National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Aztec Ruins National MonumentRead the ranger's directions to Aztec Ruins below
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Aztec Ruins National Monument
Directions

By car: Aztec Ruins National Monument is located on Ruins Road about 1/2 mile north of New Mexico Highway 516, in the City of Aztec, New Mexico.

From Albuquerque/Bloomfield: Follow Highway 550 north into the City of Aztec, turn left at the “T” intersection onto Highway 516, drive 3/4 mile, then turn right immediately after crossing the river onto Ruins Road. Follow Ruins Road ½ mile to the Monument.

From Durango: Follow Highway 550 south into the City of Aztec.  Highway 550 will become 516.  Follow 516 and turn right immediately after crossing the river onto Ruins Road. Follow Ruins Road ½ mile to the Monument.

From Farmington: Follow Highway 516 east into the City of Aztec; 1/4 mile past Lightplant Road turn left onto Ruins Road. Follow Ruins Road ½ mile to the Monument.

Sunrise through the Great Kiva's windows  

Did You Know?
Ancestral Pueblo peoples at Chaco Canyon and Chimney Rock used sun and shadows to track the changing of the seasons. Recent studies indicate the Great Kiva windows at Aztec were purposely aligned to solar and lunar events as well. Was this an astronomical observatory?

Last Updated: May 28, 2009 at 16:17 EST