Aztec Ruins National Monument

Are you looking for some gifts this holiday season?
Come check out the Western National Parks (WNP) store at Aztec Ruins!

The store has a variety of unique items for people of all ages. Treat your family and friends - or yourself - to something special this holiday season! The visitor center and store are open daily from 9am-5pm, except for on Christmas Day when the park is closed. We hope to see you soon!

Edit: You can also shop online on the Western National Parks website: Click this link to their Aztec Ruins page: https://store.wnpa.org/collections/aztec-ruins-national-monument



Image Descriptions: 1) The bookstore at Aztec Ruins decorated with holiday lights showing a variety of souvenirs on display, including magnets, stickers, postcards, books, t-shirts, and other purchasable items. 2) A mug with a description and picture of the Navajo Codetalkers next to related books. 3) A collection of Aztec Ruins themed apparel, stickers, magnets, and other accessories hanging on a wall. 4) A round ornament with a drawing of the sandstone walls of Aztec Ruins and green scenery on it. 5) A 2026 calendar showing the month of August and illustrations of Aztec Ruins with a bobcat and two people walking in the distance. 6) Handmade Native American crafts in a glass display case, a display spinner of postcards and other items, and a collection of National Park Passport collectible items. 7) A wall of Junior Ranger apparel including t-shirts, vests, and books. 8.) A display of toys, legos, stuffed animals, and children's books. All NPS Photos.

We are still reminiscing about the snowfall from a few weeks ago! This photo was taken from the Hubbard Tri-Wall location facing the north wall of the Aztec West Great House. Don't forget, the winter solstice is a few days away, and we will be hosting a sunset observation along that north wall on Monday, December 22nd. This back wall of the great house aligns with both the sunrise of the summer solstice and the sunset of the winter solstice every year.

Please arrive at 4:30pm to join! We ask that you leave promptly after the sunset observation to allow rangers to close the park. Please wear sturdy walking shoes, and dress for the weather. This event is free and does not require any reservations.



Image description: A long paved path surrounded by snow covered grass and shrubs with remnants of a long sandstone wall in the distance, also covered in snow. NPS/Murphy

Aztec Ruins National Monument will be hosting a winter solstice observation at sunset on Monday, December 22. To view this event, visitors must arrive at the visitor center by 4:30pm to join the rangers and volunteers who will be escorting visitors to the alignment location. We ask that you leave promptly after the sunset observation to allow rangers to close the park. Please wear sturdy walking shoes, and dress for the weather. This event is free and does not require any reservations.

The Aztec West great house was constructed by ancestral Pueblo people about 900 years ago in alignment with the solstices. Assuming that the western skies are clear, visitors will be able to observe the alignment of the north wall of Aztec West with the sunset position on the western horizon. This back wall of the great house aligns with both the sunrise of the summer solstice and the sunset of the winter solstice every year.

During the winter solstice, the sunset location appears to “stand still” in its southernmost point on the horizon for multiple days.

For more information about the solstice events at Aztec Ruins call (505) 334-6174.



Image description: Remnants of a large sandstone structure sit under a pink, purple, and blue sky during sunset. NPS.