Farmington, New Mexico: 10 Must-Do Activities and Nearby Attractions

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Farmington, New Mexico (San Juan County)

If you’re planning a trip to Farmington, New Mexico, you’re in for a surprise. Tucked into the northwest corner of the state in San Juan County, Farmington is one of those places that feels small and local, yet sits in the middle of some of the Southwest’s most amazing landscapes. Whether you’re road-tripping through the Four Corners region or looking for a weekend escape from Colorado, Arizona, or Utah, there are plenty of things to do near Farmington. From ancient ruins and red rock canyons to lazy river walks and local breweries, this town has a little bit of everything. Below are 10 fun things to do in and around Farmington, NM that will help you plan your trip.

1. Explore Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness – A Real-Life Alien Landscape

About 40–45 minutes south of Farmington sits one of the most surreal places in New Mexico: the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you stepped onto another planet, this is it. You won’t find paved trails or visitor centers here. Instead, you park, walk into the badlands, and let the rock formations steal the show.
  • Strange hoodoos that look like stone mushrooms
  • Odd-shaped rocks called “eggs” scattered on the ground
  • Colorful layers of rock and clay
It’s easy to see why photographers love this area. The light at sunrise and sunset can turn the rocks gold, pink, and deep orange. Tip: Bring lots of water, a hat, sunscreen, and a downloaded map. There’s almost no shade, no cell service, and no services nearby. Kids who like to explore and climb (carefully!) will think this is the coolest “playground” ever.

2. Visit Aztec Ruins National Monument

Just a short 15-minute drive from Farmington in the town of Aztec, you’ll find Aztec Ruins National Monument, one of the most impressive historic sites in the area. Despite the name, these aren’t Aztec ruins from Mexico. They’re actually ancient Puebloan structures built around 900–1200 AD. The name just stuck from early settlers who didn’t quite understand what they were looking at. Here you can:
  • Walk through original stone rooms
  • See ancient doorways lined up in a straight line
  • Step inside a reconstructed Great Kiva, a large ceremonial room
The Great Kiva is especially powerful. Standing inside, with the round shape and wooden beams overhead, it’s easy to imagine ceremonies that took place here hundreds of years ago. Good to know: The site is compact and easy to walk, so it’s great for families and anyone who doesn’t want a long hike. The visitor center is also very informative and air-conditioned, which feels amazing on a hot summer day.

3. Walk the Animas River Trails in Farmington

If you want something low-key right in town, the Animas River trails are perfect. These paved and dirt paths follow the river through Farmington and are popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. On a warm evening, you’ll see locals out with their dogs, kids on bikes, and people fishing from the riverbanks. It’s a great way to stretch your legs after a long day of driving or hiking. Highlights include:
  • Shady spots under cottonwood trees
  • Easy, flat walking paths
  • Access to parks and picnic areas
Personally, I love grabbing a coffee in town and then taking a slow walk along the river. It’s a simple way to relax and get a feel for life in Farmington.

4. Discover Salmon Ruins & Heritage Park

Just a few miles east of Farmington, Salmon Ruins (pronounced “Saul-men”) offers another look into the deep history of the region. This site was once a major Chacoan outpost, built around the same time as the big ruins in Chaco Canyon. Today you can wander through:
  • Stone walls and rooms from ancient Puebloan people
  • A small museum with artifacts
  • A Heritage Park with reconstructed dwellings from different tribes and eras
The outdoor exhibits in the Heritage Park are especially fun if you’re traveling with kids or you like to see how different groups actually lived. You can step inside a replica hogan, look at a pit house, and compare styles of building over time. It’s less crowded than some other historic sites, so you often feel like you’ve got the place mostly to yourself.

5. Take a Day Trip to Chaco Culture National Historical Park

If you’re willing to drive a bit farther, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is one of the most important archaeological sites in the United States. It’s roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive from Farmington, part paved and part dirt road. Chaco was a major center of ancient Puebloan culture between about 850 and 1250 AD. Massive stone “Great Houses” were built with incredible precision. Alignments with the sun and moon suggest advanced knowledge of astronomy. When you’re there, you can:
  • Walk through huge multi-story buildings like Pueblo Bonito
  • Climb to viewpoints above the canyon
  • Drive the park loop and stop at various ruins
Standing in these huge structures, it’s hard not to wonder: how did people build all of this with stone tools and no modern machines? Important: Check road conditions and weather before you go. Bring plenty of gas, water, food, and a spare tire. Services are basically non-existent once you leave the highway.

6. Hike or Bike Around the Glade Run Recreation Area

Looking for outdoor adventure closer to town? Head to Glade Run Recreation Area, just north of Farmington. This public land is popular for:
  • Mountain biking
  • Off-roading and OHV (off-highway vehicle) fun
  • Hiking
  • Camping
The landscape is classic New Mexico: sandy singletrack, rocky outcrops, and sweeping desert views. There are trails and routes for different skill levels, and the sunsets can be incredible. If you have a high-clearance vehicle or side-by-side, this is a great place to play. If you’re more of a hiker, stick to the marked trails and enjoy the wide-open scenery.

7. Enjoy Navajo Lake State Park – Boating, Fishing, and Camping

About 40–45 minutes east of Farmington, Navajo Lake State Park is one of the biggest lakes in New Mexico and a favorite weekend getaway for locals. Here you can:
  • Rent a boat or bring your own
  • Fish for trout, bass, and more
  • Camp at lakeside campgrounds
  • Swim in designated areas in warmer months
If you like being on the water, this is a must. The lake stretches for miles and winds through canyons, so you can find quiet coves or just cruise and enjoy the view. Below the dam, the San Juan River is world-famous for fly fishing, especially for big trout. Even if you don’t fish, watching the fly fishers work the water is pretty relaxing.

8. Stand in Four States at Once at Four Corners Monument

About an hour and a half west of Farmington, you can visit the Four Corners Monument, where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado all meet. Is it touristy? Yes. Is it still fun? Absolutely. You can:
  • Stand (or lie) on the marker and be in four states at once
  • Take plenty of photos
  • Shop for Native American jewelry, crafts, and art sold by local vendors
If you enjoy roadside attractions and bucket-list stops, this is one to check off. It also makes a nice day trip when combined with other nearby sights like Monument Valley (a bit farther west) or backroads drives through the Navajo Nation.

9. Explore Downtown Farmington – Shops, Art, and Local Flavor

Don’t skip downtown Farmington. It’s not huge, but it has a growing artsy feel and some fun local spots. As you stroll along Main Street and nearby blocks, you’ll find:
  • Local coffee shops and bakeries
  • Art galleries showcasing Native American and Southwestern art
  • Boutiques with jewelry, home decor, and gifts
  • Murals and public art that make great photo backdrops
If you’re in town during an event or festival, you might catch live music, car shows, or evening markets. I like to wrap up a day of exploring with dinner downtown and maybe a stop at a local brewery. After hiking and desert dust, that first cold drink is hard to beat.

10. Hit the Local Breweries and Restaurants

Farmington’s food and drink scene might surprise you. For a smaller city, it has a solid mix of local restaurants and breweries, with lots of New Mexican flavor. You can find:
  • Green chile on everything from burgers to breakfast burritos
  • Comfort food diners and Mexican restaurants
  • Craft breweries pouring IPAs, lagers, and seasonal beers
If you’ve never had New Mexican food before, be ready for a bit of heat. When they ask, “Red or green?” they’re talking about the type of chile sauce. Can’t decide? Ask for “Christmas” and get both. Spending an evening moving between a local brewery and a cozy restaurant gives you a real sense of the community. You’re not just passing through; you’re tasting Farmington.

Planning Your Trip to Farmington, New Mexico

Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall are ideal, with comfortable temperatures. Summers can be hot, and winters can be chilly at night.
  • Getting around: You’ll definitely want a car. Many of the best things to do near Farmington are spread out.
  • Altitude: Farmington sits around 5,400 feet above sea level. If you’re coming from sea level, drink extra water and take it easy the first day.
Farmington makes a great base for exploring the Four Corners region. You can enjoy small-city comforts at night and wild desert landscapes during the day.

What Would You Add to This Farmington Bucket List?

Have you been to Farmington, New Mexico or anywhere else in San Juan County? Did you hike the Bisti badlands, fish the San Juan River, or discover a favorite restaurant downtown?
  • What was your favorite thing to do near Farmington?
  • Is there a hidden gem I should add to this list?
Share your tips, stories, and questions in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’ve experienced in this corner of New Mexico. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s planning a Southwest road trip. It might just inspire their next stop in Farmington, NM!
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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