The Aztec Ruins National Monument in northwestern New Mexico, USA consists of preserved structures constructed by the Pueblo Indians. The national monument lies on the western bank of the Animas River in Aztec, New Mexico, about 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Farmington. Additional Puebloan structures can be found in Salmon Ruins and Heritage Park, about 9.5 miles (15.3 km) south. Archaeological evidence puts the construction of the ruins in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Puebloan-built ruins were dubbed the "Aztec Ruins" by 19th century American settlers who misattributed their construction to the Aztecs.Using our custom trip planner, Aztec attractions like Aztec Ruins National Monument can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
The site was declared "Aztec Ruin National Monument" on January 24, 1923. "Ruin" was changed to "Ruins" after a boundary change, on July 2, 1928. As a historical property of the National Park Service, the monument was administratively listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) listed the Chaco Culture as a World Heritage Site on December 8, 1987. That listing specifically included the Aztec Ruins.
The monument is on the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, one of New Mexico's Scenic Byways.
The property was part of a 160-acre (65 ha) homestead owned by H.D. Abrams, who supported the preservation of the ruins. The H.D. Abrams House in Aztec is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Aztec Ruins National Monument reviews
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An easy one hour drive from the Mesa Verde NP area, this national monument is well worth a visit. It's free, has an interesting museum/visitor center, and the ruins themselves are easily accessible..... more
An easy one hour drive from the Mesa Verde NP area, this national monument is well worth a visit. It's free, has an interesting museum/visitor center, and the ruins themselves are easily accessible..... more »
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Small compared to Chaco Canyon, but larger than I expected and easy to get to. Free admission. The site is impressive and the great kiva is the largest restored kiva in the United States.
Small compared to Chaco Canyon, but larger than I expected and easy to get to. Free admission. The site is impressive and the great kiva is the largest restored kiva in the United States. more »
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Fantastic walk through site. Great for kids education and growth. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Good parking, and parking for RVs and trailers in the back. Approximately 30 to 45 walking tour outside through amazing ruins. Great display of unearthed artifacts and information. Recommend watching the free short welcome Film in the theater before the walking tour. All Free, but try donating a little of that colone cancer McDonald's Burger money you suck down to a good cause and help keep places like this open. We highly recommend this for a visit.
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Full of history and information, this place has a great visitors center and helpful people. I tried the audio tour, which was free, and it was actually pretty cool. I had trouble with the connection while in the solid rooms, though, so be aware. There is also a written version you can grab for $2, I think. You can wander through the ruins and there is also a restored kiva to visit which is beautiful.
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