Trail · Northwest NM
Alien Run Mountain Bike Trail
Three looped mountain bike trails covering over 15 miles near a rumored UFO crash site.
Aztec · Northwest NM
Aztec serves as the county seat of San Juan County with a population of 6,201 and an elevation of 5,820 ft. Established in 1887, the city is known for the Aztec Ruins National Monument, which preserves ancestral Puebloan structures as part of the Chaco Culture UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tribal land — observe protocolsCulturally sensitive site
Overview
Aztec is the county seat of San Juan County, New Mexico, with a population of 6,201 as of the 2020 census and an elevation of 5,820 ft. The community became established in 1887 and is known for the Aztec Ruins National Monument.
Things to Do
Visitors can explore the Aztec Ruins National Monument, which preserves ancestral Puebloan structures and forms part of the Chaco Culture UNESCO World Heritage site. Outdoor activities feature the Alien Run Mountain Bike Trail, Glade Run Recreation Area trails and campsites, Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area, Simon Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern trails and campsites, San Juan River fishing waters, and Angel Peak Scenic Area trails and campsites.
Culture and Protocol
Aztec Ruins National Monument is a deeply sacred place to many Indigenous peoples, including Pueblo people, preserving ancestral Puebloan great houses and a restored Great Kiva. Follow posted protocols, permits, and guided tours at all times. Photography and drones are often restricted; respect access windows and any feast-day closures.
Frequently asked
What is the population of Aztec?
The population of Aztec was 6,201 as of the 2020 census.
What is Aztec known for?
Aztec is known for the Aztec Ruins National Monument, part of the Chaco Culture UNESCO World Heritage site.
When did Aztec become an established community?
Aztec became an established community in 1887.
Upcoming events in Aztec
Sunday, June 21
- 5:30 AM MT
Summer Solstice Observation
Aztec Ruins National Monument · Aztec - 10:30 AM MT
Route 66: Travelers and Tribes 100 Years
Aztec Ruins National Monument · Aztec
Outdoor activities near Aztec
- Campsite · Northwest NM
Glade Run Recreation Area
19,000 acres of sandy arroyos, slick rock and rolling terrain split into two OHV zones, with about 42 miles of marked trails for motorized trail bike and mountain bike riders. Stay limit: 14 days.
- Trail · Northwest NM
Glade Run Recreation Area
19,000 acres of sandy arroyos, slick rock and rolling terrain with marked trail-bike and mountain-bike routes.
- Trail · Northwest NM
Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area
More than 800 acres for off-road enthusiasts at the Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area south of Farmington.
- Trail · Northwest NM
Simon Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern
About 3,900 acres managed for semi-primitive recreation near the San Juan River Quality Waters.
- Campsite · Northwest NM
Simon Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern
About 3,900 acres managed for semi-primitive recreation including fishing, hiking, and backpacking, with minimal development at the canyon mouth. Narrow trails along the San Juan River Quality Waters lead to fishing spots; Simon Canyon Ruin, a Navajo Pueblito dating to 1754, overlooks the canyon.
- Fishing & water · Northwest NM
San Juan River
From Navajo Dam downstream 3.5 miles as posted. It is illegal to fish with more than 2 flies on a single line. Special Trout Water designation: Red chile. Regulations: Catch-and-release only, artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
- Fishing & water · Northwest NM
San Juan River — Quality Waters (below Navajo Dam)
A world-renowned tailwater trout fishery on the cold, clear flows below Navajo Dam. The Quality and Catch-and-Release reaches hold large rainbow and brown trout and carry special tackle and bag-limit rules.
No fee - Campsite · Northwest NM
Angel Peak Scenic Area
Over 10,000 acres of rugged badlands with dramatic views of Angel Peak, a nearly 7,000-foot sandstone landmark. A short rim trail and interpretive panels; the free, first-come Angel Peak Campground has nine tent sites with shelters and vault toilets. Stay limit: 14 Days.
No fee - Trail · Northwest NM
Angel Peak Scenic Area
Over 10,000 acres of rugged badlands with dramatic views of Angel Peak, a nearly 7,000-foot sandstone landmark.
No fee
Sources & verification
Every fact below was independently verified against the cited source.
- Aztec is the county seat of San Juan County, New Mexico. en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
- The population of Aztec was 6,201 as of the 2020 census. en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
- Aztec has an elevation of 5,820 ft (1,770 m). en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
- Aztec is known for the Aztec Ruins National Monument. en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
- The Aztec Ruins National Monument preserves ancestral Puebloan structures and is part of the Chaco Culture UNESCO World Heritage site. en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
- Aztec became an established community in 1887. newmexico.org · verified June 12, 2026