Farmington New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Farmington, New Mexico.
1. Bisti Badlands
OTHERWORLDLY DESERT LANDSCAPE
The Bisti Badlands offers visitors a surreal landscape of unusual rock formations and hoodoos. This wilderness area features otherworldly terrain that was formed by centuries of erosion, creating a moon-like environment. Hiking through this remote area provides photographers and nature enthusiasts with incredible opportunities to witness some of the most unique geological features in the Southwest.
2. B-Square Ranch
HISTORY AND WILDLIFE
B-Square Ranch is one of Farmington's top attractions featuring specialty museums and collections. Visitors can explore the property's diverse offerings including historic artifacts, wildlife exhibits, and beautiful grounds. The ranch provides a unique cultural experience that combines New Mexico's rich history with natural beauty.
3. Aztec Ruins National Monument
ANCIENT PUEBLO HERITAGE
Aztec Ruins National Monument preserves ancestral Pueblo structures dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Visitors can walk through the excavated Great House with its original timber roof and explore the reconstructed Great Kiva. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the sophisticated engineering and community planning of ancient Pueblo civilizations.
4. Chaco Culture National Historical Park
ANCIENT ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
Chaco Culture National Historical Park protects one of America's most significant pre-Columbian cultural and historical areas. The massive stone buildings of Chaco Canyon showcase the organizational and architectural abilities of the ancestral Pueblo people. Visitors can explore multiple archaeological sites connected by an ancient road system that once linked many communities across the Southwest.
5. Museum of Navajo Art & Culture
NATIVE HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Museum of Navajo Art & Culture displays a significant collection of Navajo rugs from the early 1900s to present day. Located in historic downtown Farmington, this cultural institution also features jewelry, pottery, and folk art exhibitions. The museum offers artisan workshops and educational programs that celebrate and preserve Navajo cultural heritage.
6. Pinon Hills Golf Course
PREMIER GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Pinon Hills Golf Course is ranked among the top municipal golf courses in the country. The challenging yet playable design offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape while testing golfers of all skill levels. Reasonable green fees make this championship-caliber course a must-play destination for golf enthusiasts visiting the Four Corners region.
7. San Juan River Quality Waters
WORLD-CLASS TROUT FISHING
The San Juan River is recognized as one of the finest freshwater fisheries in the world, particularly the Quality Waters section below Navajo Dam. This special four-mile stretch holds more than 80,000 trout averaging over 17 inches, making it a bucket-list destination for serious anglers. The clear, cold waters provide year-round fishing opportunities with spectacular catch rates and trophy-sized fish.
8. Berg/Animas Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
The Berg/Animas Trail is a popular nature and wildlife area that follows the Animas River through Farmington. This well-maintained pathway offers visitors opportunities for walking, jogging, and wildlife viewing in a scenic riverside setting. The trail connects several parks and public spaces, making it a central recreational resource for both residents and visitors.
9. Bisti Bay
GEOLOGY-THEMED WATER PARK
Bisti Bay is a unique outdoor water park that combines Farmington's distinctive landscapes and geology with aquatic fun. The park features a lazy river, water slides, and various attractions suitable for visitors of all ages. Its one-of-a-kind design makes it both an entertaining and educational experience that celebrates the region's natural features.
10. Salmon Ruins
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERY CENTER
Salmon Ruins preserves an 11th-century Puebloan community that once housed hundreds of residents. The site includes a cultural museum, Heritage Park, and the San Juan County Archaeological Research Center & Library. Visitors can take guided Journey Into the Past Tours to learn about the ancestral Pueblo people who built and occupied this significant historical site.
11. Angel Peak Scenic Area
DRAMATIC DESERT VISTAS
Angel Peak Scenic Area showcases colorful badlands formations topped by the 7,000-foot Angel Peak. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from several overlooks or camp at one of the rustic sites perched along the rim. The area's striking landscape of multi-hued soils and dramatic erosional features is particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset when the changing light brings the colors to life.
12. Artifacts 302
ECLECTIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Artifacts 302 is a highly-rated shopping destination in downtown Farmington featuring unique gifts, home decor, and artisan items. The shop offers a carefully curated selection of merchandise that reflects the culture and aesthetic of the Southwest. Visitors appreciate the friendly service and diverse array of quality products that make for perfect souvenirs or special gifts.
13. Lions Wilderness Amphitheater
NATURAL SANDSTONE PERFORMANCE VENUE
Lions Wilderness Amphitheater is a natural sandstone venue that hosts Farmington's popular Outdoor Summer Theater. From mid-June through early August, visitors can enjoy live musicals and performances under the stars every Thursday through Saturday evening. The unique setting combined with quality productions makes for a memorable cultural experience in Farmington's beautiful outdoor environment.
14. Brookside Park
FAMILY RECREATION HUB
Brookside Park offers affordable family fun with multiple recreational facilities in one convenient location. The park features two playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, as well as a full skateboarding park for visitors of all ages. This popular community space provides hours of outdoor enjoyment and is a favorite gathering place for both locals and tourists.
15. Bear Automotive Off Road Adventures
GUIDED DESERT EXPEDITIONS
Bear Automotive Off Road Adventures serves as a comprehensive resource for exploring Farmington's epic off-roading terrain. The company offers ride-along and guided 4x4 tours, as well as UTV and Jeep rentals for those wanting to experience the area's breathtaking landscapes. This one-stop adventure shop provides everything needed for visitors to safely navigate and enjoy the remarkable off-road trails surrounding Farmington.