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Aztec Ruins National Monument is a national monument in San Juan County, New Mexico. Despite its name, the site bears no relation to the Aztec civilization, a result of misnaming by early American settlers of the mid-19th century.

The actual builders of the Aztec Ruins National Monument were the Anasazi, and the structures are ancient Pueblo ruins. The structures date to between the 11th and 13th centuries. It lies a short distance from another group of ancient Pueblo structures of the Salmon Ruins and Heritage Park.


Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico
Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico
Author: Huebi (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0)

 Originally proclaimed the Aztec Ruin National Monument on 24 January, 1923, it was renamed "Ruins" on 2 July, 1928, with some changes to its boundary. On 8 December, 1987, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the Chaco Culture National Historic Park.


Aztec Ruins National Monument
Aztec Ruins National Monument
Author: Staplegunther (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.5 Generic)

Visiting Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico

The national monument is located in northwestern New Mexico. View Google Map. From Albuquerque, take US Highway 550 heading north to the City of Aztec. At the T-junction, turn left onto State Highway 516, then turn right immediately after crossing the river, onto Ruins Road. Follow Ruins Road for half a mile to reach the site.

The visitor center at Aztec Ruins is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm except between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when it is opened till 6:00 pm. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year Days. Entrance fee is $5 per person aged 16 and above.

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