Aztec Ruins open year-round with no entrance fee; permits required

Aztec Ruins National Monument remains open to visitors year-round, offering free public access to grounds, trails, picnic areas and archaeological sites. The monument’s parking areas and restrooms are available daily from 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., with the Visitor Center normally open 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Visitors should confirm hours before traveling, especially in winter or during storms.

There is no entrance fee to visit the ruins, and eligible visitors can obtain free Access and Military Passes. Interagency passes are also available through nearby federal agencies, which helps keep the site accessible to families, veterans and people with mobility needs. Typical visits last one to two hours; the Visitor Center offers exhibits, an orientation film, a book and gift shop, restrooms and self-guided interpretive routes that make short visits informative for residents and tourists alike.

Local implications are practical and political. Free admission directs tourism spending into downtown Aztec and broader San Juan County businesses rather than into site entrance revenues, reinforcing the monument’s role as an economic driver for restaurants, shops and lodgings. At the same time, commercial activity on the grounds is regulated: group visits, special events, commercial tours, filming and after-hours activities may require permits such as Commercial Use Authorizations or Special Use Permits. Local tour operators, event planners and neighborhood groups should factor permit timelines and requirements into planning to avoid conflicts and ensure compliance.

Institutionally, the monument’s management balances preservation of ancestral Pueblo structures with public access and community use. The permit system is meant to protect sensitive archaeological resources while allowing compatible economic activity. County officials and business leaders can use existing partnerships with monument management to advocate for permit processing clarity, coordinated event calendars, and outreach that synchronizes local festivals and tourism campaigns with site operations.

Safety and access are managed proactively. The monument maintains an alerts page for seasonal notices, closures and safety information; consulting that resource is the best way to avoid surprises from weather, maintenance or short-term restrictions. Residents who volunteer, lead school groups or run tour services should check permit rules and contact monument management early when seeking Commercial Use Authorizations or Special Use Permits.

The takeaway? Visit early, plan for a one-to-two hour stop, and treat the ruins as both a cultural treasure and a piece of the local economy. Our two cents? If you run a tour or plan an event, start the permit conversation sooner rather than later so San Juan County’s Main Street and the monument both benefit.