10 Easy Road Trips From Farmington, New Mexico (That Are Totally Worth the Drive)
If you live in or are visiting
Farmington, New Mexico, you know it’s a great base for exploring the Four Corners. But what if you’ve already hit the local spots and you’re ready to get out of
San Juan County for the day?
Good news: within a few hours’ drive, you can find red rock canyons, mountain lakes, ancient ruins, and small towns with great food and coffee. These out-of-county road trips are perfect for weekend adventures, quick getaways, or those “let’s just drive and see something new” kind of days.
All of these trips are outside San Juan County, but still close enough to enjoy as day trips from Farmington.
1. Chaco Culture National Historical Park (Sandoval & McKinley Counties, NM)
If you’re into history, wide open skies, and starry nights,
Chaco Canyon needs to be on your list. It’s one of the most important ancient sites in the Southwest and a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You’ll find:
- Massive stone “great houses” built over 1,000 years ago
- Petroglyphs carved into sandstone walls
- Ranger talks about Ancestral Puebloan culture
- Some of the darkest night skies in the country
The last stretch is on a rough dirt road, so take it slow and check the weather. Once you’re there, you can walk through ruins like Pueblo Bonito and Chetro Ketl and imagine what life was like centuries ago.
Tip: Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. There’s very little shade, and services are limited.
2. Durango, Colorado – Mountain Town Vibes (La Plata County, CO)
Looking for a classic Colorado mountain town less than 1.5 hours from Farmington?
Durango delivers.
In this laid-back town, you can:
- Stroll historic downtown and browse local shops
- Ride the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Grab a burger or tacos at a patio restaurant
- Walk or bike along the Animas River Trail
Durango is a great break from desert landscapes. In summer, it feels like a cool mountain escape. In fall, the trees along the river put on a bright yellow show.
Personal note: I still remember warming up with a huge mug of hot chocolate after a chilly walk along the river here. Simple, but perfect.
3. Mesa Verde National Park (Montezuma County, CO)
For an unforgettable day trip, head to
Mesa Verde National Park, about 2.5 hours from Farmington. This park is famous for its well-preserved cliff dwellings built by Ancestral Puebloans.
Highlights include:
- Cliff Palace – one of the largest cliff dwellings in North America
- Spruce Tree House overlook
- Scenic drives with pullouts and views for miles
- Guided tours where you climb ladders into ancient homes (seasonal)
The drive up into the park is winding with big views. If you like photography, you’ll stop a lot.
Tip: Some cliff dwelling tours require tickets and have limited spots. Check ahead and book online if you can.
4. Pagosa Springs, Colorado – Soak in Natural Hot Springs (Archuleta County, CO)
Need a relaxing day? Head northeast to
Pagosa Springs, tucked into the San Juan Mountains and built around natural hot springs.
You can:
- Soak in riverside hot spring pools with mountain views
- Walk along the San Juan River walkways
- Explore small downtown shops and cafés
- In winter, use it as a base for snow play or skiing nearby
There’s something pretty magical about sitting in hot water while cool mountain air hits your face. Your muscles will thank you, especially after hiking or long drives.
Tip: Bring a swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops. Some resorts offer day passes, so you don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy the springs.
5. Gallup, New Mexico – Route 66 & Native Art (McKinley County, NM)
Just over an hour south of Farmington,
Gallup is a great stop if you love culture, history, and old-school Route 66 vibes.
In Gallup, you can:
- Walk the historic downtown Route 66 corridor
- Browse shops with Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi jewelry and art
- Check out murals and local galleries
- Catch traditional dances or events in summer (often at the courthouse square)
If you time it right in August, you can visit the
Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, one of the oldest continuous celebrations of Native American culture in the country.
Tip: Even if you’re not shopping, ask questions in the art and jewelry shops. Many owners are happy to explain styles, symbols, and traditions.
6. Abiquiú & Ghost Ranch – O’Keeffe Country (Rio Arriba County, NM)
For art, desert color, and quiet landscapes, head east to
Abiquiú and
Ghost Ranch, about 3 hours from Farmington.
This is the land that inspired artist
Georgia O’Keeffe. You’ll find:
- Red, yellow, and white rock formations that look like paintings
- Ghost Ranch hiking trails with wide open views
- O’Keeffe-related tours and exhibits (check ahead for times)
- The peaceful Abiquiú Lake area, great for photos and picnics
Driving through this area almost feels like moving through a giant art gallery. The colors change with the light, especially near sunset.
Tip: This is more of a “slow down and wander” trip than a checklist trip. Bring a camera and take your time.
7. Navajo National Monument (Navajo Nation, Apache County, AZ)
Head west into Arizona and you can visit
Navajo National Monument, tucked into the high desert of Apache County.
Here you’ll see:
- Overlooks of ancient cliff dwellings like Betatakin (seasonal guided hikes available)
- Short, easy trails with big payoffs in views
- Visitor center exhibits about Navajo and Ancestral Puebloan cultures
The drive from Farmington is scenic, and the monument often feels less crowded than bigger national parks. It’s a calm, thoughtful kind of place.
Tip: Check trail and hike availability before you go. Some hikes only run at certain times of year and require a ranger guide.
8. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (San Juan County, UT)
You’ve probably seen
Monument Valley in movies, postcards, or car commercials. Those tall red rock towers rising from the desert floor? That’s this place.
Located in Utah’s San Juan County on Navajo Nation land, Monument Valley offers:
- A scenic 17-mile drive (mostly dirt) past famous formations
- Guided Navajo-led tours that take you deeper into the valley
- Incredible sunrise and sunset views
- A small visitor center with viewpoints right by the parking lot
Standing at the overlook, it’s hard not to feel small in the best possible way. The landscape here really does look unreal.
Tip: If you’re not in a high-clearance vehicle, consider a guided tour. The guides also share stories and history you won’t get just driving yourself.
9. Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Access via Neighboring Areas (McKinley & Rio Arriba Approaches)
While most people reach the
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness from San Juan County, you can also explore the broader badlands region by coming in from nearby counties like McKinley and Rio Arriba. This wider area has the same otherworldly feel: hoodoos, strange rock shapes, and soft, eroded hills.
What makes it special:
- Alien-looking rock formations perfect for photography
- Open hiking—no set trails, just wandering through the landscape
- Quiet, often with very few other visitors
If you like feeling like you’ve landed on another planet, this is your spot.
Tip: This is true wilderness. Bring a map, lots of water, snacks, and let someone know where you’re going. A GPS pin of your car is very helpful so you can find your way back.
10. Aztec Ruins National Monument (Access From Outside San Juan County)
While
Aztec Ruins National Monument sits just across the county line from San Juan County, many travelers approach it as part of longer routes through neighboring counties, so it works well as a “loop” road trip stop.
Here you can:
- Walk through a large Ancestral Puebloan great house
- Step inside a reconstructed great kiva
- Follow an easy, family-friendly walking trail
- Learn how this site connects with Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde
It’s a compact site, which makes it perfect to combine with another stop or two in the same day.
Tip: Plan this as a leg on a larger loop that includes destinations in neighboring counties, so you truly make it a road trip out of your home base area.
Planning Your Road Trips From Farmington
Here are a few quick tips to make these out-of-county road trips from Farmington smoother and more fun:
- Check road and weather conditions – Some routes include dirt roads that get rough after rain or snow.
- Fuel up early – Gas stations can be far apart in rural areas.
- Pack a small cooler – Water, snacks, and maybe a few sandwiches go a long way.
- Bring layers – Desert sun can be hot, but evenings and higher elevations cool down fast.
- Respect local lands – Many of these places are on or near Native American lands. Follow posted signs, stay on allowed routes, and ask before photographing people.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Farmington?
Have you driven from Farmington to Durango, Gallup, Monument Valley, or any of these spots? Did I miss a must-see place in
Apache, Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, or San Juan County, Utah?
Share your ideas!
- Which day trip do you want to try first?
- Any secret overlooks, hikes, or cafés you recommend?
Drop your thoughts in the comments and let other travelers know what you’ve discovered. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to the Farmington, New Mexico area. Your share might be the start of someone else’s favorite road trip.
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