Historical & Outdoor Adventures Available in Farmington during the Government Shutdown

Farmington, NM – January 10, 2019 – Farmington, New Mexico is well known as the place where active families and outdoor lovers thrive. The ideal basecamp to many area National Parks, outdoor recreation areas, and cultural attractions, Farmington has a wealth of experiences to offer visitors, even during the current Government shutdown. 

“With the current shutdown, there’s a common misconception that all parks, attractions, and outdoor recreation areas will be closed,” said Tonya Stinson, Executive Director for Farmington Convention and Visitors Bureau. “However that is not the case. Farmington is still open for outdoor exploration at many sites, and we encourage travelers to visit, explore and take in the unique culture and history of the Four Corners Region. For those who have trips scheduled and were planning to visit National Park sites, there is no need to cancel a trip, as there are plenty of exciting cultural adventures still to be had in Farmington despite closures, and the Farmington Visitor Center staff will be happy to recommend fitting adventures, based on the interests of visitors.”  

For those looking to explore ancestral Puebloan history, the Farmington Convention and Visitors Bureau recommends Salmon Ruins, one of the largest outlying Chaco colonies, or a self-guided tour of the Dinetah Pueblitos and rock art. For those interested in a guided experience to learn about the history and cultures of the region, archeologists with Journey Into the Past Tours offer tours of several key ancestral Puebloan and early Navajo structures in the Farmington area. For those seeking the outdoor adventure typically associated with a National Park, a visit to the Bisti Badlands, Angel Peak Scenic Area and Glade Run Recreation will offer exceptional hiking experiences.  

During the shutdown, the following cultural assets are open to visitors: 

Angel Peak Scenic Area – With more than 10,000 acres of scenic badland beauty, the rugged terrain is great for hiking, picnicking, and taking incredible photos. 

Bisti Badlands/De-Na-Zin Wilderness – Listed by National Geographic Traveler as one of the must visit destination for 2019, the Bisti is perfect for exploring one-of-a-kind scenery, as you discover unique geologic formations, fossil beds and walls of petrified wood.  The Bisti is a must-see and photograph for every adventurer and photographer. 

Chokecherry Canyon Glade Run Recreation Area – Known for its rock crawling, off road trails, wash runs and challenging courses, Chokecherry Canyon—located inside the Glade Run Recreation Area—is one of the most popular recreation areas in Farmington. A favorite of off-road enthusiasts, the area features a variety of trails for riders of all skill levels and is accessible by UTVs, Jeeps and mountain bikes.

Dinétah Rock Art & Pueblitos – Home to more than 200 pueblitos (“little pueblos”) built between 1680 and 1775—defense sites of Navajo people—explorers can walk through the rooms and view rock art depicting animals, humans, weapons, supernatural beings and more, all of which provide an insight into the daily lives of the inhabitants, as well as a look at their religion and culture.

Four Corners Monument – Be in four places at once at the Four Corners National Monument—the only place in the United States where four states (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado) connect. 

Salmon Ruins – Salmon Ruins is an important piece in southwest history and has preserved one of the largest outlying Chaco colonies. Once home to an estimated 200 to 300 people, the living complex was built during the 11th Century by ancestral Puebloans. In addition to exploring ancient homes, visitors can explore homesteads of early pioneers and visit the museum to see collections of jewelry, pottery, and tools. 

The following National Parks and Monuments are open during the shutdown with limited or no services:

Hovenweep National Monument –The monument is open, but visitor centers are closed during the shutdown. Hazardous conditions may exist, and there will be no visitor services. Please check conditions and be prepared. 

Mesa Verde National Park –The Park is open, but visitor centers are closed during the shutdown. Hazardous conditions may exist, and there will be no visitor services. Please check conditions and be prepared.

National Bridges National Monument –The monument is open, but visitor centers are closed during the shutdown. Hazardous conditions may exist, and there will be no visitor services. Please check conditions and be prepared.

For more information on attractions and closures, visit here. For more information on Farmington or to plan your visit, go to FarmingtonNM.org. For those with trips already scheduled and looking for options to expand their outdoor adventure, please call (505) 326-7602 for personalized recommendations.