Crow Canyon is a historic site about 30 miles southeast of Farmington, New
Mexico. Located in Dinйtah, the traditional homeland of the Navajo people, the
site contains a variety of Navajo ruins and rock art from the 16th, 17th, and
18th centuries.  
  
The Crow Canyon Petroglyphs are the most extensive and well-known collection
of 16th, 17th and 18th century Navajo petroglyphs (carved rock art) in the
American Southwest. Earlier Ancestral Puebloan (a.k.a. Anasazi) images can
also be found among the Navajo rock art. Hundreds of images of animals,
humans, supernatural beings, and other images such as corn plants and bows and
arrows can be found, carved on south and east-facing canyon walls. Most of the
images are clustered in what are referred to as "panels," on the lower cliff
faces of the canyon. Archaeologists believe the panels may have been
associated with ceremonies, as many of the images are similar to Navajo
ceremonial sand paintings.  
  
The Crow Canyon National Register Archaeological District was listed on the
National Register of Historic Places in 1974 for its examples of Navajo rock
art and defensive pueblito sites. Please do not touch the rock art panels, as
the acids on your skin can damage them.

Crow Canyon is a historic site about 30 miles southeast of Farmington, New Mexico. Located in Dinйtah, the traditional homeland of the Navajo people, the site contains a variety of Navajo ruins and rock art from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. 
 
The Crow Canyon Petroglyphs are the most extensive and well-known collection of 16th, 17th and 18th century Navajo petroglyphs (carved rock art) in the American Southwest. Earlier Ancestral Puebloan (a.k.a. Anasazi) images can also be found among the Navajo rock art. Hundreds of images of animals, humans, supernatural beings, and other images such as corn plants and bows and arrows can be found, carved on south and east-facing canyon walls. Most of the images are clustered in what are referred to as "panels," on the lower cliff faces of the canyon. Archaeologists believe the panels may have been associated with ceremonies, as many of the images are similar to Navajo ceremonial sand paintings. 
 
The Crow Canyon National Register Archaeological District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 for its examples of Navajo rock art and defensive pueblito sites. Please do not touch the rock art panels, as the acids on your skin can damage them.

Bird's eye view of the park

Crow Canyon Petroglyphs

Angel Peak Scenic Area, located about 30 miles southeast of Farmington, offers
more than 10,000 acres of rugged terrain recognized for its scenic and
scientific wonders. The nearly 7,000-foot Angel Peak, a landmark composed of
river deposited sandstone from the San Jose Formation, is visible for miles in
any direction. However, the banded colors of the badlands and the deep
sculpted fingers of the canyon at the base of Angel Peak are only fully
revealed to those who make the short journey along the rim.  
  
Remnants of mammal fossils, as well as wood petrified over the ages, can be
found eroding out of the sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone visible in the
canyon today. Collection and study of these important fossils by permitted
paleontologists helps document the evolution of many mammal species and
contributes to our knowledge of the earth's history.  
  
Three picnic areas and a campground are located along the canyon rim
overlooking Angel Peak and the Kutz Canyon badlands. Three picnic areas (Sage,
Castle Rock, and Cliffs), containing seven developed sites, are located along
the rim road. Each site has a shelter, tables on a concrete underfoot, a
gravel pathway, and a fire grate. Trash cans are located in all three picnic
areas. Accessible vault toilets are available at both Sage and Cliffs picnic
areas.  
  
Angel Peak Campground has nine sites available for tent camping; each with
picnic tables on a concrete underfoot, gravel pathways, and fire grates.
Picnic shelters are located at three campsites; two with single shelters and
one with a double shelter suitable for larger groups. Two accessible vault
toilets and trash receptacles are conveniently located in the campground. A
short nature trail winds among the plants that have found a niche along the
desolate rim and leads to an overlook of the canyon where a bench is provided
for relaxing and enjoying the view.  
  
No electrical hookups or water is available.

Angel Peak Scenic Area, located about 30 miles southeast of Farmington, offers more than 10,000 acres of rugged terrain recognized for its scenic and scientific wonders. The nearly 7,000-foot Angel Peak, a landmark composed of river deposited sandstone from the San Jose Formation, is visible for miles in any direction. However, the banded colors of the badlands and the deep sculpted fingers of the canyon at the base of Angel Peak are only fully revealed to those who make the short journey along the rim. 
 
Remnants of mammal fossils, as well as wood petrified over the ages, can be found eroding out of the sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone visible in the canyon today. Collection and study of these important fossils by permitted paleontologists helps document the evolution of many mammal species and contributes to our knowledge of the earth's history. Three picnic areas and a campground are located along the canyon rim overlooking Angel Peak and the Kutz Canyon badlands. Three picnic areas (Sage, Castle Rock, and Cliffs), containing seven developed sites, are located along the rim road. Each site has a shelter, tables on a concrete underfoot, a gravel pathway, and a fire grate. Trash cans are located in all three picnic areas. Accessible vault toilets are available at both Sage and Cliffs picnic areas. Angel Peak Campground has nine sites available for tent camping; each with picnic tables on a concrete underfoot, gravel pathways, and fire grates. Picnic shelters are located at three campsites; two with single shelters and one with a double shelter suitable for larger groups. Two accessible vault toilets and trash receptacles are conveniently located in the campground. A short nature trail winds among the plants that have found a niche along the desolate rim and leads to an overlook of the canyon where a bench is provided for relaxing and enjoying the view.
 
No electrical hookups or water is available.

Angel Peak Scenic Area

The small, aboveground masonry structures of northwestern New Mexico called
"pueblitos" (Spanish for "little pueblos") drew the attention of the first
European visitors to this area centuries ago. The pueblitos were observed by
Spanish travelers in the early to mid-1700s, who remarked that they were
places of defense against the Utes and Comanches. The early 20th century
residents of the Gobernador area used the term pueblitos in reference to these
small stone structures. In the early 1900s, the noted archaeologist Alfred
Kidder proposed that these structures might have been built by Puebloan
refugees fleeing Spanish reprisals after the Spanish resettlement of New
Mexico in 1692, although research since then has well established that most,
if not all, of the pueblitos were constructed by the Navajo (Diné).  
  
These "Pueblitos of Dinétah" (pueblitos in the homeland of the Diné) were
constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries and used defensively as well as for
shelters and cooking. They are often situated on large boulders or outcrops,
allowing the residents to have maximum vantage points. Architectural elements
include roofs, hooded fireplaces, hogan foundations as well as peep holes for
doorway security.  
  
Pueblitos under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management include
Simon Canyon Ruin, Tapacito Ruin, Split Rock Ruin, Frances Canyon Ruin, Hooded
Fireplace Ruin, Largo School Ruin, and Crow Canyon Site. All of these sites
were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and 1987.

The small, aboveground masonry structures of northwestern New Mexico called "pueblitos" (Spanish for "little pueblos") drew the attention of the first European visitors to this area centuries ago. The pueblitos were observed by Spanish travelers in the early to mid-1700s, who remarked that they were places of defense against the Utes and Comanches. The early 20th century residents of the Gobernador area used the term pueblitos in reference to these small stone structures. In the early 1900s, the noted archaeologist Alfred Kidder proposed that these structures might have been built by Puebloan refugees fleeing Spanish reprisals after the Spanish resettlement of New Mexico in 1692, although research since then has well established that most, if not all, of the pueblitos were constructed by the Navajo (Diné). 
 
These "Pueblitos of Dinétah" (pueblitos in the homeland of the Diné) were constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries and used defensively as well as for shelters and cooking. They are often situated on large boulders or outcrops, allowing the residents to have maximum vantage points. Architectural elements include roofs, hooded fireplaces, hogan foundations as well as peep holes for doorway security. 
 
Pueblitos under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management include Simon Canyon Ruin, Tapacito Ruin, Split Rock Ruin, Frances Canyon Ruin, Hooded Fireplace Ruin, Largo School Ruin, and Crow Canyon Site. All of these sites were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and 1987.

Defensive Sites of Dinetah

Margarita Martinez Homestead

The Margarita Martinez Homestead consists of a four-room sandstone house, a
large corral, and an irrigation canal located in Tafoya Canyon. The homestead
was constructed between 1908 and 1922. Margarita Martinez was originally from
the Corrales area where she lived with her husband, Juan. After Juan's death,
she moved to Largo Canyon in 1904 with her children. Margarita passed away in
1919 following a wagon accident, and management of the homestead passed to
other family members. Although patents were filed on the homestead in 1935,
the home remained on public lands presumably due to an error in writing the
legal description in the filing of the patent.

Martin Apodaca Homestead

The Martin Apodaca Homestead, located at the head of a small canyon once known
as Pollito (Little Chicken) Canyon, consists of three buildings and a corral
built between 1907 - 1918. This land was later acquired by the Berry Cattle
Company. The historical record suggests the homestead was abandoned sometime
prior to 1930.

Most remarkable is that one of the buildings was used as a church. Locally
known as Nuestra Seсora de la Buena Pastora (Our Lady of the Good Shepherd)
appears in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe records from 1915 at the Church of the
Divine Pastor in Haynes, New Mexico. Nuestra Seсora was served by the parish
in Farmington and visited "every couple of months" by Padre Alberto.

Nestor Martin Homestead, a.k.a. Old Rock Ranch

The Nestor Martin Homestead is one of the oldest homesteads in Upper Largo
Canyon. The homestead is one of the few shown on the 1882 General Land Office
survey map of the area. The homestead is shown on the current USGS topographic
map of the area as the "Old Rock Ranch," just northeast of the mouth of
Rockhouse Canyon. Although located along the main thoroughfare through Largo
Canyon, very little is known about the site.

Margarita Martinez Homestead 
The Margarita Martinez Homestead consists of a four-room sandstone house, a large corral, and an irrigation canal located in Tafoya Canyon. The homestead was constructed between 1908 and 1922. Margarita Martinez was originally from the Corrales area where she lived with her husband, Juan. After Juan's death, she moved to Largo Canyon in 1904 with her children. Margarita passed away in 1919 following a wagon accident, and management of the homestead passed to other family members. Although patents were filed on the homestead in 1935, the home remained on public lands presumably due to an error in writing the legal description in the filing of the patent. 
 
Martin Apodaca Homestead 
The Martin Apodaca Homestead, located at the head of a small canyon once known as Pollito (Little Chicken) Canyon, consists of three buildings and a corral built between 1907 - 1918. This land was later acquired by the Berry Cattle Company. The historical record suggests the homestead was abandoned sometime prior to 1930. 
 
Most remarkable is that one of the buildings was used as a church. Locally known as Nuestra Seсora de la Buena Pastora (Our Lady of the Good Shepherd) appears in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe records from 1915 at the Church of the Divine Pastor in Haynes, New Mexico. Nuestra Seсora was served by the parish in Farmington and visited "every couple of months" by Padre Alberto. 
 
Nestor Martin Homestead, a.k.a. Old Rock Ranch 
The Nestor Martin Homestead is one of the oldest homesteads in Upper Largo Canyon. The homestead is one of the few shown on the 1882 General Land Office survey map of the area. The homestead is shown on the current USGS topographic map of the area as the "Old Rock Ranch," just northeast of the mouth of Rockhouse Canyon. Although located along the main thoroughfare through Largo Canyon, very little is known about the site.

Homesteads of Upper Largo Canyon

Navajo Dam, at an elevation of 6,085 feet, was completed in 1963 and is the
principal storage feature for the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project. The
reservoir is one of the four initial units of the Colorado River Storage
Project and is located in northwest New Mexico and southwest Colorado, about
34 miles east of Farmington, NM. The reservoir has a maximum surface area of
15, 610 acres and extends 35 miles up the San Juan River, 13 miles up the Pine
River, and 4 miles up the Piedra River. The reservoir provides important
recreation and fish and wildlife benefits but its primary purpose is to
provide irrigation water and flood control. Recreation at Navajo Reservoir is
managed by the New Mexico State Parks (505) 632-2278. There are two visitor
centers at Navajo Reservoir in New Mexico. They contain limited interpretive
displays on the construction of the dam and reservoir, and on the area's
natural and local history, including native cultures. A third visitor center
is located within Navajo State Park in Colorado. All three visitor centers are
open year round. This large reservoir is surrounded by beautiful scenery and
rugged landscape. To accommodate the maximum water surface area of almost 23
square miles, 5 public boat ramps and 3 marinas are located at the reservoir.
Available fish species include northern pike, catfish, smallmouth bass,
rainbow trout, and Kokanee salmon. The initial 3 1/2 miles below Navajo Dam,
of the San Juan River, are considered a nationally renowned, trophy rainbow
trout, tailwater fishery with designated "quality waters" and special angler
regulations in effect. Please check state fishing regulations for specifics.
Available species include rainbow, German brown, and cutthroat trout. About 4
1/2 miles of the river are within the State Park boundary below the dam.

<a href="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Navajo+Dam" rel="nofollow">Navajo Dam</a>, at an elevation of 6,085 feet, was completed in 1963 and is the principal storage feature for the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project. The reservoir is one of the four initial units of the Colorado River Storage Project and is located in northwest New Mexico and southwest Colorado, about 34 miles east of Farmington, NM. The reservoir has a maximum surface area of 15, 610 acres and extends 35 miles up the San Juan River, 13 miles up the Pine River, and 4 miles up the Piedra River. The reservoir provides important recreation and fish and wildlife benefits but its primary purpose is to provide irrigation water and flood control. Recreation at Navajo Reservoir is managed by the New Mexico State Parks (505) 632-2278. There are two visitor centers at Navajo Reservoir in New Mexico. They contain limited interpretive displays on the construction of the dam and reservoir, and on the area's natural and local history, including native cultures. A third visitor center is located within Navajo State Park in Colorado. All three visitor centers are open year round. This large reservoir is surrounded by beautiful scenery and rugged landscape. To accommodate the maximum water surface area of almost 23 square miles, 5 public boat ramps and 3 marinas are located at the reservoir. Available fish species include northern pike, catfish, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and Kokanee salmon. The initial 3 1/2 miles below Navajo Dam, of the San Juan River, are considered a nationally renowned, trophy rainbow trout, tailwater fishery with designated "quality waters" and special angler regulations in effect. Please check state fishing regulations for specifics. Available species include rainbow, German brown, and cutthroat trout. About 4 1/2 miles of the river are within the State Park boundary below the dam.

Navajo Reservoir - New Mexico

Simon Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) is about 3,900
acres in size and is managed for semi-primitive forms of recreation including
fishing, hiking, and backpacking. Development at the mouth of the canyon is
minimal (with a parking lot, picnic table, and toilet) and provides the
visitor an alternative to the more highly developed state park sites located
nearby.

The sandstone canyon is characterized by moderately steep, to very steep,
rough and broken terrain. Vegetation in the area is varied and ranges from
shrubs, cactus species and cottonwood trees found at the canyon bottom, to
piсon and juniper trees at upper elevations, with small scattered patches of
Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir along the high canyon rim. Water from the small
intermittent stream that flows down the canyon provides for areas of riparian
plant communities.

The diverse canyon landscape provides habitat for a variety of bird and mammal
species such as the golden eagle, prairie falcon, great horned owl, porcupine,
beaver, and deer. Local sportsmen and fishing enthusiasts from across the
United States come to fish the Quality Waters of the San Juan River, including
the stretch that flows past the mouth of Simon Canyon. Narrow trails winding
along the river's edge will lead you to your favorite fishing spot.

The canyon also contains remnants of an earlier human occupation. Simon Canyon
Ruin, a Navajo Pueblito, sits on a bench overlooking the canyon drainage. It
is the only classic "boulder type" defensive site built north of the San Juan
River and dates back to 1754. It consists of a well-preserved one-room
structure built on top of a large boulder. Simon Ruin can be reached by taking
a short hike up a steep dirt road past an active well location, then
continuing on a foot path located along the bench overlooking the canyon
drainage.

Simon Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) is about 3,900 acres in size and is managed for semi-primitive forms of recreation including fishing, hiking, and backpacking. Development at the mouth of the canyon is minimal (with a parking lot, picnic table, and toilet) and provides the visitor an alternative to the more highly developed state park sites located nearby. 
 
The sandstone canyon is characterized by moderately steep, to very steep, rough and broken terrain. Vegetation in the area is varied and ranges from shrubs, cactus species and cottonwood trees found at the canyon bottom, to piсon and juniper trees at upper elevations, with small scattered patches of Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir along the high canyon rim. Water from the small intermittent stream that flows down the canyon provides for areas of riparian plant communities. 
 
The diverse canyon landscape provides habitat for a variety of bird and mammal species such as the golden eagle, prairie falcon, great horned owl, porcupine, beaver, and deer. Local sportsmen and fishing enthusiasts from across the United States come to fish the Quality Waters of the San Juan River, including the stretch that flows past the mouth of Simon Canyon. Narrow trails winding along the river's edge will lead you to your favorite fishing spot. 
 
The canyon also contains remnants of an earlier human occupation. Simon Canyon Ruin, a Navajo Pueblito, sits on a bench overlooking the canyon drainage. It is the only classic "boulder type" defensive site built north of the San Juan River and dates back to 1754. It consists of a well-preserved one-room structure built on top of a large boulder. Simon Ruin can be reached by taking a short hike up a steep dirt road past an active well location, then continuing on a foot path located along the bench overlooking the canyon drainage.

Crow Canyon Petroglyphs

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Angel Peak Scenic Area

Defensive Sites of Dinetah

Homesteads of Upper Largo Canyon

Navajo Reservoir - New Mexico

Simon Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern