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 guide you through the incredible badlands formations. Or, stop by the Farmington Visitor Center at 3041 East Main Street for tips, directions and maps to help you prepare for a self-guided hike through the stunning landscape. The staff is well-versed in providing directions to iconic formations like the Egg Factory.
Looking to get your blood pumping? Stop by Sandstone Cycle at 5160 College Boulevard 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. Access the 30-mile trail at Lions Wilderness Park & Amphitheater, which isn’t too technical and is filled with scenic overlooks. 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 Jeep Tours offers ride-along 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 through Dinétah, the traditional homeland of the Navajo, where archaeologists will reveal evidence of the area’s earliest inhabitants 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