Explore the elevation of Farmington—perched on the Colorado Plateau at over 5,300 feet, this dynamic Four Corners city thrives at the meeting point of three rivers, offering a unique blend of desert climate, energy production, and outdoor recreation.

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Where is Farmington?

  • Location: Farmington is located in San Juan County, in the northwestern corner of New Mexico, near the Four Corners region.

City Profile

  • Nicknames: Known as "Baseball Town USA" for its renowned youth tournaments.
  • Fame: A regional hub for energy production, outdoor recreation, and riverfront festivals.
  • Population: Around 46,000 residents in the city, serving a larger metro area.
  • Size rank: Largest city in San Juan County and one of the biggest in northwestern New Mexico.

Elevation Basics

  • City elevation: Farmington sits at an elevation of 5,395 feet (1,644 m) above sea level.
  • State comparison: New Mexico’s average elevation is 5,700 feet (1,740 m), so Farmington is slightly lower.
  • Terrain highlight: Located on the Colorado Plateau at the confluence of three rivers: the San Juan, Animas, and La Plata.
  • City founding: Incorporated in 1901 after earlier development as a trade and railroad hub.
  • Name origin: Originally known as “Junction City”, renamed Farmington due to its fertile river valleys.
  • Growth story: Development accelerated after a railroad link to Durango, Colorado was established in 1905.
  • Modern evolution: Now a center for oil and gas, outdoor sports, and family-friendly events.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • National comparison: U.S. average elevation is 2,500 feet (760 m)—Farmington is more than twice that.
  • State elevation rank: New Mexico ranks 4th highest in the U.S. for average elevation.
  • Highest point in New Mexico: Wheeler Peak – 13,167 feet (4,013 m).
  • Lowest point in New Mexico: Red Bluff Reservoir – 2,844 feet (867 m).
  • Highest city in New Mexico: Taos Ski Valley – base elevation of 9,207 feet (2,806 m).
  • Other city comparisons:
    • Santa Fe: 7,199 ft (2,194 m)
    • Albuquerque: 5,312 ft (1,619 m)
    • Las Cruces: 3,900 ft (1,200 m)

Climate and Tourism

  • Climate type: Farmington has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters.
  • Precipitation: Receives only about 8.6 inches of rain annually, but more than 12 inches of snow in winter.
  • Summer temperatures: July highs average around 90°F (32°C).
  • Winter temperatures: January lows can dip to 20°F (-7°C).
  • Tourist appeal: Known for baseball tournaments, Riverfest, golf, and fishing.
  • Outdoor vibe: Fishing is popular along the San Juan River and at Navajo Lake.
  • Signature event: Hosts the Connie Mack World Series, drawing national attention to youth baseball.

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