Venture Out of This World near Farmington
At more than a mile high in elevation, you’ll find amazing high-desert adventures around every corner in Farmington, N.M.
Just 45 minutes from downtown, you’ll be amazed by the otherworldly Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. There are no trails through the badlands formations, so do your research ahead of time.
“Stop by the Farmington Visitors Center and we’ll help you plan a Bisti excursion fitting your abilities,” says Farmington CVB’s Assistant Director Ingrid Gilbert. “Don’t be afraid to explore. It’s like you’re on another planet out there.”
After a day spent exploring, head to the newly revitalized downtown area in Farmington for shopping and a bite to eat. You’ll find historic charm with a modern twist.
You didn’t think it was time for bed, did you? Farmington and the surrounding area offer amazing dark sky experiences. Head to Chaco Culture National Historic Park, an International Dark Sky Park to check out the Milky Way on a new moon evening or catch a meteor shower like the Perseids in August or the Leonids in November. On a full moon, you’ll want to head back to Bisti to see the formations in the moonlight.
Ready for more? Extend your trip to include these five adventures in and near Farmington.
Bike the Rally Trail
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 track at Lyons Wilderness Park which isn’t too technical and is filled with scenic overlooks. farmingtonnm.org/events/road-apple-rally
Learn About Ancient Life
Explore some of the more than 200 Navajo pueblos built between 1680 and 1775 at the Dinetah Rock and Pueblitos. Simon Canyon Ruin is a one-room structure that was built on top of a 20-foot high boulder in 1754. It can be accessed via the Simon Canyon Recreation area 3.4 miles below the Navajo Dam. A half-mile hike will bring you to the ruin. Learn more at farmingtonnm.org/listings/dinetah-rock-art-pueblitos.
Stay in a Cave
Originally conceived to be geologist Bruce Black’s office, Kokopelli’s Cave is a spectacularly wonderful bed-and-breakfast venue. Hike along a sandstone path to get to your 1,700-square-foot cave suite equipped with a kitchen, Jacuzzi tub, queen-sized bed and a replica Native American kiva. Sunset views of Shiprock, a sacred Navajo mountain, are gorgeous. Learn more at kokoscave.us.
Explore Navajo Culture
Stop by the new Museum of Navajo Art and Culture to learn more about the Navajo people, native to the Four Corners Region, through their intricate artwork such as rugs, blankets, jewelry and folk art. With a significant collection of textiles from the 1900’s through present time, the museum celebrates Navajo artisans past and present. Find the museum at 301 W Main St, Farmington, N.M.
Find a Treasure at Trading Posts
To get a taste of Native American culture and to support local artisans, stop by Hogback Trading Co. or Fifth Generation Trading Co. in Farmington, N.M. Hogback is a 10,000-square-foot Hogan shaped building that specializes in items used in traditional Native American ceremonies. Fifth Generation buys directly from native artisans and is located right in Farmington. Both trading posts offer Native American jewelry, Navajo rugs, baskets and alabaster sculptures. Find Hogback at 3221 Hwy. 64, Waterflow, N.M. Fifth Generation is at 232 W Broadway, Farmington, N.M.
For more information:
Farmington Museum and Visitor Center
800-448-1240
3041 East Main St., Farmington, NM
farmingtonnm.org