In October 2013 we took a quick trip to New Mexico to attend the Chuckwagons of the West Jamboree.   While on this trip we also wanted to see some of the volcanos and unusual lava flows and two Chaco Outliers.   Thanks to John Boner, Ted Cruz, and the Tea Party we were thwarted and only got to see one Chaco Outlier, Salmon Ruin in Bloomfield NM.   But a few years later we were able to revisit Aztec and see the ruin.    

Aztec is actually two buildings, East and West, only the West Ruin has been excavated.   It was said the Chacoan "Great North Road" passed between the two.   Here is a link to a conducted virtual tour of Aztec Ruin, click then scroll down the page until you see a diagram of the ruin.

This is Aztec Ruins, only the West ruin has been excavated, and note the reconstructed grand kiva (circular building).   You can see the visitor center in the lower left corner and some unexcavated rooms of the East Ruin in the upper right corner.   View Larger Map

Just like Salmon Ruin, Aztec was inhabited multiple times, the original Chacoan builders, then other groups after the Chacoans left.   Please note the 'T' shaped doorways in the front wall just like at Mesa Verde but not Chaco.   Pics from NPS site.

This drawing of the great kiva at Aztec Ruins was made after it was reconstructed in the 1930s.   Pics from NPS site.

Outside the great kiva looking East.   Note the skylight.   Pics from NPS site.

Inside the great kiva, South Side.   The large round stones were originally at the base of each column.   The original columns were stone and wood.   You can see light from the skylight in the ceiling.   Pics from NPS site.