AZTEC – In celebration of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 25, Aztec Ruins National Monument will offer a tour of Aztec North and the north mesa.

Jeff Wharton, former archaeologist of Aztec Ruins, will lead the tour. The tour is limited to the first 25 participants who sign up and will last from 9 a.m. to noon.

All participants are required to wear masks during the tour, the National Park Service said in a news release.

Aztec North is an unexcavated great house in a part of Aztec Ruins National Monument that is normally closed to the public to protect the fragile archaeological resources.

Participants will drive their own vehicles over dirt roads in a caravan to the start of the trail, then walk over uneven terrain, off trail. We recommend sturdy shoes, plenty of water, snacks and sun protection.

Call the Aztec Ruins visitor center at 505-334-6174 to reserve a space.