Farmington

See

See Aztec Ruins National Monument

One of the many national parks and monuments of the Four Corners region, Aztec Ruins preserves the remains of a large pueblo village. A short trail winds through the ruins, allowing you to stoop through low doorways into the site and between the old walls. Another highlight is a massive restored kiva, which is quite impressive on the inside.

📍 84 Ruins Road, Aztecin the small town of Aztec, just northeast of Farmington proper on NM 516🕒 Winter hours: daily, 8AM-5PM; summer hours: daily, 8AM-6PM💲 Day use; $5/person entry fee (free for children 15 and under), interagency (NPS) annual pass applies☎ +1 505 334-6174

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See Salmon Ruins

An archaeological site related to those at much more extensive Chaco Culture National Historical Park to the south (see under "Go next"). On US 64 between Farmington and Bloomfield.

🕒 Open 9-5 daily (12-5 on Sundays during the winter)💲 Admission $3, with reduced rates for seniors and children

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See Shiprock

Located beyond the town of the same name, a spectacular monolith rising from the desert that has featured in many movies of the Wild West. It's well worth a visit for some photography.

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• Natural arches around Aztec, as they are numerous. One of the most visited is the Cox Canyon Arch, though this is some distance (close to the Colorado state line).

Do

Farmington is known for its outstanding recreational facilities and events, annually hosting the Connie Mack World Series, the XTERRA Four Corners Off-Road Triathlon and The Road Apple Rally, the longest running annual mountain bike race in the country. World class trout fishing on the San Juan River, below the Navajo Dam, and golf at Pinon Hills Golf Course are top attractions year-around.

For a leisurely stroll along the Animas River, you can try the River Trails that interconnect for 8+ miles through the city. One place to access them is Berg Park at 400 Scott Ave.

Buy

Farmington is one of the top places to obtain Navajo rugs and other arts and crafts of the Navajo. There are several reputable dealers in town (as well as, unfortunately, several others ranging from schlocky to downright misleading), largely clustered in the downtown district or along US 64 west toward Kirtland. The Foutz galleries and posts, distributed through several communities in the region, have a long history of offering quality goods. The main Foutz frontage is at 301 W. Main Street downtown (+1 505 325-9413), with others on the way to Kirtland and in Shiprock. Hogback Trading Post, in Waterflow (15 miles west of downtown on US 64), is another outfit with a good reputation. If you encounter another dealer offering good work, add it here.

Keep an eye open for Navajo rug auctions, which can be an excellent way of acquiring a rug at prices below those found at the dealers. The Crownpoint rug auctions, at a tiny town in Navajo Nation and covered further in that article, offer a superbly diverse inventory of rugs and frequently excellent value for dollar, as well as a fascinating cultural experience. Lodging in Crownpoint is nonexistent, and if you go to an auction, you'll do well to secure lodging in Farmington first. Auctions are occasionally held in Farmington proper as well, although they usually aren't as extensive as those at Crownpoint.

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