Aztec New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Aztec, New Mexico.
1. Aztec Ruins National Monument
ANCIENT PUEBLO HERITAGE
Aztec Ruins National Monument is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases exceptionally well-preserved Chacoan structures with original wooden beams. The site features a restored Great Kiva and offers visitors a chance to explore the Aztec West great house with its advanced architecture. This sacred place was once a central gathering place and thriving cultural capital for ancestral Puebloans.
2. Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village offers visitors a glimpse into the area's rich pioneer history. The museum houses numerous artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of early settlement in the region. Its outdoor Pioneer Village features preserved historic buildings that visitors can explore.
3. Aztec Sandstone Arches
NATURAL STONE FORMATIONS
The Aztec Sandstone Arches are impressive natural formations that showcase the region's unique geology. Visitors can hike through the area to view these striking red sandstone arches up close. The arches provide excellent photography opportunities and a connection to the ancient landscape.
4. Aztec Speedway
HIGH-SPEED RACING ACTION
Aztec Speedway offers exciting dirt track racing events throughout the season. Racing enthusiasts can watch various competitions including sprint cars, modified, and stock car races. The venue provides a family-friendly atmosphere with concessions and regular weekend events.
5. Alien Run Trail
OTHERWORLDLY MOUNTAIN BIKING
Alien Run Trail offers mountain bikers an exciting network of trails with varying difficulty levels. The trail's name comes from its proximity to an alleged UFO crash site, adding an element of mystery to the ride. Bikers can enjoy technical sections, desert landscapes, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
6. Aztec Municipal Golf Course
SCENIC DESERT GOLFING
Aztec Municipal Golf Course provides golfers with a scenic desert golfing experience. The well-maintained course features challenging holes set against the backdrop of New Mexico's beautiful landscapes. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy affordable rates and friendly service.
7. Crow Canyon
BRIDGE OF WONDER
Crow Canyon features the impressive Bridge of Wonder, a natural stone formation spanning across the canyon. Visitors can hike through the canyon to experience its rugged beauty and unique geological features. The area offers excellent opportunities for photography and experiencing the natural landscapes of northwestern New Mexico.
8. Tico Time River Resort
RIVERSIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Tico Time River Resort offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities along the Animas River. Visitors can enjoy camping, river floating, swimming, and fishing in this scenic natural setting. The resort also hosts events and music festivals throughout the year.
9. Historic Downtown Aztec
CHARMING MAIN STREET
Historic Downtown Aztec features well-preserved buildings dating back to the early 20th century. Visitors can explore local shops, restaurants, and art galleries housed in historic structures. The walkable downtown area provides a glimpse into the community's rich history and vibrant present.
10. Jack's Plastic Welding
CUSTOM RIVER EQUIPMENT
Jack's Plastic Welding is a local manufacturer specializing in high-quality river rafts and outdoor equipment. Visitors can tour the facility to see how these renowned products are crafted by hand. Outdoor enthusiasts can purchase custom rafts, dry bags, and other river gear directly from this celebrated local business.
11. Chaco Culture National Historical Park
ANCIENT PUEBLO CIVILIZATION
Chaco Culture National Historical Park preserves one of America's most important pre-Columbian cultural sites with massive great houses and kivas. The park features Pueblo Bonito, the largest and most impressive structure containing hundreds of rooms and standing several stories high. Visitors can explore multiple archaeological sites connected by ancient roads that once linked the Chacoan world.
12. Salmon Ruins Museum
ANCESTRAL PUEBLO HERITAGE
Salmon Ruins Museum houses an 11th-century Chacoan pueblo and a homestead from the 1890s. The site includes a museum with artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the area's indigenous and pioneer history. Visitors can take self-guided tours through the partially excavated ruins and historic buildings.
13. Angel Peak Scenic Area
DESERT BADLANDS OVERLOOK
Angel Peak Scenic Area offers breathtaking views of colorful badlands formations and the 7,000-foot Angel Peak. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and photography in this remote and pristine landscape. The area's dramatic erosional features showcase millions of years of geological history through exposed layers of multicolored soil and rock.
14. Navajo Lake State Park
WATER RECREATION PARADISE
Navajo Lake State Park centers around New Mexico's second-largest lake with over 150 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, and swimming. The park offers camping facilities, hiking trails, and marinas that provide rental equipment and supplies. Anglers particularly appreciate the lake's abundant trout, bass, and pike populations.
15. San Juan River Quality Waters
WORLD-CLASS TROUT FISHING
The San Juan River Quality Waters below Navajo Dam are internationally recognized as one of the finest trout fisheries in North America. This stretch of river boasts an incredible fish population with an estimated 15,000 fish per mile. Fly fishing enthusiasts from around the world visit to experience the clear waters and trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout.