Salmon Ruins protects the remains of a 250 room great pueblo built by people from Chaco Canyon and later modified by local people. Only a fraction of the structure is visible and slightly less than one third has been excavated. It is less photogenic than many other sites, but extraordinarily important research was conducted here and the museum is one of the best. In addition, the massacre that ended the life of the pueblo is well documented and adds an important piece to our knowledge of the turmoil that engulfed the Anasazi world during the thirteenth century.

Visitors enter through the museum at street level and walk a graded path down to the ruins below. The walk is not particularly strenuous, but can be uncomfortable during warm weather. In addition to the great house, a great kiva is visible along with the remains of the nineteenth century Salmon homestead.

Salmon is located between Bloomfield and Farmington, and services are readily available in both. Aztec Ruins is just over 10 miles to the north and additional services are available in the town of Aztec.

The Anasazi Guide is loaded with information that will make your visit even more enjoyable. Chapter 9 lists "must see" attractions and provides complete driving directions. Chapter 11 summarizes the Anasazi occupation and important archeological research as well as tips for making the most of your visit.