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Categories: Fun & Games; Arts & Culture; History & Heritage; Local Highlights
Overview. The centuries-old dwellings and kivas found here were mistakenly named "Aztec" ruins by settlers in the late 19th century. The true architects of the sandstone pueblos were the Anasazi Indians, also called Ancestral Pueblo, who occupied the area in the early part of the 12th century. The West Ruin, built in a "D" shape, surrounds a courtyard in which the Great Kiva is located. These underground circular rooms were used for ceremonial and spiritual purposes. After excavating the site, archaeologists found well-preserved baskets, pottery, and other artifacts, and learned that the Ancestral Pueblo grew corn. It is not known why they left the pueblo sometime in the 13th century; perhaps there was a severe drought. Some may have moved on to the Rio Grande River area.
What to see and do. A trail takes you around the larger pueblo and the Great Kiva, and to the circular Hubbard Ruin, which is also accessible. Visitors are welcome to walk the trail through some of the rooms and see the inside of the reconstructed Great Kiva. In summer, rangers may offer daily talks on the history of the site. Nearby, cottonwood trees provide shade for a picnic area. The visitor center and monument are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; until 6 p.m. in summer. The visitor center offers a museum with interpretive films and exhibits. On display are textiles, baskets, pottery, and jewelry, as well as an exhibit explaining the details of the excavation. A short film features the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people and highlights the importance of the kivas in modern and prehistoric Pueblo life. The monument is located near the Four Corners area in northwest New Mexico. From the town of Aztec, follow Ruins Road north off of Highway 516.
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