New Mexico Aztec Ruins National Monument map and highlights

Detailed guide of  Aztec Ruins National Monument in northwestern New Mexico, in Aztec.    

Aztec Ruins National Monument in northwestern New Mexico, in Aztec.    

Numerous and varied structures of the Ancestral Pueblo people  are preserved at this intriguing World Heritage Site. Recent evidence  suggests that the settlement was planned sometime in the late 1000s, and  that the community's design remained intact until the group moved away  two centuries later. The enormous West Ruin, a pueblo of 400 rooms, is  open to the public through an 800-yard, self-guided trail. The  reconstructed Great Kiva is one of the walk's highlights. The site was  proclaimed a national monument January 24, 1923, and designated a World  Heritage Site in 1987.    

WHAT TO SEE & DO    

Hiking, watching video program. Facilities: Visitor center with  museum and interpretive exhibits, movie, self-guided tours, hiking  trails. Picnic area. Programs & Events: Interpretive talks (daily  Memorial Day-Labor Day; less frequently May, Sept., and Oct.). Tips  & Hints: Busiest July and Aug., least crowded Dec. and Jan. Visit in  May for wildflowers and Oct. for fall colors.    

FOOD, LODGING & SUPPLIES    

Camping: None at site. In Farmington: Riverside Mobile Park (120  S. Gooding La., tel. 505/327-2566; 11 RV sites; $6-$17). E3 Hotels:  None in park. In Farmington: Best Western Inn & Suites (700 Scott  Ave., tel. 505/327-5221; 194 rooms; $99-$109). In Aztec: Step Back Inn  (123 W. Aztec Blvd., tel. 505/334-1200 or 800/334-1255; 39 rooms; $98). X  Restaurants: None in park. In Aztec: Aztec Restaurant (107 E. Aztec  Blvd., tel. 505/334-9586; $5-$7), Highway Grill (401 N.E. Aztec Blvd.,  tel. 505/334-6533; $6-$12; closed Sun.). 6 Groceries & Gear: None in  park. In Aztec: Frontier Sports (300 N.E. Aztec Blvd., tel. 505/  334-0009), Safeway (415 N. Main St., tel. 505/334-7334).    

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS    

Entrance fee: $4 adults, free ages 17 and under. Leashed pets in  picnic area, no pets on trail. Monument and visitor center open  Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily 8-6; Labor Day-Memorial Day, daily 8-5.    

HOW TO GET THERE    

10 mi east of Farmington and 35 mi south of Durango, CO, via  U.S. 550, lA mi south of Ruins Rd. Closest airports: Farmington (15 mi),  Albuquerque (180 mi).    

CONTACTS    

Aztec Ruins National Monument (84 County Rd. 2900, Aztec, NM  87410, tel. 505/334-6174, fax 505/334-6372,). Aztec Chamber of Commerce  & Visitors Center (110 N. Ash St., Aztec, NM 87410, tel.  505/334-9551, fax 505/334-7648,).   

Aztec Ruins National Monument guide. Detailed guide of  Aztec Ruins National Monument In northwestern New Mexico, in Aztec