Farmington in the northwest corner of New Mexico is the commercial hub of the Four Corners, a growing community of 45,000 which swells to 150,000 shoppers on weekends. The metro area of about 115,000 includes Aztec and Bloomfield, Kirtland and Fruitland.
Farmington is approximately 400 miles from Phoenix, Denver, and Salt Lake City. Albuquerque and Santa Fe are 180 miles to the southeast. The Navajo Nation lies west of Farmington, The Ute Mountain Indian Reservation is to the NW, and the Southern Ute Indian and the Jicarillo Apache Reservations are to the NE.
With an altitude of 5306 feet, Farmington sits in the fertile and gas and oil rich San Juan Basin. Monthly average temperatures range from 28.6 degrees in January to 74.1 degrees in July. The area's climate is mild averaging 273 sunny days a year, with only 7.5 inches of rain and 12.3 inches of snow annually.
Thumbnail History of Farmington
From 1050 to 1300 AD the center of the Anasazi culture was in the Four Corners area in Chaco Canyon, at the Aztec Ruins on the edge of Farmington in the town of Aztec and at Mesa Verde in Colorado.
In 1868, the 3.5 million-acre Navajo Reservation was established, covering half of San Juan County, west and southwest of Farmington. The Navajo Nation has become an important a source of income for Farmington, first through trading posts and later as a customer base for Farmington’s growing retail, educational and medical services.
After 1879 Anglo pioneers settled in the San Juan Basin, a place ideal for fruit growing and ranching. Farmington was incorporated in 1901. In the first half of the 20th-century apples were the top crop with 53,000 apple trees reported to be in the area.
In the 1950’s development of a gas pipeline from the San Juan Basin to the West Coast brought boom times and Farmington’s population grew from less than 5,000 to more than 35,000. In the last three decades Farmington has evolved into a center for education, health and tourism as well as commercial services.
Only in Farmington
Called Totah, the meeting place of water, by the Navajos, Farmington lies among mesas at the junction of three rivers, the San Juan, the Animas and the La Plata. Forty percent of all the surface water in New Mexico comes through the Animas, La Plata and San Juan Rivers.
The San Juan River offers world-class year-round trout fishing including 3.5 miles of Quality Waters below the Navajo Dam. An average San Juan River trout is 17", but fish more than 20" are abundant.
Farmington is a lush place by New Mexico standards. A system of five parks along the Animas River is a source of community pride, an excellent place for walking, jogging and wildlife watching.
The Farmington Public Library, in an award-winning new building which opened in 2003, has the words "Summer Solstice" and "Winter Solstice” engraved at precise locations on its rotunda floor which are lighted by sunlight passing through a small window exactly on those dates.
Farmington’s Top Outdoor and Cultural Attractions
Golfers from the region come to golf at the popular Pinon Hills course rated the #1 municipal golf course in the U. S. by Golf Digest.
Glade Run, a BLM recreation area at the edge of Farmington, is 19,000 acres of sandy arroyos, slick rock and rolling terrain covered with sagebrush, junipers, and pinon. The Glade attracts bikers, hikers, horseback riders and off-road vehicle enthusiast to its wide open spaces.
Farmington hosts a summer open-air theater each year from mid- June to the first week in August in a beautiful natural sandstone amphitheater in the Lions Wilderness Park.
Farmington is within 100 miles of most of the Southwest’s finest Native American artists and craftsmen. Trading posts and pawn shops which deal with Indian artists are numerous. Many are run by 4th and 5th generation traders.
Farmington and San Juan County meeting and recreational facilities are first class and draw many regional and national tournaments and events to the area each year including the annual Connie Mack World Series.
Nearby historic Native American sites include ancient pueblo sites at Aztec Ruins National Monument and Salmon Ruins at the edge of Farmington. Mesa Verde National Park is 90 miles north, and Chaco Culture National Historical Park about 50 miles south.
The mysterious Bisti Wilderness lies 37 miles south of Farmington, a protected area of colorful land forms, fossils and petrified logs that is a favorite spot for hikers and photographers.
505 Outsiders
Farmington, NM
505-249-6351
team505outsiders@gmail.com
Local YouTube creators bringing you along on all of their outdoor adventures! This fun family sharestheir adventures fromtherecreational areas in and around Farmington as well as othersthroughout the southwest.
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Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness Study Area
On US Highway 550, 7.5 miles northwest of Nageezi, NM along NM 57.
505-564-7600
The Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness Study Area is located in northwestern New Mexico and is a badland area of rolling water-carved clay hills. The area is rich in fossils and spectacular geological formations making it perfect for hiking and landscape photography!
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Angel Peak Scenic Area
County Road 7175 off of Hwy. 550, South of Bloomfield, NM
505-564-7600
Angel Peak Scenic Areaoffers more than 10,000 acres of rugged terrain and is recognized for its scenic and scientific wonders. The nearly 7,000-foot "Angel Peak" is visible for miles in any direction and is surrounded by the Kutz Canyon badlands.
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Animas River Trails
Berg Park access, intersection of San Juan Blvd. and Scott Ave.
505-599-1400
At the very heart ofFarmington, you will finda beautiful system of 8+ miles of trails nestled along the Animas River. Visitors can enjoy walking, running, andbiking along the trails and explore parks, playgrounds, the Riverside Nature Center, and the All Veterans Memorial year-round.
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Animas River White Water Park
Berg Park, Farmington, NM
505-599-1197
Right atthe heart of Farmington, you will find Animas and Berg Parks. Amidst the riverwalk trails andparks, you will discover the Animas RiverWhitewater Park. This is the perfect stop for those looking to tube, kayak, or raftthe Animas River.
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Aztec Adventures
970-759-2126
aztecadventures01@gmail.com
Aztec Adventures is an event and tour guiding service focused on cycling experiences throughout San Juan County, New Mexico. Promoters of the Durango ~ Farmington Bicycle Tour, Galactic Grinder and Roost the Ridges an Enduro Style race. Also, they offer day and overnight tours of a variety of experiences. Ranging from cultural tours, gravel rides, singletrack trails, skills lessons, and more.
Aztec Ruins National Monument
725 Ruins Road, Aztec, NM 87410
505-334-6174
Aztec Ruins National Monument provides visitors an intimate opportunity to explore ancient ruins built by the ancient Ancestral Puebloans in the 1100s. Aztec Ruins features ceremonial, public, and storage structures as well as the "Great Kiva"theoldest and largest reconstructed Kiva in North America.
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Bear Automotive Off Road Adventures
109 E Pinon St Farmington, NM 87401
505-716-1621
Bear Automotiveis your go-to for off road adventures! This one-stop shop is a must for those looking to experiencethe epic off-roading found in Farmington, New Mexico!From ride-along and guided 4x4 tours, to UTV and Jeep rentalsthis adventure company has you covered.
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Bisti Badlands / De-na-zin Wilderness
Road 7297, off of Highway 371South of Farmington, NM
(505) 564-7600
The Bisti Badlands offers roughly 60 square miles of remote badlands and some of the most unusual scenery in the world.National Geographic Traveler listed the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, also known as the Bisti Badlands,one of their must-visit adventure destinations!This is a bucket list vacation forevery venturesomehiker, explorer, andphotographer.
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Brown Springs OHV Recreation Area and Campground
Glade Run Recreation Area, County Rd. 1980 (Glade Road), Farmington, NM
505-564-7600
This is a newly developed campground and OHV park within the popular Glade Run Recreation Area.Openedin May of 2019, this recreation park features a small riding track for young people, a skills training track, ten developed campsites, toilets, and a pavilion.
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Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Turn off is on US 550 at CR 7900Nagezzi, NM
505-786-7014
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, also known as Chaco Canyon,is the largest excavated prehistoric ruins in North America and is a must-see for history buffs and outdoor lovers. It is advised that visitors call the Park prior to a visit to ensure roads are accessible during inclement weather.
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Chokecherry Canyon Glade Run Recreation Area
Pinon Hills Blvd. and Glade Road, Farmington, NM
505-564-7600
Glade Run Recreation Area, also known as the Glade, consists of 19,000 acres of open public land along the north and northwest side of Farmington. At an elevation of 5,669 feet, this popular recreation areaconsistsof sandy arroyos, slick rock, rolling foothills, and mountain trails.The Gladeoffers motorcycle, mountain bike, ATV/UTV, Jeep, and equestrian trails. The area is open year-round, dry overnight camping is permitted.
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Civitan Municipal
2200 N. Dustin, Farmington, NM 87401
505-599-1194
Civitan Municipal Golf Courseis a Par 3 course. A local favorite, this golf course is centrally located within Farmington. A Footgolf Course is also onsite.
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CliffHangers Four Wheel Drive Club
PO Box 3002Farmington, New MexicoUnited States 87499
505-716-0269
cliffhangers4x4club@gmail.com
CliffHangers Four Wheel Drive club is a local4x4 clubinvolved in trail development, land management, four-wheeling, and a series of 4x4 events.The CliffHangerspromote and encourage interest in the serious operation and ownership of four-wheel drive vehicles and promote good fellowship and social activities among its members and their families.
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Dinétah Rock Art & Pueblitos
Dinétah is the traditional homeland of the Navajo people. The region is full of Ancestral Puebloan and Navajo rock art and small Navajo ruins called pueblitos, which is Spanish for “little pueblos.” There is also evidence left by the Ute tribes and early Spanish explorers and settlers. While not a National Park, these sites are of great interest to those interested in visiting Aztec Ruins National Monument, Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Mesa Verde National Park.
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Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area
Highway 371, Farmington, NM
505-564-7600
Over 800 acres of fun is waiting for off-road enthusiasts at the Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area. Located just 1.5 milessouth of Farmington, this OHV area has been created by 40+ years of off-road vehicle use.
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Explore Navajo Lake State Park
36 Road 4110 Unit 1, Navajo Dam, NM 87419
505-632-2278
Navajo Lake State Parkis the ultimate playground for camping, fishing, exploring, and boating with 150 miles of shoreline and 280+ days of sunshine and spectacular scenery.
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Farmington Lake
8120 E. Main St, Farmington, NM
505- 599-1197 or 599-1400
Farmington Lake offers outdoor lovers a variety of adventures within the city limits! The lakeisopen year-round for fishing and camping, and seasonally for boating and swimming. When visiting Farmington Lakemake time to explorethe surrounding mountain biking,hiking, andhorseback riding trails. Bird watching is also a popular activity at Farmington Lake. Avariety of hummingbirds, eagles, hawks, and heron frequent this city oasis.
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Floatsome & Jetsome Amusem*nts
Lake Farmington, Farmington NM
505-497-5625
deana6970@gmail.com
This locally owned adventure and amusem*nt company offers watercraft rentals at Lake Farmington. Stop by forbumper boats, paddle boats, water blades and lake floats!!
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Four Corners Monument
Hwy. 160, 60 miles NW of Farmington, NM
(928) 871-6647
TheFour Corners Monument, also known as the Four Corners Tribal Park, is the only point withinthe United States where four states intersect at one point. You can stand in one spot with a hand or foot in each state: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. This special geographical location is noted with a beautiful monument perfect for that one of a kind photo stop.Four Corners Monument is not a National Park or Monument.The park isdesignated as a Tribal Park.
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Head Canyon OHV Recreation Area
NM Highway 371, south of Farmington
505-564-7600
Head Canyon OHV Recreation Area is located just south of Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area. Both are located on the south end of Farmington on Highway 371. Head Canyon is designated primarily for OHV Motorcross racing.
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High Desert Mountain Biking Tours
Farmington, NM
505-860-3181
Experienced and new riders will enjoy working with High Desert Mountain Biking Tours! Let local mountain bike enthusiasts help you discover the best trails for your ability and or tips and training for mountain bikingin the area.
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Hovenweep National Monument
McElmo Route, Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 562-4282
Hovenweep National Monument is openhowever, some facilities have closed.
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Indoor Rock Climbing Wall
4601 College Blvd Farmington, NM
505-566-3410
Email: outdoor@sanjuancollege.edu
One of the largest indoor climbing walls in the west, this is one rock climbing experience you do not want to miss! Routes for beginners and experienced climbers.
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Jackson Lake
436 Hwy 170, Farmington, NM
888-248-6866
Jackson Lake is a popular fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing spot with locals. The lake sits amidst 840 acres of the Jackson Lake Wildlife Area.
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Lions Wilderness Disc Golf Course
This unique 27 hole disc golf course sits amidst spectacular high desert terrain with endless views. This is a must see and play!
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Majestic Enchantment
221 Highway 511 Blanco, NM
505-801-9163
Enjoy a day of catch and release fly fishing along this privately owned section ofthe San Juan River. Make time to explore the disc golf course and art gallery!
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Mesa Verde National Park
Hwy. 491, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330
(970) 529-4465
For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. Today, the park protects the rich cultural heritage of 26 Pueblos and Tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past.
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Morgan Lake
Navajo Route 36, 15 miles west of Farmington, NM on Hwy. 64
928-871-6451
Morgan Lake offers fantastic windsurfing and boating opportunities year-round. This 1,200 acre lake is located on the Navajo Reservation.
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Navajo Nation Lakes
928-871-6451
Morgan Lake, Cutter Reservoir, and Whiskey Lakeare just a few of the lakes located on Navajo land that arepopular for recreation. These scenic high desertlakes are the perfect addition to your fishing trip in the Four Corners region and New Mexico.
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Off Again Auto and 4x4
508 E Murray Dr Farmington, NM 87401
505-325-5761
offa*gain@gmail.com
Off Again is a locally run and operated business and has been part of the Farmington 4x4 scene since 1949!This company specializes ineverything Jeep, from full service to full custom builds and they offeroff road consulting and planning.
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Outdoor Equipment Rental Facility
4601 College Blvd., Farmington NM
505-566-3487
mccaber@sanjuancollege.edu
The San Juan College Equipment Rental Center offers you the opportunity to rent equipment to get you out on the trail, on the water, or in the mountains. Best of all, they offer it for the best price in the Four Corners! The experienced OERC staff can offer great ideas for places toraft, bike, backpack or climb.
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Pinon Hills
2101 Sunrise Parkway, Farmington, NM 87401
505-326-6066
Pinon Hills Municipal Golf Course is a must for any golfer. This scenic course is frequently ranked as one of the top municipal courses in the United States. Recently renovated,Pinon Hills Golf Course should be at the top of your must-play list. Test your skills atthis high-desert oasis and discover what all the buzz is about!
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Riverside Nature Center
Animas Park off Browning Parkway, Farmington, New Mexico
505-599-1422
TheRiverside Nature Centeris a unique place to observe wildlife, begin a walk through the River Walk Trails, and learn about local flora and fauna! This facility is amust-visit for bird watchers.
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Riverview Golf Course
#64 CR. 6520, Kirtland, NM 87417
505-598-0140
Riverview Golf Course is a regulation 18-hole course in Kirtland, New Mexico. Call ahead to book your tee time!
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Salmon Snagging Season
Navajo Lake State Park Navajo Dam, NM 87419
505-632-2278
TheNavajo Lake kokanee salmon season runs from October 1 to December 31.It's no secret that anglers from across the world visit Navajo Lake State Park every year for the world-class fly-fishing found along the San Juan River at the base of Navajo Dam. But did you know that outdoorsman flock to Navajo Lake every fall for the special kokanee salmon snagging season?
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San Juan College Disc Golf Course
4601 College Boulevard Farmington, NM
505-566-3410
outdoor@sanjuancollege.edu
Located on the campus of San Juan College, this 27 hole disc golf course is a local favorite!The course actually begins behind the San Juan College Health and Human Performance Center. Visitors are encouraged to stop inside for a course map.
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San Juan Country Club
5775 Country Club Dr. Farmington, NM 87402
505-327-4451
Home of the San Juan Open, this exceptionally challenging 18-hole golf course is complete with driving range and practice greens.
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San Juan River Quality Waters
Navajo Dam, NM
The San Juan River is known for world-class trout fishing. The 4.25 miles of Special Trout Waters at the base of Navajo Dam brings anglers from across the globe for year-round fishing.
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Sandstone Cycles
5160 College Blvd STE 104 Farmington, NM 87402
(505) 860-4403
sandstonecycles@gmail.com
Visit Sandstone Cycles for bicycle sales, service, and rentals. Its mission is to help others ride bikes. From first-timers to experienced riders or just looking for the hottest trails to ride in the Farmington, NM area, theywant to help you ride your bike more and worry less. Call or stop by today!
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Shiprock Pinnacle
Visible from Hwy. 64 & Hwy. 491
505-368-1089
Shiprock Pinnacleis one of New Mexico's most iconiclandmarks. Thisunique towering rock formation can be seen for miles in all directions. Shiprock is known to the Navajo as "Tsé Bit' A'í", or rock with wings. The peak tip rests at7,178 feet above sea level and is at the center of three volcanic pressure ridges that pushed the rock skyward millenniums ago.
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Simon Canyon
Navajo Lake State Park
505-564-7600 or 800-842-3127
The wildlife, scenery and a Navajo Pueblito found amidst these 3,900 acres of diverse canyon landscape make this a great area for day hikes.
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Soaring Eagle Lodge and Guide Service
48 Road 4370, Navajo Dam, NM
505-632-3721 or 800-866-2719
info@soaringeaglelodge.net
Soaring Eagle Lodge and Guide Service is the perfect location for every angler's riverside escape.Soaring Eagle is the perfect destination for those seeking comfortable riverside cabins, exceptional food, breathtaking scenery and of course friendly and knowledgeable guides!
Ultimate Performance UTV
2601 E. Main St.Farmington, NM
505-258-4143
Sales@ultimateperformanceutv.com
Your Four Corners area premier UTV shop for parts, accessories, installs, and service. Come see us for all your sxs needs. Locally owned and operated.
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El Malpais
1900 E. Santa Fe Ave.Grants, NM 87020
505-876-2783
At this time, theEl Malpais trails are open. The visitor center andcaves however are closed until further notice.
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Navajo Lake Marina
1448 NM 511 NBU #6 Navajo Dam, NM 87419
Locatedon the southern end of the reservoir, in the Pine Siteof Navajo Lake State Park, this marina offers guide service, boat rentals, a supply store, and much more.
