Simon Canyon Recreation Area is one of the best-kept hiking secrets near Farmington, New Mexico. Tucked along the San Juan River just downstream from Navajo Dam, this Bureau of Land Management site offers a scenic 2.5-mile round-trip trail that winds through a beautiful sandstone canyon featuring Ancestral Puebloan rock art, towering canyon walls, and seasonal wildflower displays. At about 40 minutes from Sundowner Park, it pairs perfectly with a day at Navajo Lake.
The trail follows Simon Canyon from the San Juan River up into a narrowing sandstone corridor. Along the way, you'll encounter petroglyphs — rock carvings left by Ancestral Puebloan people centuries ago — etched into the dark desert varnish on the canyon walls. The petroglyphs depict animals, human figures, and geometric symbols, offering a tangible connection to the people who once inhabited this river corridor. Please remember to look but never touch these irreplaceable cultural artifacts.
Spring is the best time to visit Simon Canyon, when wildflowers carpet the canyon floor and the temperatures are mild. The trail is rated moderate — there's some scrambling over rocks and a few steeper sections — but it's manageable for most hikers with reasonable fitness. The canyon provides partial shade, making it more comfortable than many desert hikes in the area. Bring water, wear sturdy footwear, and carry a camera for the rock art and canyon scenery.