Located in northwestern New Mexico near the towns of Aztec and Farmington, Aztec Ruins National Monument preserves structures and other artifacts from the ancient Pueblo peoples of the 12th and 13th centuries. The name of the park is a misnomer. The structures found here were not built by members of the Aztec civilization but were built by the Anasazi (ancient Puebloans) of the nearby Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde regions.
Located in the Animas Valley, just 75 miles from Four Corners U.S.A., this national monument region attracted ancient civilizations because of its fertile soil. Historians believe the structures here were used as a ceremonial and trade center throughout the 13th century. Dwindling resources and extreme weather probably forced the Pueblos to relocate sometime during the 1300s.
European immigrants settled the Animas Valley in the 19th century and the ruins became well known. The first excavation was conducted in 1878, and in 1916, the American Museum of Natural History began further investigation of the area. Local archaeologist Earl Morris continued excavation for the next seven years and was responsible for excavating the major portion of what is referred to as the Western Ruins. He also became the first custodian of the Aztec Ruins National Monument when it was designated as such by the National Park Service in 1923. Currently, the park consists of 319 acres and only a small portion has been extensively excavated.
Guests to the park may begin their tour of Aztec Ruins with a stop at the park's informative Visitor Center, which includes a large display of ancient excavated artifacts as well as a 25-minute video that educates visitors on the pre-Columbian history of the Four Corners area.
Visitors may also follow a self-guided trail that allows them to explore up close the Puebloan "great house'', which is known by park officials as the West Ruin. The .5-mile walk takes guests through various rooms in the house with the opportunity to view the skillful construction of the ancient civilization. This interpretive trail, much of which is accessible to wheelchairs, provides markers that offer information about particular landmarks. At the end of the trail, visitors can explore the Great Kiva, a 40-foot diameter subterranean structure that was used as a religious and social site for those who lived together here. This is the largest and oldest intact building of its kind.
Rangers also hold occasional interpretive talks for visitors and other ranger-led activities include lectures and demonstrations of American Indian crafts. These are generally held during the summer months, when tourism is at its peak.
Camping, lodging, food, and other amenities are not available inside the park but are accessible at the towns located just outside Aztec Ruins National Monument, including Aztec and Farmington.
