Location: Aztec
Top Things to do in Aztec
Top 5 Things to do in Aztec, United States
Aztec (Navajo: Kinteel) is a city and county seat of San Juan County, New Mexico, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 6,763. The Aztec Ruins National Monument is located on the north side of the city.
Restaurants in Aztec
1. Aztec Ruins National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Spectacular ruins where visitors can enter the only reconsructed kiva in the Southwest.
Reviewed By russcox - San Diego, California
My wife and I had a great time at the Aztec Ruins National Monument. We got more than we expected. First, there were only a few people at the park. The park ranger was really helpful and gave us his undivided attention for about 15 minutes. Be sure and see the film in the museum. It is only 15 minutes but gives a good overview of the ruins. Also be aware all of the artifacts in the museum were found at the site. The museum is small so with the movie it only takes 45 minutes at the most. Walking through the ruins was a real treat. We learned much about the culture and lifestyle of the people. When tour the ruins you can get a book which tells about 18 different viewing points - or you can simply call the number for the cell phone tour and hear a person read exactly what you find in the book. We had both, just listen on your cell phone. That way you don't have to haul around the book the whole time. We spent around 2 1/2 there and had a great time. It is well worth visiting! Here's a food tip. If you are heading south on US 550, there a great BBQ place in Bloomington - about 15 minutes from the ruins called "Serious Texas BBQ." It was great! Try to BBQ tacos!
2. Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village let visitors experience pioneer life in the American West. Aztec's history of human habitation goes back a thousand years, when Native Americans settled along the Animas River. Pioneer Village gives visitors the opportunity to revisit a community of the early American West. Children will enjoy climbing aboard the caboose and going in a one-room schoolhouse, just two of the many Pioneer Village buildings and exhibits. Visit Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village to learn about modern Aztec's early days.
Reviewed By Old_Drum - Warrensburg, Missouri
This museum is typical in some ways, with eclectic displays of various artifacts, a small village, etc., but it does an above average job of interpretation. The staff (volunteer and a new paid individual on her first day) are enthusiastic and generally knowledgeable.
The museum has one unique exhibit - a rotating cyclorama, hand carved, with various western themes and a musical accompaniment.
We were sorry to see that the museum cat, who'd led us around the village on our first visit in 2004, was no longer remembered.
3. Aztec Sandstone Arches
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By photosbyalexandria - Salt Lake City, Utah
We hiked to 6 different arches and they were all easy to find and so worth the time. These arches are amazing!!
Follow the directions below.
Zero out your odometer at each turn and its simple.
Wear long pants, the brush is a little scratchy on the skin. Take water. Have a blast!!!!!!!
4. Alien Run Mountain Bike Trail
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Tom N
This is the most developed area for biking around Aztec, and is a fun place to ride. Downhill/Return part of the trail is a bit rocky for me compared to many trails a few miles to the north in colorado, and leaves my arms and hands really tired from all the bumps.
Avoid in the heat of summer, great in the shoulder seasons when not wet.
You will be sharing the access road with the local oil/natural gas workers, and see several wells along the trail.
5. Aztec Municipal Golf Course
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Bigredmachine
While traveling to visit Aztec Ruins National Monument, we happened upon the Aztec Municipal golf course, just a few miles south of Aztec, New Mexico. This course was formally known as Hidden Valley golf course. The best feature of this municipal course is the staff. They were friendly, helpful and accommodating; we cannot say enough about how well we were treated here. It is nice to visit a golf course where the staff clearly cares about the experience their customers are having. The course is an 18 hole design that is enjoyable to play. This is not one of theses 7000 yard monster that beat you up, this course is designed for fun. We particularly enjoyed the front side with the four par 5 holes, three par 3's and two par 4's. Don't expect country club course conditions here, but the little town of Aztec, New Mexico does a great job keeping the course up and provides a nice golfing experience here.
