Aztec UFO Crash Site

Aztec UFO Crash Site

Hidden in the mesas and canyons north of Aztec is the site of an interesting UFO legend.

According to the story, a large disc-shaped craft landed in Hart Canyon on March 25, 1948. The military supposedly arrived soon afterward, recovered the craft, and removed the bodies of as many as sixteen small humanoid occupants.

Unlike Roswell, there is no known contemporary military announcement or physical evidence confirming that a spacecraft crashed here. The Aztec story instead became famous after writer Frank Scully published Behind the Flying Saucers in 1950.

Was the Aztec UFO Crash Real?

The Aztec UFO crash story has been disputed since the very beginning.

Frank Scully based much of his account on information supplied by oil businessman Silas Newton and a mysterious scientist he called “Dr. Gee”. Investigative reporter J.P. Cahn later identified Dr. Gee as Leo GeBauer and argued that the pair had fabricated extraordinary technological claims as part of a broader fraud. One supposed piece of alien metal provided by Newton was tested and reportedly turned out to be an aluminum alloy.

For decades, that investigation caused the Aztec Incident to be widely dismissed as a hoax. The story did not disappear, however. Beginning in the late 20th century, researchers including Scott and Suzanne Ramsey reinvestigated the case, collected witness interviews and archival material, and argued that the original hoax explanation did not account for everything they had uncovered.

There is still no generally accepted evidence that an extraterrestrial spacecraft crashed at Hart Canyon, but the debate has made Aztec a center for New Mexico UFO folklore.

Alien Run

The crash legend eventually became part of Aztec’s outdoor culture as well.

The Alien Run Trail System crosses the desert terrain around Hart Canyon, with trails used for hiking, running, and mountain biking. The annual Alien Run mountain-bike event takes its name directly from the alleged crash.

The crash site itself can be reached by a relatively short walk from the nearby trail access, making it an easy addition for anyone already exploring the Alien Run trails.

Visiting the Crash Site

The site is located in remote high-desert country northeast of Aztec.

From U.S. 550, drive into Hart Canyon on County Road 2770 and then use dirt roads leading toward the Alien Run trail system.

At the site itself you will find:

• The Recovery at Hart Canyon plaque
• The mesa identified as the alleged crash location
• Alien-themed rock markings and trail features
• Wide views across the mesas and high desert surrounding Aztec
• Access to the larger Alien Run hiking and mountain-bike trail system

Whether you believe the story or not, the Aztec UFO Crash Site is a fun roadside destination and a great hiking spot!