CHACO'S LEGACY AT THE AZTEC RUINS

Imagine being able to use the technology of a video game, combine it with the convenience and simplicity of touch screen, and travel across time to explore the wonder that is the Pueblo people who inhabited this landscape long before us. The Aztec Ruins, along with the Salmon Ruins now have that available. This interactive exhibit allows you to explore the history of these ancient people and see their growth across time; but the truly beautiful part of this display is that from the Aztec Ruins Museum you can experience the Pueblo Bonito, Salmon and the Aztec West Ruin at once.

I had the opportunity to explore this exhibit and was able to navigate it quite well; I was also extremely surprised at the level of detail incorporated in it. To my surprise and delight, I was able to enter each structure and select items at my discretion to view them all the way around; as if I had picked it up myself and also receive a description of the item: relevance, age, construction, etc. This interactive exhibit was a delight to use and is friendly for all ages and knowledge bases. There is no additional fee to explore the exhibit; it is merely a part of the great experience that is the Aztec Ruins National Monument.

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After you explore the digital world of the ruins, you’ll be ready to tackle the real thing! The West Ruin is open for self guided exploration, but if you make it there by 10:00 a.m. daily you can choose to take part in an hour long tour guided by one of the Monument’s very knowledgeable rangers. At 2:00 p.m. there’s a real treat to be had in the Great Kiva if you want to know more about these ancient peoples because there is a ranger talk that takes place there daily. There is also a Heritage Garden that features many native plants and vegetables which can be toured on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30. For more information visit the Aztec Ruins at http://www.nps.gov/azru/index.htm or call 505-334-6174.