Out of This World Adventures near Farmington
At more than a mile high in elevation, you’ll find amazing high-desert adventures around every corner in Farmington, N.M.
You could venture out onto Farmington’s miles of trails, rivers, wilderness and cultural sights on your own, but if you’re looking for a truly incredible experience, the best way to see Farmington is with a guide.
There’s no trails through the other-worldly Bist/De-Na-Zin Wilderness just 45 minutes from downtown. Book a trip with Navajo Tours USA, a Diné-owned guide service that will share the indigenous history of the incredible badlands formations. Or, opt for a truly unique experience with Destination Meditation. This company takes you on a guided hike through the stunning rock formations to a perfect spot to take a deep breath. There, they’ll guide you through a meditation.
Looking to get your blood pumping? Stop by 505 Cycles at 4301 E Main Street in Farmington to rent a mountain bike and take on the course of the country’s longest running mountain bike race, the Road Apple Rally. Join the 15-30 mile trail at Lions Wilderness Park & Amphitheatre, which isn’t too technical and is filled with scenic overlooks. Or, book a guided mountain biking tour with Aztec Adventures to see the area’s best singletrack. farmingtonnm.org/events/road-apple-rally
If exploring with an engine beneath your feet is more your speed, you’re in luck. Farmington has incredible off-road trails. Black Bear Unlimited offers ride-along Jeep tours or bring-your-own-4×4 tours for those who want to experience rock crawling, ancient ruins and more in an off-road vehicle.
South of Farmington, you’ll find Chaco Culture National Historic Park, home to the buildings of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Join archaeologists for a tour through Chaco with Journey into the Past. These incredibly knowledgeable guides are stewards in their field and work to preserve incredible pieces of ancient history. If you want an even more remote-feeling experience, you can take a tour into the heart of Navajo Nation where archaeologists will reveal evidence of Ancestral Puebloans like rock art, defensive sites and more that you’d have walked right by without a guide.
“We like to say that these rock art panels are Farmington’s original art galleries,” says Farmington CVB’s Assistant Director Ingrid Gilbert.
If you’re looking for an air-conditioned art gallery, head to the newly revitalized downtown Farmington where you’ll find tons of local artisans and trading posts in this designated Artisan Cultural District.
You can’t miss New Mexico’s most famous dish while you’re in town: chile. Served both red and green style, you’ll find this Southwestern staple smothering burgers, mixed into mac n’ cheese, accompanying chile rellenos and more at The Chile Pod in Farmington. Chef and owner Monica Schultz began her restaurant after winning first place in multiple local chile and mac n’ cheese competitions.
For more information:
Farmington Museum and Visitor Center
800-448-1240
3041 East Main St.
farmingtonnm.org