Farmington, NM
505-860-1029
Take to the skies with Roadrunner Flight School! As the only privately owned flight school in Farmington, New Mexico. They are passionate about bringing quality flight training to this area and offer training, discovery flights, and airplane rentals.
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.
Shiprock Pinnacle
Visible from Hwy. 64 & Hwy. 491
505-368-1089
Shiprock Pinnacle is one of New Mexico's most iconic landmarks. This unique towering rock formation can be seen for miles in all directions. Shiprock is known to the Navajo as "Tsé Bit' A'í", or rock with wings. The peak tip rests at 7,178 feet above sea level and is at the center of three volcanic pressure ridges that pushed the rock skyward millenniums ago.
Simon Canyon
Navajo Lake State Park
505-564-7600 or 800-842-3127
The wildlife, scenery and a Navajo Pueblito found amidst these 3,900 acres of diverse canyon landscape make this a great area for day hikes.
Southern Utes
The Southern Utes have built a modern cultural and tourism center just north of Ignacio, Colorado, the Southern Ute capital. Ancient artwork, artifacts and photographs are exhibited at the Southern Ute Indian Cultural Center and Museum.
Ute Mountain Ute
The Ute Mountain Ute capitol is in Towaco, Colorado. The Ute Mountain Utes have created a sound economy based on tourism and natural resources. Visitors can enjoy tours of archaeological sites, gaming, fishing and hunting.
Vietnam Veterans Park
3801 N Butler Ave, Farmington, NM
505-599-1197
dabe@fmtn.org
Vietnam Veterans Park is a 9.3-acre park in Farmington, New Mexico. It is a beautiful place to visit with family or friends and offers seating with shelter amid ample green areas, a memorial park for Vietnam Veterans, as well as a playground. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the park honors Vietnam Veterans, living and dead, from the Four Corners region.
Wines of the San Juan
233 Highway 511, Blanco, New Mexico 87412
505-632-0879
Visit Wines of the San Juan and experience exceptionally crafted wines beneath towering sandstone cliffs, and marvel at the curiosity of their friendly peacocks!
Anasazi Heritage Center
27501 Hwy. 184, Dolores, Colorado 81323
(970) 882-5600
The Anasazi Heritage Center is southwest Colorado's premier archaeological museum with permanent and changing exhibits featuring archaeology, history and regional Native American cultures.
Canyon de Chelly
Hwy 160 / PO Box 588, Chinle, AZ 86503
928-674-5500
The labyrinth called Canyon de Chelly (d’SHAY) is really several canyons. Throughout the park, visitors will see archaeological ruins such as cliff dwellings and kivas as well the panoramic views of the canyons. Please call in advance to ensure the park is open.
Edge of the Cedars State Park
660 West 400 North, Blanding, Utah 84511-0788
(435) 678-2238
Edge of the Cedars State Park features an Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) ruin and modern visitor center and museum. The museum is the archaeological repository for southeast Utah.
Goosenecks State Park
c/o Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, 660 West 400 North, Blanding, UT 84511
(435) 678-2238
Goosenecks State Park is where the San Juan River has carved deep canyons through the countryside before reaching the Colorado River. The river winds back and forth for 5 miles while only traveling one linear mile.
Mexican Hat Rock
US Highway 163, Utah
Mexican Hat Rock is a rock formation north of the small town of Mexican Hat shaped like an upside-down sombrero. The town of Mexican Hat serves as the "put-out" spot for rafters on the San Juan River from Bluff, UT. The Mexican Hat Rock can be reached by a small trail.
Monument Valley
Hwy. 163, Monument Valley, AZ
928-871-6647
Monument Valley's enchanting landscape displays mesas, buttes and fragile pinnacles covering 91,696 acres in Southeast Utah and Northwest Arizona. The world-famous panorama of Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte are visible from the Monument Valley (Tse'Bii'Ndzisgaii, Navajo name) Visitors Center. Places such as Ear of the Wind and other landmarks can only be accessed via guided tours.