Visitors watch the sunset adjacent to stone ruins.
A "doorway of light" on the eastern interior wall of the Great Kiva.
Stone ruins, with short shadows emphasizing the sunset alignment.
Sunset adjacent to stone ruins and a utility pole.

Winter Solstice Sunset

Aztec Ruins National Monument

Special Event
  • Every day at 3:45 PM from December 20, 2019 to December 21, 2019
  • Free

Aztec Ruins National Monument will be hosting winter solstice observations at sunset. To view this event, visitors must arrive at the visitor center by 4:30pm to join the rangers and volunteers who will be escorting visitors to the alignment location. Please wear sturdy walking shoes, and dress for the weather.
 
The Aztec West great house was constructed by Ancestral Pueblo people about 900 years ago in alignment with the solstices.  Assuming that the western skies are clear, visitors will be able to observe the alignment of the north wall of Aztec West with the sunset position on the western horizon.  During the winter solstice, the sunset location appears to “stand still” in its southernmost point on the horizon for multiple days.
 
For more information about the solstice events at Aztec Ruins call (505) 334-6174.

More information

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Latitude and Longitude 36.834550, -108.000190

Schedule

Days:

Every day

Dates:

December 20, 2019 to December 21, 2019

Time:

3:45 PM

Duration:

1 hour and 45 minutes

Arrive by 4:30pm sharp to participate. (MST)

Contact Information

Visitor Center
505-334-6174
Contact Us

Event Type

  • Guided Tour
  • Other
  • Walk
Tags: winter solstice, archeoastronomy, alignment, ancestral pueblo, aztec ruins