For a thousand years men and women have settled along the Animas River, building structures to meet the community's needs for food, trade, transportation, entertainment, and spiritual observances.

Starting with Aztec Ruins National Monument, the booklet takes you to the heart of Aztec’s Historic Downtown, then to homes, churches and irrigation ditches built by early settlers. Much of the Walking Tour booklet focuses on historic structures built in the early 1900s. It was an exciting time as New Mexico gained statehood on January 6, 1912 to become the 47th state. A century later, as we stroll past the works of these early men and women, we experience the one constant that remains: we are still engaged in community building.

The points of interest included in the booklet are a sampling of the architecture, influential citizens and natural features that give Aztec its distinct character. Aztec contains four historic districts encompassing multiple properties and 17 individual properties listed on the New Mexico and/or National Register of Historic Places.

The free Historic Aztec Self-Guided Walking & Biking Tours booklet is available at the Aztec Museum, the Aztec Visitor Center and at the Aztec Ruins National Monument Gift Store.

Time Period Represented: Early 1900s

Hours Open: Many of the sites listed are current residences and are not open to public tour but can be viewed from the street during the day. Please be courteous during your self-guided tour and do not disturb current residents.

Visitor Fees: Free

Seasons Open: Year-round