
Fast Facts about Farmington, New Mexico
Farmington in the northwest corner of New Mexico is the commercial hub of the Four Corners, a growing community of 45,000 which swells to 150,000 shoppers on weekends. The metro area of about 115,000 includes Aztec and Bloomfield, Kirkland and Fruitland.
Farmington is approximately 400 miles from Phoenix, Denver, and Salt Lake City. Albuquerque and Santa Fe are 180 miles to the southeast. The Navajo Nation lies west of Farmington, The Ute Mountain Indian Reservation is to the NW, and the Southern Ute Indian and the Jicarillo Apache Reservations are to the NE.
With an altitude of 5306 feet, Farmington sits in the fertile and gas and oil rich San Juan Basin. Monthly average temperatures range from 28.6 degrees in January to 74.1 degrees in July. The area's climate is mild averaging 273 sunny days a year, with only 7.5 inches of rain and 12.3 inches of snow annually.
Thumbnail History of Farmington
From 1050 to 1300 AD the center of the Anasazi culture was in the Four Corners area in Chaco Canyon, at the Aztec Ruins on the edge of Farmington in the town of Aztec and at Mesa Verde in Colorado.
In 1868, the 3.5 million-acre Navajo Reservation was established, covering half of San Juan County, west and southwest of Farmington. The Navajo Nation has become an important a source of income for Farmington, first through trading posts and later as a customer base for Farmington’s growing retail, educational and medical services.
After 1879 Anglo pioneers settled in the San Juan Basin, a place ideal for fruit growing and ranching. Farmington was incorporated in 1901. In the first half of the 20th-century apples were the top crop with 53,000 apple trees reported to be in the area.
In the 1950’s development of a gas pipeline from the San Juan Basin to the West Coast brought boom times and Farmington’s population grew from less than 5,000 to more than 35,000. In the last three decades Farmington has evolved into a center for education, health and tourism as well as commercial services.
Only in Farmington
Called Totah, the meeting place of water, by the Navajos, Farmington lies among mesas at the junction of three rivers, the San Juan, the Animas and the La Plata. Forty percent of all the surface water in New Mexico comes through the Animas, La Plata and San Juan Rivers.
The San Juan River offers world-class year-round trout fishing including 3.5 miles of Quality Waters below the Navajo Dam. An average San Juan River trout is 17", but fish more than 20" are abundant.
Farmington is a lush place by New Mexico standards. A system of five parks along the Animas River is a source of community pride, an excellent place for walking, jogging and wildlife watching.
The Farmington Public Library, in an award-winning new building which opened in 2003, has the words "Summer Solstice" and "Winter Solstice” engraved at precise locations on its rotunda floor which are lighted by sunlight passing through a small window exactly on those dates.
Farmington’s Top Outdoor and Cultural Attractions
Golfers from the region come to golf at the popular Pinon Hills course rated the #1 municipal golf course in the U. S. by Golf Digest.
Glade Run, a BLM recreation area at the edge of Farmington, is 19,000 acres of sandy arroyos, slick rock and rolling terrain covered with sagebrush, junipers, and pinon. The Glade attracts bikers, hikers, horseback riders and off-road vehicle enthusiast to its wide open spaces.
Farmington hosts a summer open-air theater each year from mid- June to the first week in August in a beautiful natural sandstone amphitheater in the Lions Wilderness Park.
Farmington is within 100 miles of most of the Southwest’s finest Native American artists and craftsmen. Trading posts and pawn shops which deal with Indian artists are numerous. Many are run by 4th and 5th generation traders.
Farmington and San Juan County meeting and recreational facilities are first class and draw many regional and national tournaments and events to the area each year including the annual Connie Mack World Series.
Nearby historic Native American sites include ancient pueblo sites at Aztec Ruins National Monument and Salmon Ruins at the edge of Farmington. Mesa Verde National Park is 90 miles north, and Chaco Culture National Historical Park about 50 miles south.
The mysterious Bisti Wilderness lies 37 miles south of Farmington, a protected area of colorful land forms, fossils and petrified logs that is a favorite spot for hikers and photographers.
Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness Study Area
On US Highway 550, 7.5 miles northwest of Nageezi, NM along NM 57.
505-564-7600
The Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness Study Area is located in northwestern New Mexico and is a badland area of rolling water-carved clay hills. The area is rich in fossils and spectacular geological formations making it perfect for hiking and landscape photography!
Angel Peak Scenic Area
County Road 7175 off of Hwy. 550, South of Bloomfield, NM
505-564-7600
Angel Peak Scenic Area offers more than 10,000 acres of rugged terrain and is recognized for its scenic and scientific wonders. The nearly 7,000-foot "Angel Peak" is visible for miles in any direction and is surrounded by the Kutz Canyon badlands.
Animas River Trails
Berg Park access, intersection of San Juan Blvd. and Scott Ave.
505-599-1400
At the very heart of Farmington you will find a beautiful system of trails nestled along the Animas River. Visitors can enjoy walking, running and biking along the trails and explore parks, playgrounds, the Riverside Nature Center and All Veterans Memorial year-round.
Animas River White Water Park
Berg Park, Farmington, NM
505 599-1400
Right at the heart of Farmington you will find Animas and Berg Parks. Amidst the river walk trails and parks you will discover the Animas River Whitewater Park. This is the perfect stop for those looking to tube, kayak or raft the Animas River.
Aztec Ruins National Monument
725 Ruins Road, Aztec, NM 87410
505-334-6174
The site is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visitors will be able to utilize restrooms, the picnic area, and the short trail through the Aztec West great house. All trails are self-guided, with park brochures and information available on site. The visitor center, museum, and bookstore are closed until further notice due to the Covid-19 virus. Those interested in learning more about Aztec Ruins are encouraged to take the cell phone audio tour by calling 505-386-0361 or by going to azru.toursphere.com.
Bisti Badlands / De-na-zin Wilderness
Road 7297, off of Highway 371 South of Farmington, NM
(505) 564-7600
Roughly 60 square miles of remote badlands, offering some of the most unusual scenery in the world. National Geographic Traveler listed the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, also known as the Bisti Badlands, one of their must-visit adventure destinations for 2019! This is a bucket list vacation for every venturesome hiker, explorer, and photographer.
Brown Springs OHV Recreation Area and Campground
Glade Run Recreation Area, County Rd. 1980 (Glade Road), Farmington, NM
505-564-7600
The campground is closed at this time. Visit BLM NM COVID for updates on closures and restrictions.
This is a newly developed campground and OHV park within the popular Glade Run Recreation Area. Opened in May of 2019, this recreation park features a small riding track for young people, a skills training track, ten developed campsites, toilets, and a pavilion.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
1808 CR 7950 Nageezi, NM 87037
505-786-7014
Due to Covid-19, and to protect staff and visitors' health and safety, Chaco Culture National Historical Park has temporarily closed the Visitor Center, Museum and Western National Parks Association Park Store to the public effective immediately. Loop Road will remain open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the entrance gate to Loop Road closing at 4:30 pm. All visitors must vacate Loop Road by 5:00 pm. All trails are self-guided, with park brochures and some information located outside the visitor center entrance. All backcountry trails require a backcountry permit, which can be found at the entrance of each trailhead.
Chokecherry Canyon Glade Run Recreation Area
Pinon Hills Blvd. and Glade Road, Farmington, NM
505-564-7600
Glade Run Recreation Area, also known as the Glade, consists of 19,000 acres of open public land along the north and northwest side of Farmington. At an elevation of 5,669 feet, this popular recreation area consists of sandy arroyos, slick rock, rolling foothills, and mountain trails. The Glade offers motorcycle, mountain bike, ATV/UTV, Jeeps and equestrian trails. The area is open year-round, dry overnight camping is permitted.
Civitan Municipal
2200 N. Dustin, Farmington, NM 87401
505-599-1194
Civitan Municipal Golf Course is closed at this time.
Dinétah Rock Art & Pueblitos
Dinétah is the traditional homeland of the Navajo people. The region is full of Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) 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.
Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area
Highway 371, Farmington, NM
505-564-7600
Over 800 acres of fun is waiting for off-road enthusiasts at the Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area. Located just 1.5 miles south of Farmington, this OHV area has been created by 40+ years of off-road vehicle use.
Four Corners Monument
Hwy. 160, 60 miles NW of Farmington, NM
(928) 871-6647
All Navajo Tribal Parks are closed to visitors at this time.
Head Canyon OHV Recreation Area
NM Highway 371, south of Farmington
505-564-7600
Head Canyon OHV Recreation Area is located just south of Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area. Both are located on the south end of Farmington on Highway 371. Head Canyon is designated primarily for OHV Motorcross racing.
Hovenweep National Monument
McElmo Route, Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 562-4282
Hovenweep National Monument is open however, some facilities have closed.
Indoor Rock Climbing Wall
4601 College Blvd., Farmington, NM
505-566-3487
Jackson Lake
436 Hwy 170, Farmington, NM
505-632-0485
Jackson Lake is a popular fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing spot with locals. The lake sits amidst 840 acres of the Jackson Lake Wildlife Area.
Lake Farmington
Main Street/NM 516, Farmington, NM
505- 599-1197 or 599-1400
Lake Farmington offers outdoor lovers a variety of adventures within the city limits! The lake is open year-round for fishing and camping, and seasonally for boating and swimming. When visiting Lake Farmington make time to explore the mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails. Bird watching is also a popular activity at Lake Farmington. A variety of hummingbirds, eagles, hawks, and heron frequent this city oasis.
Lions Wilderness Disc Golf Course
This unique 27 hole disc golf course sits amidst spectacular high desert terrain with endless views. This is a must see and play!
Majestic Enchantment
221 Highway 511 Blanco, NM
505-801-9163
Enjoy a day of catch and release fly fishing along this privately owned section of the San Juan River. Make time to explore the disc golf course and art gallery!
Mesa Verde National Park
Hwy. 491, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330
(970) 529-4465
Mesa Verde National Park is open to the public with some areas open for self-guided exploring. Please note the museum and visitor center are closed and staffing is limited. The cliff dwellings are also closed and guided tours are canceled until further notice.
Navajo Lake Marina
1448 NM 511 NBU #6 Navajo Dam, NM 87419
505-632-3245 or 800-582-5687
Navajo Lake Marina is your one-stop shop for all Navajo Lake adventures! Located on the southern end of the reservoir, in the Pine Site of Navajo Lake State Park, this marina offers guide service, boat rentals, a supply store, restaurant, and much more.
Navajo Lake State Park
36 Road 4110 Unit 1, Navajo Dam, NM 87419
505-632-2278
Navajo Lake State Park is the ultimate playground for camping, fishing, exploring, and boating with 150 miles of shoreline and over 280 days of sunshine and spectacular scenery. Please note, New Mexico State Parks are open to residents for day use only at this time.

Outdoor Equipment Rental Facility
4601 College Blvd., Farmington NM
505-566-3221
Please call for hours. The San Juan College Equipment Rental Facility offers you the opportunity to rent equipment to get you out on the trail, on the water, or in the mountains. Best of all, they offer it for the best price in the Four Corners! The experienced OERC staff can offer great ideas for places to raft, bike, backpack or climb.
Pinon Hills
2101 Sunrise Parkway, Farmington, NM 87401
505-326-6066
Pinon Hills Municipal Golf Course is a must for any golfer! This scenic course was named one of the 2020 Top Municipal Courses in the United States by Golf.Com and has been voted a top course in New Mexico by Golf Advisor and Golf Digest. Test your skills at this high-desert oasis and discover what all the buzz is about!
Please book a tee time prior to visiting the golf course. At this time, all tee times must be pre-scheduled. We highly recommend booking at least one week in advance.
Riverside Nature Center
Animas Park off Browning Parkway, Farmington, New Mexico
505-599-1422
This facility is closed at this time.
The Riverside Nature Center is a unique place to observe wildlife, begin a walk through the River Walk Trails and learn about local flora and fauna!
Riverview Golf Course
#64 CR. 6520, Kirtland, NM 87417
505-598-0140
Closed at this time.
Riverview Golf Course is a regulation 18-hole course in Kirtland, New Mexico.
Salmon Snagging Season
Navajo Lake State Park Navajo Dam, NM 87419
505-632-2278
The Navajo Lake kokanee salmon season runs from October 1 to December 31. It's no secret that anglers from across the world visit Navajo Lake State Park every year for the world-class fly-fishing found along the San Juan River at the base of Navajo Dam. But did you know that outdoorsman flock to Navajo Lake every fall for the special kokanee salmon snagging season?
San Juan College Disc Golf Course
4601 College Boulevard Farmington, NM
505-566-3410
Located on the campus of San Juan College, this disc golf course is a local favorite!
San Juan Country Club
5775 Country Club Dr. Farmington, NM 87402
505-327-4451
Home of the San Juan Open, this exceptionally challenging eighteen-hole golf course is complete with driving range and practice greens.
San Juan River Quality Waters
Navajo Dam, NM
The San Juan River is known for world-class trout fishing. The 4.25 miles of Special Trout Waters at the base of Navajo Dam brings anglers from across the globe for year-round fishing.
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. Due to its sacred nature, climbing is not permitted.
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.
Arcom Outfitter and Guide
402 Taos, Farmington, NM
505-860-2325
martinez_art@hotmail.com
Morgan Lake
Navajo Route 36, 15 miles west of Farmington, NM on Hwy. 64
928-871-6451
Morgan Lake offers fantastic windsurfing and boating opportunities year-round. This 1,200 acre lake is located on the Navajo Reservation.
Mountain Waters Rafting & Adventures
Durango, CO
800-337-8199
River rafting in Durango, Colorado is an unforgettable experience! Mountain Waters Rafting is here to safely share this experience with you. For rates, to schedule a trip or for more information call or visit www.durangorafting.com.
Navajo Nation Lakes
Please note that Navajo Nation tribal parks and recreation are closed to visitors at this time.
Morgan Lake, Cutter Reservoir, and Whiskey Lake, managed by the Navajo Nation, are just a few of the lakes located on Navajo land that is popular with anglers.
Soaring Eagle Lodge and Guide Service
PO Box 6340, Navajo Lake, NM
505-632-3721 or 800-866-2719
info@soaringeaglelodge.net