Aztec New Mexico is located just 58 miles southwest of Pagosa Springs, making it an easy day trip. Most people take the drive to Aztec to view the Aztec Ruins. The Aztec Ruins were once a thriving cultural center for the Ancestral Puebloan people, the same people who once occupied Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde. Today the Aztec Ruins National Monument is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located just minutes from downtown Aztec.
Aztec Ruins National Monument – UNESCO World Heritage Site
No entrance fee is required therefore making for a great family trip. At the entrance you will find an exhibit hall that chronicles the history of the Puebloan people. There are also many artifacts that were found at the ruins on display. The self-guided tour takes you through the Great Kiva and the West Ruin, a three story, 450 room structure. When you walk through the Great Kiva be sure to look up and see the 900-year-old roof timbers that have kept the interior protected and intact for nearly a century. You can also wander through several of the smaller buildings, will allow you to see the amazing construction used by the Puebloan people up close. At the last stop on the tour, you will be rewarded with a great view of the entire complex.
Downtown Aztec New Mexico
The Aztec Ruins National Monument is not all there is to see and do in Aztec. There is a historical walking tour through town and a Museum and Pioneer Village in downtown. While downtown, grab a bite to eat at 550 Brewing and Pizza Parlor or at Rubia’s Mexican Restaurant.
550 Brewing & Pizza Parlor
550 Brewing and Pizza Parlor is a great place to eat lunch while in town. They serve 10 inch pizzas that are cooked in a brick oven. Beers are on tap.
Rubio’s Mexican Restaurant
Rubio’s serves traditional New Mexican dishes. Favorites such as Tacos, Burritos, Chile Relleno’s and Enchilada’s are options at Rubio’s.
Sandstone Arches
Aztec also boasts over 300 sandstone arches that are located throughout the canyons north of town. Finding them, however, can be quite difficult. Most of the arches are accessed by way of the many unmapped oil and gas roads around the area. As you can imagine, the roads can be rough, so four-wheel drive is highly recommended. The largest arch is Arch Rock and is viewable by car. One of the more popular of the arches is Cox Canyon. This arch is accessed by a short, moderate hike. Multiple arches can also be found in Potter, Cerritos, Pilares, Pump, Caballo and Crow Canyons. Be sure to pick up a flyer about the arches at the Visitor center before heading out to explore the Aztec Arches.
Aztec New Mexico Day Trip Photos
