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Chaco, Paraguay – Land of Ecotourism

While Asuncion and eastern Paraguay provides plenty of modern cities and conveniences, the area known as Chaco in Paraguay is rich in environmental resources, indigenous culture and agriculture. Chaco in Paraguay is part of a larger scrubland region of South America known as “ Gran Chaco ”. Gran Chaco is the largest dry forest in South America and is a direct corollary to the Amazon Rainforest .

Chaco in Paraguay is huge- in fact, it covers nearly 60% of the country mostly to the west and north. A little over 10% of Paraguayans live in Chaco. Most of these are farmers and cattle herders, though about 30% are indigenous natives who still practice the way of life they’ve lived for thousands of years.

Paraguay’s Chaco is protected by The Nature Conservatory, who works annually to protect the scrublands, savannas and wet marshes that dominate the Chaco lands. Paraguay’s Chaco has two key wildlife reserves: Medanos National Park and Defensores del Chaco National Park . Both contain mammals and plant species that many tourists travel across the world to see.

For the ecotourist, Chaco provides an opportunity to see some very rare wildlife. Chaco’s northernmost district, home to the Defensores del Chaco National Park, is called Alto Paraguay. Alto Paraguay is home to jaguars, puma, tapir, tagua, giant anteater and the night monkey. The large region is also home to over 500 species of native birds . For the bird watching tourist, Alto Paraguay in Chaco is an once-in-a-lifetime chance to spot rare avian species. The tourist can access Defensores del Chaco National Park via Route Route 9.

The Boquerón district in Chaco is home to Russian Mennonite communities. There’s about 45,000 Paraguayans living in Boquerón, mostly near the Russian Mennonite communities of Fernheim, Menno and Filadelfia. The agricultural farmers in this area produce cattle meat and milk for most of Paraguay, owing their success to the Mennonite communities. The Mennonite communities are open to visitors and are a good way to visit local indigenous populations that share relationships with them.

Presidente Hayes is a department in southern Chaco that attracts many tourists and trades heavily with Argentina. The region has the Tinfunqué National Park, another spot to see rare species. Several other Mennonite communities are located in this region as well, and the Parque Trebol provides a safe campground for travelers who want to truly “get away” from it all.

Traveling to Chaco in Paraguay can be accomplished a few ways. Flying into Asuncion , a traveler can drive up Route 9 to access almost all parts of the Chaco region. Route 12 is another road to the western part of Chaco, but it is not well-paved and sometimes impossible to drive during the rainy season. Most parts of Chaco in Paraguay are between 4-6 hour drive from Asuncion.

The Chaco region is Paraguay’s last untouched natural forest with hundreds of rare sights for the ecotourist. Easily accessible, Chaco is a great 3-4 day getaway for the Paraguayan traveler. Few places in the world exist where you can experience nature in its raw beauty like you can in Chaco.

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Chaco landscape

The Chaco Region of Paraguay

Visiting the Chaco is an adventure.

Typically tourists visit the region because they are:

• Interested in wildlife or birding
• Curious about the Mennonite communities
• History buffs interested in visiting battle sites of the Chaco War
• Explorers seeking to visit remote and and undeveloped natural landscapes

Let us know your interest(s), so we can help you plan an amazing trip to the Chaco!

The Chaco is an animal-lover’s paradise, with flocks of waterbirds and birds of prey abounding, many species are easily spotted along the roadside. Whether you are an avid birder with a tick list, or an general explorer of nature and culture that likes to go where few others have been, the Chaco provides rewarding natural landscapes and wilderness experiences.

Salt Lake Lagoons The salt lakes of dry Chaco and salt lagoons attracts fascinating and rare species of birds and other wildlife. The Salt Lakes include an entire ecosystem which is habitat to a variety of waterbirds and other mammals. Flamingos and swans can be seen primarily between May and August, as the lakes are a resting station during migration.

Jakob Unger Museum, Filadelfia Visit the Mennonite museum in Filadelfia to learn about the history of the Mennonie's colonization of this harshest of environments and visit the natural history museum to learn about wildlife from the region.

Museum of the Colonia Menno, Loma Plata Museum dedicated to the emmigration of the Mennonites out of Canada and into Paraguay. The process of the initial settlement in the Chaco, the hardships of the first years of colonization are excellently displayed through a very nice selection of photographs.

Trébol Dairy Plant, Loma Plata The largest factory, a major industrial plant in Paraguay, produces dairy products (milk, cheese, yogourt, etc.) under the brand Trébol. More than 70 millions liters of milk are produced at the factory and shipped throughout Paraguay each year.

Fortín Boquerón Fortín Boqueron is the site of the most famous battle in the Chaco War. Fort Boquerón, in the middle of nowhere, one can vividly imagine what was the so-called "war of thirst", in which 100,000 combatants lost their lives. There is a nice museum here, as well as the remains of a trench and hollowed-out palo borracho tree that was used as a sniper's nest, which despite being gutted more than 70 years ago, the tree is still alive!

Fortin Toledo A historic site from the Chaco War (1932-35) where one of the major battles of the conflict took place between 26 February and 10 March 1933. Two cemeteries, one Paraguayan and one Bolivian, honor the over 1000  soldiers from both sides who died in combat during the battle.

Chaco Research and Conservation Center A research center dedicated to the conservation of the peccary (known locally as taguá). Once considered extinct, they were discovered in the Chaco and it is possible to see the peccary up close at the Center, located next to Fortin Toledo.

Indigenous Communities It is possible to visit some of the indigenous communities; the visit must be organized well in advance.

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Home » 7 Must-Do Things to Do at Chaco Canyon

7 Must-Do Things to Do at Chaco Canyon

Chaco Culture National Historical Park or Chaco Canyon is America’s token archaeological site, comparable to Egypt’s pyramids or Peru’s Machu Picchu. The national park contains an interesting collection of ancient ruins that date back over 1,000 years.

The focal point for most visitors of Chaco Canyon is Pueblo Bonito, the largest prehistoric Southwest Native American dwelling ever excavated. However, the biggest thrill and highlight of the day during our visit was taking the Pueblo Alto Trail up the side of a cliff to gain an aerial perspective of Pueblo Bonito. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine as long as you’re not claustrophobic or scared of heights—kidding!

Brief History of Chaco Culture National Historical Park

After walking through the dry barren landscape it may be hard to believe that about 1,000 years ago Chaco Canyon was a lively bustling city. Its inhabitants were the Anasazi (“Ancient Ones”), ancestors of the modern Pueblo Indians (Rio Grande Pueblo, Hopi, Zuni, etc.).

The Anasazi are believed to have lived in the Four Corners area as far back as 1500 B.C. Furthermore, from about A.D. 200 to A.D. 1300, the Anasazi built many significant settlements in the area including in Navajo National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park, and Chaco Canyon.

From cliff-sited dwellings and small pit houses to massive grand houses, the Anasazi lived in a wide variety of structures. What makes Chaco Culture National Historical Park so special is that it was constructed during the peak of cultural and societal development. In terms of historical significance and uniqueness, Chaco is oftentimes compared to the ancient city of Rome, Egypt’s pyramids, or Stonehenge.

Chacoan Society

The Anasazi who lived in Chaco Canyon are now referred to as Chacoans. Furthermore, their society flourished from A.D. 1000–1150. Chacoans built 16 major complexes made from tabular sandstone slabs, clay mortar, and timber imported from distant mountain areas.

Referred to as a great house, Pueblo Bonito was a massive building that had three-foot-thick walls and stood nearly 50 feet high. The impressive masonry architecture attracted other tribal members. Thus, Chaco quickly became the epicenter for the Anasazi people, serving as the most significant hub for trade, ceremony, and administration. These Chacoan complexes are the largest buildings constructed in North America before the 19th century.

Beyond their engineering achievements, they constructed intricate astronomical elements which enabled them to accurately track equinoxes, solstices, lunar standstill, and measure time. As a result, Chacoans had the ability to anticipate the movements of planets, stars, the moon, and the sun.

Many visitors to Chaco Culture National Historical Park leave absolutely astonished by the magnitude of the constructed buildings. Others depart impressed, never knowing about the cultural and engineering feats that took place in North America before the arrival of Europeans. If the history of Chaco piques your interest, you may be interested in reading The Chaco Meridian or House of Rain: Tracking a Vanished Civilization Across the American Southwest before visiting the park.

Where to Stay Near Chaco Canyon

We visited Chaco Culture National Historical Park during our journey down Route 66 . Also, the closest lodging options from the south, along Route 66 are in Gallup and Grants, approximately 90 miles away. While, the closest options overall are from the north in Bloomfield, approximately 60 miles from the park.

Chaco Canyon is remote. In fact, many people think that the park would be one of the nation’s most popular if it wasn’t so hard to reach. For example, the last 20 miles to the park (coming from the south) take place on a washboard dirt road.

Even when regarding all of the obstacles, the park is still very much worth visiting. Moreover, below are the best places to stay near Chaco Canyon.

Grants/Gallup (Route 66/I-40)

Budget: Comfort Suites (comfortable) Mid Range: El Rancho Hotel (historic Route 66 hotel-this is where we stayed!) Luxury: Fairfield Inn & Suites (pool & hot tub)

Bloomfield/Farmington (US Hwy 64)

Budget: Super 8 by Wyndham (great staff) Mid Range: Best Western Plus Territorial Inn & Suites (pool & hot tub) Luxury: Home2 Suites (fitness center & pool)

Finally, camping is possible at Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Specifically, at Gallo Campground, just east of the visitor center, sites are available for RVs, tents, and car camping.

7 Must-do Things To Do at Chaco Canyon

Chaco Culture National Historical Park’s remote location makes it a great place to enjoy history, nature, solitude, and night skies. For these reasons, Chaco Canyon is an ideal place for hiking, cycling, and camping.

However, for most first-time visitors, the highlight of visiting Chaco is simply exploring the ancient ruins.

SEVEN MUST-DO THINGS AT CHACO CANYON

Select a must-do thing or scroll down to view all.

1. Pueblo Bonito 2. Chetro Ketl 3. Petroglyph Trail 4. Pueblo del Arroyo 5. Casa Rinconada 6. Hungo Pavi 7. Una Vida & Petroglyphs in Fajada Gap

Below are seven amazing things to see at Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

1. Pueblo Bonito

Pueblo Bonito is the most important, most celebrated, and scrupulously investigated site in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Early Spanish explorers named the massive great house Pueblo Bonito because it resembled a ‘pretty village.’ As a result, Pueblo Bonito is considered a must-see and a highlight of the canyon.

Guests may tour the remains of Chaco’s largest great house on a 0.6-mile walking trail. To begin with, construction on Pueblo Bonito began in about AD 850 and lasted for about 300 years. Upon completion, the massive complex covered three acres, was five stories high, and had about 800 rooms.

Pueblo Bonito was the center of the Chacoan world and was constructed in the shape of a semicircle. The central plaza features numerous kivas. These were semi-subterranean circular rooms that archaeologists believe were used for religious, political, and economic ceremonies. Moreover, great kivas are significantly larger than standard kivas and used for only the most important ceremonies.

Features of a Chacoan great kiva include four seating pits for roof supports, niches in the wall, a bench around the circumference, two vaults on either side, and a raised firebox in the center. Lastly, rectangular rooms were used for housing and storage surrounding the plaza.

Pueblo Bonito Overlook

Plan on spending about one hour exploring the ruins. Afterward, enjoy an amazing view of the great house on the Pueblo Alto Trail. The trailhead starts near the Pueblo del Arroyo parking lot and proceeds behind Kin Kletso or “yellow house.”

The short 2.0-mile hike was the highlight of our trip to Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Hikers must walk up an unexpectedly steep and narrow crevasse to get to the top of the cliff.

Upon ascension, the remaining 0.7 miles to the scenic overlook is fairly flat. Plan on taking at least one hour to complete the walk. Don’t forget to leave a permit (which is in a box near the trailhead) on the dashboard of your vehicle.

2. Chetro Ketl

Chetro Ketl is the second-largest great house and is located just before Pueblo Bonito along the 9-mile Canyon Loop Drive. With about 400 rooms, the D-shaped structure is believed to have been used as a place for large-scale ceremonies.

It’s estimated that it took 50 million sandstone slabs and 26,000 trees to erect Chetro Ketl over some 500,000 man-hours. At nearly 3 acres, Chetro Ketl is considered the largest great house by area in Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

A 0.5-mile trail guides visitors through the ruins of Chetro Ketl. Highlights of the tour include a well-preserved great kiva, elevated kivas, and several hundred feet of intact perimeter wall. Plan on allowing a half-hour to tour Chetro Ketl.

3. Petroglyph Trail

After touring Chetro Ketl make sure to check out the Petroglyph Trail. A short trail runs along the cliff face between Chetro Ketl and Pueblo Bonito and features various petroglyphs.

As you walk along the trail, make sure to look both high and low as petroglyphs are scattered throughout the cliff face. Archaeologists assume that the higher petroglyphs were created by standing on roofs or using ladders. Holes in the wall indicate that some sort of heavy beams may have been used to anchor the building into the cliff.

Due to the size and elevation of the petroglyphs, bringing travel-sized binoculars or a quality zoom camera is recommended. Allow about 20 minutes to complete the 0.3-mile Petroglyph Trail.

4. Pueblo del Arroyo

Pueblo del Arroyo is the last major stop along the 9-mile Canyon Loop Drive road. Believed to have had about 300 rooms and 17 kivas, the D-shaped great house’s name means “village by the wash.”

As the fourth largest great house in Chaco, Pueblo del Arroyo is unique in that it’s the only great house not constructed along the cliff face. Also, it’s the only one facing east, instead of south. Archaeologists believe it was constructed to account for overcrowding at Pueblo Bonito.

Highlights of Pueblo del Arroyo include a rare triple-walled structure that is believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes, keyhole-shaped kivas, and well-intact walls. Due to accessibility to the parking lot, plan on allowing about 20-30 minutes to tour Pueblo del Arroyo.

5. Casa Rinconada

Not being embedded within a large complex make Casa Rinconada a particularly special great kiva. Instead, it stands alone on the top of a small hill.

With a diameter of about 70 feet, Casa Rinconada is one of the largest known great kivas. Also, unlike the typical great kiva where the roof is at ground level, Casa Rinconada is partly above ground.

Two other interesting aspects of Casa Rinconada include the two T-shaped entrances on a south-north alignment and a subterranean passageway. This “secret” passageway would have allowed officiants to enter and exit the kiva by bypassing the entranceways.

The trail to Casa Rinconada is 0.5 miles long and traverses through a small Chacoan village. Consequently, walkers may view a wide variety of Chacoan buildings and architectural styles. Allow about 45 minutes to tour Casa Rinconada.

6. Hungo Pavi

Hungo Pavi is one of the first major stops upon departing the visitor center. While unexcavated, it’s still an impressive great house to tour in Chaco Culture National Historical Park and provides a glimpse of what these structures looked like before excavations.

The ruins contain an enclosed plaza, a great kiva, and about 140 rooms. Also, the great house is likely to have been three stories tall and D-shaped. Allow about 15-20 minutes to tour Hungo Pavi.

7. Una Vida & Petroglyphs in Fajada Gap

The visitor center is the first stop for most guests to Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Visitors may purchase souvenirs including travel guides for each of the sites inside. Directly behind the center is a one-mile roundtrip trail to Una Vida that features several petroglyphs.

Una Vida and the visitor center are located in the Fajad Gap. One of the most prominent features that can be viewed along the trail is the Fajada Butte, which makes the landscape seem out of this world.

Along with Pueblo Bonito, Una Vida is one of the oldest great houses and with about 160 rooms, the fifth largest. The largely unexcavated site is in the shape of an irregular D and contains four kivas and one or two great kivas. Allow for between 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete the walk.

8. Bonus: Fajada Butte

Probably the most famous natural feature of Chaco Canyon is Fajada Butte. In fact, for most visitors, it’s the first thing that catches their eye when entering the park.

Visitors are not allowed on or really even near the isolated hill for several reasons including the fact that local tribes consider it a sacred place, there is no maintained trail to reach the top, and its fragility. Also, there is a set of spiral petroglyphs known as the “Sun Dagger” that make this location one of the most special in the park.

Chacoans had a sophisticated knowledge of the planetary system and used the Sun Dagger site to integrate the spiritual and physical worlds, set ceremonial calendars, and plan agriculture. More specifically, Chacoans used the spiral petroglyphs to record the day of solstices, and equinoxes, and track the 18.6-year lunar cycle.

Sadly, due to shifting rock slabs and erosion the Sun Dagger site no longer works as it once did. Therefore, it’s best to enjoy it from a distance!

Below is the map for the Pueblo Alto Trail in Chaco Canyon.

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Tips For Visiting Chaco Culture National Historical Park

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Preserving some of the largest structures built by the Ancestral Puebloans, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is one of the most studied archaeological sites in the U.S. Southwest. Along with Aztec Ruins and several smaller Chacoan sites, the ancient ruins in Chaco Canyon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and comprise some of the most famous ruins in the Four Corners area. However, in this case, being a famous site doesn’t translate into being overcrowded. 

In fact, the ruins in Chaco Canyon are some of the least visited sites showcased in national parks. The reason for this is their remoteness. Laying in the middle of the Navajo Nation, reachable only by a dirt road, Chaco is far from any tourist route, adding to its mystery, and to some unbelievable dark skies. 

Because of this remoteness, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is not the easiest National Park to visit. My family loves it though, and we drive out to it often, making it one of our best Four Corners driving holidays. Over the years, we learned a few things that make our visits easier and more enjoyable. Here are some tips on how to make the best of your trip to Chaco. 

Make Sure Your Car Can Handle Dirt Roads

You need to drive about 20 miles on a dirt road to reach Chaco Culture National Historical Park. You don’t need a four-wheel drive to get through it, but a high-clearance vehicle is helpful. However, most cars can make it in good weather; just don’t drive your brand-new low-clearance luxury car out there. 

You’ll find the road to Chaco on maps as Highway 57 (also shown on some maps as Highway 14), a turn-off from Highway 9 (a paved road). Most of it is good, though you’ll have to pass cattle guards and some rough parts. They don’t recommend it for RVs. 

However, once you’re within the park’s boundaries, you’ll be back on a paved road. 

Stop At The Visitor Center And Walk Up To Una Vida

Your first stop should be the visitor center, where you can pick up a brochure and learn as much as possible about the park. Don’t miss the Museum of Chaco Culture, where you can see artifacts from the site and learn about the Ancestral Puebloans who built it. 

From the visitor center, take the short trail to Una Vida, a set of smaller ruins on top of the hill. Though not fully excavated, the site is worth the walk for the views and an introduction to the ruins. The one-mile round-trip walk includes views of petroglyphs. The trail is easy, though it has a few rocky areas and it might get slippery when wet (an extremely rare occurrence at Chaco). 

Note: Due to COVID-19, the visitor center has limited hours and services. Check the park’s website for the latest opening hours. 

Drive The 9-mile Loop And Stop At Each Individual Site

Past the visitor center, a nine-mile paved loop drive takes you through the site, with parking areas for each individual structure. Chaco comprises individual “great houses,” some of the best-preserved and most complex prehistoric structures in North America. 

Stop along the loop at each individual site to explore these structures and their surroundings, a protected natural area in a desolate but gorgeous part of the high deserts. 

Visit Hungo Pavi 

An unexcavated site, Hungo Pavi is the first stop past the visitor center. The quarter-mile flat trail takes you through an area that might give you a good idea of what the unexcavated ruins look like. The only structure standing in this area is a long wall the trail follows. Look out through some of the window openings for some gorgeous views of Chaco Canyon. To walk the full trail and stop along the wall, count on spending about thirty minutes here. 

Explore The Structures At Chetro Ketl

Your next stop is Chetro Ketl, 4.5 miles from the visitor center. It’s worth spending more time here, since it is the second largest great house in Chaco. The half-mile trail takes you through a few large structures, including a few elevated kivas (round ancient ceremonial centers) and a great kiva. Plan to spend at least 45 minutes here. 

Walk The Petroglyph Trail 

From Chetro Ketl, you can drive to your next stop, but it is worth walking the short Petroglyph Trail, connecting the site to Pueblo Bonito. The quarter-mile trail leads you along the cliff face between the two sites, filled with petroglyphs. Some are clear, but you’ll find others so eroded, you can only guess what was there in ancient times. Bring binoculars for the best experience.

Explore Pueblo Bonito, The Largest And Most Famous Great House

The largest and most spectacular great house in Chaco, Pueblo Bonito is also the most important in the area. Built between 850 and 1150 A.D., it was the cultural center of the Chacoan world that covered a large area of the Southwest. 

You’ll find a large multi-story structure you can explore inside and out as well as several kivas here. Considering it is the largest site, plan on spending most of your visit here. The least amount of time you should plan on spending here is about an hour. This will give you a chance to walk through all the rooms and explore the kivas. 

The trail itself is only a quarter of a mile long, but past that, you can walk inside the multi-story structure and explore the interconnecting rooms and low doorways. Look up and notice the corner window in one room, built so the sun can shine through during the solstices. Outside the structure, explore the maze of kivas, proving the ceremonial importance of the site. 

Stop At The Great Kiva At Casa Rinconada 

Once you see Pueblo Bonito, you might be ready to leave, thinking that nothing can top the experience. While you would be right that nothing else can even come close, the Casa Rinconada trail leads to the largest kiva at the site. 

Isolated from other structures, you’ll find the Great Kiva, with a diameter of 64 feet, half sunk into the ground at the end of a quarter-mile trail through a barren landscape. 

Stop At The Last Great House Along The Loop At Pueblo Del Arroyo

Your last stop along the loop is Pueblo del Arroyo, showcasing another Chacoan great house built between 1025 and 1125. Though it lacks a great kiva, the site has all other characteristics of a typical Chacoan great house. It is also a perfect place to watch the sunset over the Chacoan world. The quarter-mile round-trip trail through the site is gravel but climbs a few steep rises. 

To Experience Gorgeous Dark Skies, Camp At Chaco

Besides being home to these amazing ruins, Chaco is also an International Dark Sky Park , so it is worth camping here to experience it. Besides watching the sky on your own, the park features a small observatory near the visitor center. 

Though the dark skies might be your reason to camp in Chaco, camping is the only lodging available in the park. Besides, when you camp here, you’ll have your own ruins at the campground, in an alcove. 

If camping is not your idea of fun, the closest towns where you’ll find a variety of hotels are Aztec (69 miles), Farmington (74 miles), or Gallup (94 miles). 

Note: Some of the camping sites are closed because of the danger of rockfalls. And due to COVID restrictions, you need to reserve the campground beforehand (not on the same day). You can do this by visiting the reservation website . 

Bring Your Own Food (And Other Practical Tips)

No matter where you spend the night, you need to bring your own food when visiting Chaco. The park has no restaurant or grocery store, so make sure you have enough food and water. The vsitor center has a store, but you’ll only find snacks there. 

When visiting the site, remember that you won’t find restrooms at the individual structures. The only ones available at the park are at the visitor center. 

Plan to stay until closing time for some of the best views and photo opportunities. Watch the sunset at the ruins.

Safety Tips And Other Considerations

While exploring any of the ruins, make sure you carry water and wear a hat and sunscreen. Wear comfortable shoes, no matter how long you plan on hiking. 

If it’s your first time here, consider joining a guided tour, offered from May to October. Check the park’s website for times and availability. 

Further Reading:

• 9 Incredible Dark Sky National Parks In The Southwest
• Our 8 Favorite Places For Stargazing In The U.S.
• 7 Incredible Ancient Ruins To Explore In U.S. National Parks

Emese Fromm is a Phoenix-based freelance travel writer, translator, and language instructor. Besides TravelAwaits , you can find her travel articles in Lonely Planet, Roadtrippers Magazine , Matador Network, and GoNOMAD, among other publications. A native Hungarian from Transylvania (Romania), Emese grew up surrounded by multiple cultures and speaks several languages. Three decades after leaving Romania, this background still helps her appreciate and connect with people of different backgrounds, which shows up in her articles, which highlight the culture, history, and legends of the places she visits. Besides writing for online travel magazines, she publishes a travel blog, teaches Hungarian as a foreign language, and works as a freelance translator.

History Fangirl

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7 Things To Do in Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Last Updated on: 19th June 2023, 06:41 pm

Before you visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico, here’s a list of everything you need to know – from access to biking to hiking to camping to soaking in the essence of Ancestral Puebloan culture on a journey into a canyon sacred for thousands of people between AD 850 and AD 1250.

Megan Kopp shares everything you need to know about Chaco National Historic Park before you go so you can fully appreciate this UNESCO World Heritage Site  in New Mexico!

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For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

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Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

Visit America’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

This post is part of a series on visiting the USA’s great UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Other World Heritage Sites nearby include  Mesa Verde  (Colorado), Carlsbad Caverns (New Mexico), and Taos Pueblo (New Mexico). 

How to Get to Chaco Culture National Historical Park

To say that Chaco is remote is like saying that the Grand Canyon is deep. Chaco Culture National Historical Park has always been remote, isolated, and a little off the radar.

Created in 1907, the park didn’t even have a superintendent until 1923. Located in northwestern New Mexico, about 2 ½ hours from Albuquerque, the park can only be accessed by driving on rough dirt roads. There are no commercial services – food, fuel, or lodging – within the park. The closest services are 1½ hour away.

To get there, use a map. GPS is not reliable in this terrain and has been known to lead travelers off onto side roads that are impassable for passenger cars and RVs. Seriously. Access to the park is going to be your first adventure.

The best route – with the least amount of dirt road travel – is from the north, turning off US 550 at CR 7900, approximately three miles southeast of Nageezi and 50 miles (80 km) west of Cuba. The route is signed from US 550 to the park boundary, a distance of 21 miles (34 km).

Roads conditions vary greatly. It can be slick and muddy during rainy periods or bumpy and full of potholes during dry times. If the weather is or has been sketchy, call for current road conditions before venturing into the park (505-786-7014).

What Makes Chaco Culture National Historical Park Unique?

If access is that difficult, why would anyone want to go? First of all, Chaco Culture is not a single entity. Chaco has the largest, best-preserved, and most complex prehistoric architectural structures in North America. It was a center for ceremonies, the turquoise trade, and political activity for the prehistoric Four Corners area and includes an ancient urban ceremonial center that is unlike anything constructed before or since.

Secondly, visitors have the opportunity to wander through reconstructed and unexcavated great houses – built from the mid-9 th to early 13 th centuries by the Ancestral Puebloan people, formerly known as Anasazi .

These monumental complexes contain hundreds of rooms, where archaeologists have uncovered everything from macaw and parrot feathers to copper bells and seashells – all imported from Mexico over 600 miles (1,000 km) away.

Visitors can also investigate underground ritual spaces known as kivas, discover mysterious trash mounds made up of tens of thousands of pottery shards, and walk along engineered and constructed 30-foot (9 m) wide roads built almost a thousand years ago.

If that isn’t enough, add in archaeoastronomy. Say what? Archaeoastronomy is the study of how people have understood, related to, and used sky phenomena in their culture. Chacoan people had an amazingly strong connection with the night sky and seasonal cycles . Various structures in the park were intentionally built in such a way as to capture the sunlight or moonlight on particular days of the year.

For example, there are buildings that capture solstice markers of light on buildings during summer and winter, as well as spring and autumn equinoxes – to say nothing of the incredible Sun Dagger site on Fajada Butte, an extraordinary solar and lunar calendar (interpreted in visitor center displays and films).

The Best Things to Do in Chaco Culture National Historic Park

There are ruins to explore, hikes to walk, bike routes to pedal and the endless night sky to gaze upon in Chaco Canyon.

Visitor Center

Start with the Visitor Centre, open daily from 8 am – 5 pm from May to October; 8 am – 4 pm November to April. Wander the displays for an overview of the park and its key sites. Take time to watch the films playing in the theatre. It will help you appreciate the incredible depth and complexity of the Chaco Culture you are about to witness over the next few days.

Be sure to pick up self-guided trail brochures before heading out. Most of the park and cultural sites are self-guided year-round. Six major sites are located along the Canyon Loop Drive. These included: Una Vida, Hungo Pavi, Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, Pueblo del Arroyo, and Casa Rinconada.

Pueblo Bonito

Without a doubt, all of the sites offer something of value and are worth a visit, but Pueblo Bonito and Casa Rinconada stand out as being the most memorable from our trips. We visited Pueblo Bonito several times – the first on a guided tour with a park ranger and a second time on our own when we could explore at leisure.

Both are excellent options because a guided tour provides more information than what is available in brochures and exploring on your own allows you time to watch the shadows move on the walls as the sun crosses the sky. You can’t help but feel the spirit of the place.

Pueblo Bonito – Spanish for “beautiful town” – is the biggest of all Chacoan great houses. It has an astonishing 32 kivas, 3 great kivas (larger than normal kivas), and over 700 rooms. At one time this beautiful town rose four stories high.

It was one of the first great houses to be built in the canyon, starting around AD 850. When viewed from the overlook trail above, the structure’s D-shape is obvious. What isn’t obvious is its alignment with cardinal directions. Its southern wall, for example, is aligned east/west. On the spring and fall equinoxes, the Sun rises and sets in perfect alignment with this wall. So much more to learn about this beautiful place.

Casa Rinconada

Casa Rinconada is not a house as the name might suggest; rather, it was a great kiva set apart on the top of a low ridge directly across from Pueblo Bonito. This massive ceremonial structure has an inner diameter of 63 feet (19 m).

Two masonry vaults or chambers below the floor were used as foot drums to punctuate the ceremonies held within. The kiva also includes a 39-foot long (12 m) underground passage on the north side. Imagine the spectacle of a shaman or religious leader entering unseen in the darkness.

Although the roof is long gone, our daughter played her fiddle softly on one side of the kiva and we could hear it perfectly on the other – such are the acoustics of this amazing structure even centuries later.

Canyon Loop Drive 

Although it is a popular driving tour, you’ll get even more out of your visit if you hop on and off your bicycles as we did. The 9-mile (14.5 km) long loop is a one-way and almost level, and it is a paved slice of perfection.

Rather than be ruined by great house overload, break up your exploration of the highest concentration of structures in what is called downtown Chaco by exploring a few and then biking back to camp, or parking your bike at one of the bike racks and stretching your legs on a short climb up to an overlook.

There are three additional biking opportunities within the park – Wijiji Trail, Casa Chiquita (on a portion of the PeñascoBlanco Trail), and Kin Klizhin.

Wijiji requires a free permit which you can get from the Visitor Centre, the campground host, or at the trailhead. It’s a 3-mile (5 km), mostly level roundtrip that takes one to two hours. The ruin at the end of the trail was built around AD 1110 and consists of 225 rooms arranged about two kivas.

The coolest thing about Wijiji is its connection with the winter solstice. Standing at the northwest corner of Wijiji you can see a distant notch on the horizon. On the morning of the winter solstice, the sun rises precisely at the southern edge of the notch.

The two-mile roundtrip ride into Casita Chiquita also requires a free permit. This smaller great house was built into the surrounding hillside around AD 1060. The kiva is raised above ground level.

Kin Klizhin is the longest ride at 24 miles (38 km) roundtrip – which probably why we never did it. The route follows a narrow dirt road with minimal elevation gains and if you love to ride, you’ll be one of the few visitors that get to see this remote great house. It is considered an outlier of the canyon core structures.

Hiking Chaco’s Backcountry

If you left your bike behind, no worries – there are plenty of hiking options within the park. You can pick up a trail guide booklet from the Visitor Centre bookstore for minimal cost and explore one four backcountry hiking trails in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. These include Wijiji (mentioned above), South Mesa Trail, Pueblo Alto Trail, and Peñasco Blanco Trail.

We hiked the 8-mile (11 km) return Peñasco Blanco Trail for three reasons: 1) to visit a great house in solitude; 2) to view the rock art panels and the famed “Supernova” pictograph, and 3) for bragging rights – kidding! – no, it was just because it was a full-day adventure immersed in the canyon.

A short detour on the Petroglyph trail offers the chance to view prehistoric and historic rock art, but the highlight of the trip was the painted rock art at the end of the trail. The faded red ochre painting depicts an exploding star in the Crab Nebula in AD 1054. It boggles the minds when you realize how these astute ancient astronomers carefully recorded this sighting for us to wonder about so many centuries later.

Gallo Campground

While there are no lodging facilities within the park, there is camping at Gallo Campground – and I highly recommend you spend at least a night or two.

Located one mile east of the Visitor Centre, the campground is open year-round. It’s tucked beneath the low cliff of Gallo Wash which holds a cliff dwelling and petroglyphs – inscribed rock art. It’s a somewhat primitive campground with little shade and no hookups – but trust me, you’ll be happy you stayed here long enough to soak up at least one sunset and one sunrise.

Where Else Can I Find Chacoan Culture?

In the 1100s and 1200s, new construction in the canyon slowed down and its influence began to wane. Other areas became small outliers of Chacoan culture. Additional Ancestral Puebloan sites can be found across the San Juan Basin in New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.

If you haven’t had your fill in the canyon, many of these outlying great houses are open to the public. A few include Aztec Ruins National Monument in Aztec, NM; Salmon Ruin in Bloomfield, NM; White House at Canyon de Chelly National Monument near Chinle, AZ; Far View House at Mesa Verde National Park near Cortez, CO; and Edge of the Cedars State Park in Blanding, UT.

Megan Kopp is a freelance travel writer with 20 years of crafting stories under her belt. She shares travel guides and tales on her website Time.Travel.Trek.

5 Things to Pack for Your Trip to Chaco Culture NHP

The   Lonely Planet Southwest USA   guidebook. It can be kind of a pain to find the major guidebooks once you get here, or you’ll find them overpriced. I always like to pick mine up ahead of time.

An Unlocked  Cell Phone   so that you can use a local sim card while here to help navigate public transportation and when you’re on the road. (For people without American cell phone plans).

Backup Charging Bank  for your cell phone since you’ll be using it as a camera, GPS, and general travel genie.

A Camera  to remember your trip by. I use a mix of my  Nikon D810  and my  Samsung8  smartphone these days.

A Great Day Bag   so you can carry what you need with you (like your camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, cash, etc). My current favorite is the  Pacsafe Citysafe , which is especially great for traveling because it has many anti-theft features designed to deter pickpockets. It also transitions to a night bag more easily and won’t embarrass you if you go to dinner directly after sightseeing all day. 

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

Before you leave for New Mexico make sure you have a valid  Travel  Insurance Policy  because accidents happen on the road. I pay for  World Nomads,  and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’ll be hanging enjoying time in the beautiful outdoors.

I have been a paying customer of  World Nomads  for travel insurance for three years, and I happily recommend them.  If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you’ll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what’s stolen or broken.

Pin this Guide to the Best Things to Do at Chaco NHP for Your Trip!

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Chaco Canyon: The Ultimate Guide

Last Updated on: 17th December 2023, 08:47 am

Situated in a remote corner of northwest New Mexico are what were once the United States’ largest manmade structures. Established by the Ancestral Puebloans over a millennium ago, Chaco Canyon (officially known as Chaco Culture National Historical Park) is arguably the most impressive archaeological park in the country. But planning a visit can be tricky, which is where this Chaco Canyon guide comes in.

In the following guide, we’ll be covering all the main sites (and hikes) one can expect to experience within a single full day. And at the very end of the article , you can learn more about reaching Chaco Canyon and the best places to stay.

Chaco Canyon: A Brief History

Visiting tips, fajada butte, pueblo bonito, chetro ketl, pueblo del arroyo, the pueblo alto trail, casa rinconada.

• Accommodation & Transport Info

Despite its remote location and harsh conditions, Chaco Canyon was continuously occupied for at least 4000 years, as evidenced by numerous pit house settlements. But the impressive structures we see today were established by the Ancestral Puebloans who came to the area in the 9th century.

The Ancestral Puebloans are also known as the Anasazi. But as this is actually a Navajo term which roughly translates to ‘ancient enemies,’ their modern descendants aren’t a big fan of the label.

With construction beginning in the 850s, the Ancestral Puebloans seemed to have deliberately planned out their settlements in advance before continuously working on them for the next few centuries.  These large complexes are known as ‘great houses,’ and many of them featured hundreds of rooms.

Not only were the designs of the individual great houses carefully planned, but their positions in relation to one another appear to have been deliberate as well, with astronomy having a major influence over the area’s layout.

During its prime, Chaco Canyon was likely inhabited by a combined total of a few thousand people. We still know little about Chacoan society or system of government, but it’s clear that only a highly organized society could’ve pulled off building something on this scale and level of complexity.

In total, the Ancestral Puebloans would only stay here for about four centuries. It’s likely that deforestation eventually led to construction being halted in the twelve century, while a drought possibly led to further population decline. Chaco Canyon would eventually be fully abandoned by around 1250, with many inhabitants likely fleeing to places like Aztec, New Mexico, which was much better suited for agriculture.

In modern times, the area was first documented in 1823 during the brief period when the region belonged to an independent Mexico. Then, after the US took over New Mexico following their victory in the Mexican-American War, the military began surveying the area in the 1840s.

But given its remote location far from any major city (which still holds true today), few people visited over the next several decades. It wasn’t until 1896 that the Hyde Exploring Expedition did extensive excavations at Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon’s largest complex.

Eventually, Chaco Canyon would be declared a National Monument in 1966 and then a National Historical Park in 1980. Officially, it’s known as the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, though many simply call it Chaco Canyon. As we’ll cover below, those who make the effort to get there will be rewarded with one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the United States.

No matter where you’re coming from, getting to Chaco Canyon is tricky, as much of the journey will be along dirt roads (learn more below ). Fortunately, the roads become paved again once you reach the national park.

Chaco’s main building complexes were built across a long stretch of the canyon floor. And today, the main landmarks are connected by a single  9-mile (14 km)  loop road. The following guide to Chaco Canyon covers the main landmarks in the order you’ll encounter them along this road.

Each great house has its own parking lot and you normally shouldn’t have issues finding a space. But as the loop road is only one-way, be careful not to miss anything. 

In addition to touring the great houses, visitors also have the option of going on a few different hikes. But for those with only a day to explore, the best choice is the Pueblo Alto trail, which you can learn about in more detail below.

Also be sure to check the end of the article for more information on entry fees and lodging.

As there are no restaurants at the park, be sure to come well-prepared with snacks. Also anticipate potentially not having reception for most of the day, so be sure to download any apps or data you might need before your trip.

After a seemingly endless journey along bumpy, unpaved roads, you’ll know you’re almost there when you spot the Fajada Butte in the distance near the park entrance.

It was from here that the Chacoans quarried sandstone to build many of the structures we see today.

In ancient times, it also served as an astronomical observatory. Archaeologists, in fact, have discovered markers at the top which indicated the summer and winter solstices, along with the spring and autumn equinoxes.

Now closed to the public to better preserve it, the butte is still considered sacred to descendants of the Ancestral Puebloans, as well as by the Navajo who later came to the region.

Just next to the Visitor Center is the trail leading to Una Vida, one of the least-excavated great houses of Chaco Canyon. The trail around the ruins is about a mile roundtrip, plus some additional hiking.

In total, the Una Vida great house featured around 100 rooms. And while that may sound like a lot, it was actually among the smallest complexes built at Chaco Canyon.

Construction here lasted between 850-1100 AD, and the great house remained occupied until the 1250s.

The main architectural highlight here is what remains of a multistory building. Much of its facade remains intact, while you can step through the doorway to enjoy a clear view of Fajada Butte in the distance.

After passing by more ruins, be sure to make a short hike to the upper walls of the canyon where you can spot a wall entirely covered in petroglyphs that were pecked into the rock with stone hammers.

Common motifs at Chaco Canyon include bighorn sheep, mountain lions and deer. While there’s still much we don’t know about the significance of each symbol, Puebloan petroglyphs surely had a religious intent and were far more than mere doodles. Rather, it’s likely that the Puebloans saw them as some kind of link with the spirit world.

Past the petroglyphs, you can keep on walking for some beautiful views of the canyon. When finished, descend to ground level and walk back the way you came to the Visitor Center parking lot.

While you may want to visit the informative museum at the Visitor Center before starting your journey, it might be a good idea to save it for the end if you’re concerned about time.

A short drive along the loop road leads you to the next Chacoan great house, Hungo Pavi. Occupied from around 1000-1250, it was strategically built near several springs and drainages.

As the complex is right near the parking area and is overall not very big, Hungo Pavi makes for the quickest visit of all the great houses.

As you walk along the main structure’s long outer wall, you’ll notice wooden beams that have been left in place for centuries. As the Puebloans didn’t leave behind any writing, archaeologists have been able to date the various structures by studying the tree rings of beams like these. 

You can also enjoy some interesting views of the canyon through some of the structure’s windows. As we’ll cover shortly, archaeologists believe that many windows throughout Chaco Canyon were strategically placed to observe certain astronomical phenomena.

Pueblo Bonito shares a parking lot with Chetro Ketl to the east of it. While you can visit them in whichever order you like, I decided to start with Pueblo Bonito to get some photos before one of the ranger-lead tours arrived.

Whichever one you start with, be sure to walk along the Petroglyph Trail which links the two complexes (more below).

Occupied from 850 to the 1250s, Pueblo Bonito is the largest of the Chacoan great houses, serving as the region’s main administrative, religious and commercial center. And members of the Chacoan elite have been found buried within.

As you enter the site, you’ll see numerous large boulders. These fell down here as recently as 1941, destroying about 30 rooms in the process.

But there are still plenty more of the original 600 or so that survive. Surprisingly, however, only a small portion were used as living quarters.

The entire complex was built as a giant D shape. And archaeologists believe that its form was planned from the beginning, though it took three centuries to fully complete.

In addition to its hundreds of rooms, Pueblo Bonito also contained dozens of kivas. But what is a kiva?

Partially constructed underground and then topped with buildings made of earth and wood, kivas hosted important religious ceremonies, while they also served as council houses.

In addition to smaller private kivas that belonged to individual families, Chacoan settlements also typically had a single large ‘great kiva’ that hosted communal gatherings.

As the complex expanded, the builders even built elevated kivas that were added to the first and second stories and built within square frames.

In addition to exploring its spacious plazas, one of the top highlights of Pueblo Bonito – and Chaco Canyon as a whole – is getting to walk through its labyrinthine interior.

Clearly, many of these structures were originally multiple stories high, with parts of the wooden beams used to separate the floors still intact.

There are so many rooms to explore here that it would be easy to get lost were it not for the occasional arrows pointing the way. Nevertheless, you’ll still repeatedly reach dead-ends and have to backtrack.

Amazingly, archaeologists have discovered more than 125,000 artifacts in these rooms. Common objects were turquoise beads, stone vessels, flutes, wooden staffs, and jars. One particular room, in fact, contained 50,000 pieces of turquoise!

In another room, meanwhile, no less than fourteen macaw skeletons were discovered. These colorful parrots, of course, were not native to New Mexico. So how did they get here?

Notably, Chaco Canyon’s peak overlapped with that of Mesoamerica’s Toltec Empire . The Toltecs operated long trading routes that reached into what’s now the American Southwest. Furthermore, they even had a major influence over the Mayan city of  Chichén Itzá , so it’s possible that the macaws found here originated in the tropics of the Yucatán Peninsula!

(On that note, one wonders if the Chacoans also traded with Cahokia to the east, which also thrived around the same time.)

At one end of the complex, you’ll encounter a unique T-shaped door. While we don’t know for sure, they may have delineated sacred spaces within the complex.

Notably, they haven’t only been discovered here, but also at other sites like Mesa Verde, the ruins of Aztec, New Mexico, and even at Paquime in the Mexican state of Chihuahua.

As we’ll cover below, visitors also have the chance to enjoy a spectacular view of Pueblo Bonito from above via the Pueblo Alto trail. But first, head back east on foot toward the Chetro Ketl great house via the Petroglyph Trail.

The Petroglyph Trail

The aptly-named Petroglyph Trail is about a half-mile long, connecting Pueblo Bonito with another large great house, Chetro Ketl. And as you walk along, you’ll pass by numerous markers indicating that there are petroglyphs nearby.

But even if you know where to stop and look, you’ll still have to put in the effort to spot them, as many of them are faint. Along the trail, you’ll find shapes like spirals, as well as animals like birds and mountain lions.

One of the most interesting shapes, meanwhile, appears to resemble a large human figure.

Petroglyphs aside, this area is remarkable for another reason. The rock between the two great houses, in fact, was modified to create an amphitheater. Apparently, it could project sound directly to the houses on the opposite side of the canyon, known as the Casa Rinconada complex (more below).

If you’re visiting Chetro Ketl via the Petroglyph Trail, you’ll enter the complex from behind. But as mentioned above, you also have the option to visit Chetro Ketl before seeing Pueblo Bonito, in which case you can get there directly from the parking lot.

After Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl is the second-largest great house at Chaco Canyon, and it too featured multiple stories. When walking along the main plaza, you can even look down to see what’s left of the subterranean rooms.

Construction on Chetro Ketl began around 990 – roughly a century after Pueblo Bonito was started. And it was finished earlier, too, which construction ceasing in the 11th century. But like many other great houses, it would remain inhabited until around 1250.

Though smaller than Pueblo Bonito, it’s also D-shaped. And while it doesn’t feature as many kivas as Pueblo Bonito, its great kiva is among the canyon’s largest.

Like much of Chaco Canyon, its true function largely remains a mystery, but some archaeologists suspect that Chetro Ketl’s purpose was largely ceremonial.

Getting back in your car, drive to the farthest end of the loop. But rather than make a left to complete it, be sure to leave the main loop by heading straight. Here you’ll find the parking lot for the Pueblo del Arroyo great house and also a couple of hiking trails.

Pueblo del Arroyo was occupied from around 1075 to the 1250s. In total, it contains about three hundred rooms and is considered the fourth-largest great house at Chaco Canyon.

Rather than facing the canyon wall like the other great houses, it’s located in the middle of the canyon and faces east, looking directly across it. This was surely pre-planned – likely for astronomical, or perhaps symbolic reasons. 

All in all, Pueblo del Arroyo contains more or less the same architectural features described above. But while it has over a dozen kivas, it lacked a single great kiva.

The Graveyard

Across from Pueblo del Arroyo is a much more modern landmark – the final resting place of Richard Weatherill (1858-1910). In 1896, Weatherill arrived at Chaco Canyon with the Hyde Exploring Expedition. But it wasn’t his first Puebloan site.

He’d previously studied Mesa Verde, and was in fact the first white man to see what we now call the Cliff Palace. While Weatherill was surely passionate about the Ancestral Puebloan civilization, he was also criticized for selling many of the artifacts he found to museums.

Later on, Weatherill would be among the first to excavate Pueblo Bonito. But to fund his activities, he also set up a trading post there, selling local Navajo goods to other parts of the country.

His actions were highly controversial, prompting the ratification of the Federal Antiquities Act to protect the ruins. And despite being fired from the Hyde Expedition, Weatherill would go on to claim a large swathe of land, which included several Great Houses, as his own.

He ultimately gave up the claim after Chaco Canyon was declared a national park, but he remained living in the area. He would ultimately be murdered by a local Navajo, though it remains unclear if the attack was personal or a hired job.

As mentioned, the parking lot for Pueblo del Arroyo is also nearby two hiking trails. One of them is the Peñasco Blanco Trail, which culminates at what’s believed to be a pictograph of a supernova. Along the way, you’ll also pass a few additional ruins.

At about seven miles roundtrip, it will take around 4-6 hours to complete, and therefore impossible to see on the same day as all the other landmarks in this Chaco Canyon guide.

Furthermore, parts of the Peñasco Blanco Trail occasionally get flooded with water, making it impassable. If you’re interested in doing this hike, not only do you need an additional day, but you should also confirm the conditions of the trail at the Visitor Center beforehand.

If you only have a day at Chaco Canyon, consider the Pueblo Alto trail instead. Before beginning the hike, be sure to register by signing your name on one of the slips of paper near the trail starting point, so rangers will know to look for you if they encounter an empty vehicle in the evening.

But before the Pueblo Alto trail officially begins, you’ll encounter yet another great house known as Kin Kletso. It’s one of the later Chaco constructions, as evident by its walls. 

In contrast to the construction phases of other buildings, which often spanned centuries, Kin Kletso was only built between 1120 and 1130. And as opposed to the thin, flat stones used in many other constructions, the stones here are much larger, more closely resembling those of Mesa Verde.

Ascending the Trail

The Pueblo Alto trail will take you to the top of the mesa. Nearby Kin Kletso you’ll find a narrow stairway in between cracks in the rock which you can climb directly to the top.

But before beginning the Pueblo Alto trail, understand that you have a couple of different hiking options once you’re atop the mesa.

One option is to hike a long loop trail that’s about 4.8 miles roundtrip. The shortest option, on the other hand, would be to only hike to the Pueblo Bonito overlook, which is about 1.5 miles roundtrip.

Instead, I decided to check out the overlook and then walk directly to the Pueblo Alto ruins. Ignoring the loop, I returned the same way I came. The journey, which you can learn about below, is about 3.2 miles roundtrip and took me a little under two hours.

While you’ll encounter some helpful trail markers, it would be wise to use an app like Maps.me or AllTrails for this route (be sure to download them in advance).

Reaching the top of the mesa, you’ll be greeted with amazing views of the canyon below. Also look down to spot things like ‘pecked basins,’ which the Chacoans apparently carved out to store water.

As we’ll cover shortly, the ancient inhabitants would regularly traverse the mesa top to travel to and trade with distant Puebloan towns.

The mesa top offers clear views of Kin Kletso and then Pueblo del Arroyo down below. 

Keep walking and you’ll eventually reach the Pueblo Bonito overlook, which provides a fascinating new perspective of Chaco Canyon’s largest great house.

Having visited hundreds of archaeological sites throughout the world, I’ve never seen any other ruins quite like these. Pueblo Bonito almost looks like some sort of sci-fi spaceship when seen from above!

Finished enjoying the views, walk in the opposite direction of the canyon. You’ll occasionally see small signs or trail markers – sometimes in the form of stacked rocks – to point you in the right direction.

Along the trail, you’ll even walk up an ancient Chacoan staircase that was carved into the bedrock.

There are actually two ancient complexes atop the mesa. I decided to start with the more impressive one, simply known as New Alto.

Centuries ago, a trail from the Pueblo Alto area connected Chaco with the Aztec ruins (Puebloan ruins named after the town of Aztec, New Mexico and unrelated to the Aztec Empire of Mexico).

Various people from throughout the Puebloan world (and beyond) would traverse this route to trade, likely stopping at New Alto along the way.

Pueblo Alto

Pueblo Alto can be a little hard to spot at first, as little of it remains. On top of that, it was one of the only single-story complexes at Chaco.

If you’re not doing the entire loop, when finished with these ruins, it’s time to make the long walk back toward the parking lot in front of Pueblo del Arroyo.

Back in your car, it’s time to complete the main loop. While most of the important landmarks mentioned in the Chaco Canyon guide above are located on the north side, there are a few small ruins on the opposite side as well.

Collectively, they’re known as Casa Rinconada. Rather than a single great house, these are small villages scattered about the area. Interestingly, they were built at the same time as the main great houses, so one wonders why people would choose to live out here instead.

While Casa Rinconada isn’t very impressive from a distance, the area is actually home to Chaco Canyon’s largest kiva. That’s right – it’s even bigger than the great kivas of Pueblo Bonito or Chetro Ketl!

It was built as a standalone structure and likely served as the main kiva for all the small villages in this part of the canyon.

A trail will then take you to the remnants of the nearby dwelling places, along with some smaller kivas. 

Now it’s finally time to head back to wherever it is you’re spending the night, though you may want to check out the museum and gift shop at the Visitor Center before heading home.

Additional Info

Getting to Chaco Canyon is a challenge, largely due to much of the journey consisting of unpaved roads. While a 4×4 is not necessary, and plenty of people make it to Chaco Canyon in sedans, those doing further travels throughout the Four Corners region should still consider  renting a 4×4 for their trip .

The specifics of getting to Chaco Canyon depend on whether you’re coming from the north or the south. Furthermore, road conditions can often change, and you could potentially find yourself in a tricky situation if you take the wrong route – especially after bad weather.

Therefore, I’m not going to go into details here because they could potentially already be out of date by the time you read this. Be sure to check the recommended route, along with updates on current road conditions or potential closures, on the official NPS website .

To give you an idea of how much time you should budget, this was my itinerary: Having stayed in Cuba, New Mexico, the night before, I departed from my motel around 7:00, arriving at the Chaco Canyon visitor center around 8:45.

After touring all the sites mentioned in the Chaco Canyon guide above, including the Pueblo Alto Trail, it was already 16:00 by the time I left the park. I then headed onward to the town of Bloomfield, New Mexico, arriving around 17:30 in the evening.

On its own, Chaco Canyon costs $25 to enter.

If you’re visiting from abroad, note that in contrast to many other countries, US parks typically charge per vehicle rather than per person. However, if you’re traveling by bicycle instead, they’ll charge you for an individual pass which costs $15, while those on motorcycles will be charged $20.

But considering how many National Parks and National Monuments there are to see in the Southwest alone, the best option for most will be to buy an ‘America the Beautiful’ Annual National Parks Pass.

These cost $80 for the year. In most cases, you’re already saving money by just visiting four National Parks/Monuments anywhere in the country within a full year.

What’s more, is that only one person in your vehicle needs to have the pass. Additionally, seniors can buy the pass for just $20. So if you have someone over 62 in your party, just have them get the annual pass and everyone else will be set.

As for where to get the pass, you can purchase it in person at most National Parks or Monuments. But you can also order it in advance online.

Even if you already have an annual pass, you’re usually supposed to ‘check in’ at the park or monument Visitor Center. But if you arrive before the office opens, you should be fine just leaving your pass visible on your dashboard.

As Chaco Canyon is quite isolated geographically, there aren’t any big cities that serve as adequate bases. If you’re coming from Santa Fe to the south, you’ll want to spend the night before in a town like Cuba or Nageezi.

I stayed at the Frontier Motel in Cuba, from where it took a little under two hours to reach Chaco Canyon the next morning (they are not on regular booking sites, so it’s better to reserve by phone).

For those coming from the north, you have the choice between some larger towns, such as Farmington or Bloomfield.

I stayed in Bloomfield after my day at Chaco Canyon and had a good experience at the Super 8 .

Another option would be to camp at Chaco Canyon, either in a tent or RV. But don’t expect many amenities. You can learn more about camping options here .

Chaco Canyon Adventure

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chaco Culture National Historical Park in northwest New Mexico. Marvel at the thousand-year-old, resilient architecture of Chaco Canyon, where the Ancestral Pueblos showcased their exceptional engineering skills in designing Great Houses with celestial alignments over vast distances. This iconic location continues to hold deep significance for modern indigenous communities, keeping their ties alive through kinship and sacred ceremonies.

Chaco Culture NHP - archaeoastronomy

Story - local history, indigenous knowledge

Guided routes - 2.5-kilometers, 5-hrs, Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, and more!

Small groups - maximum of 10-12 people, enjoy an authentic experience

Booking - full deposit required

Start/end - meet at Visitor Center parking lot, or at scheduled meet-up location

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Best of the Southwest: Escape to Chaco Canyon

Kate Siber, a Durango, Colorado-based writer, has reported five feature stories on the best trips of the Southwest for National Geographic Adventure. Her most recent, “ Best of the Southwest ” highlights 14 winning new journeys. Here she shares some notes from the field.

After nearly eight years living in the Southwest, I finally made it to Chaco Canyon, the mother of all ancient Indian sites, on an impromptu getaway. It’s only a two-hour drive from my home in Durango, but my friend Danielle and I arrived to find a dry, monochromatic, lunar landscape, as if we had somehow traveled between planets rather than states.

Formally dubbed Chaco Culture National Historical Park, it can only be accessed by a rough dirt road, which scares away tour buses and pansy drivers, keeping annual visitor numbers down to a scant 50,000-70,000. (Compare that to Zion at about 2.5 million.) And yet Chaco has an unparalleled ability to inspire the imagination. Archaeologists believe that it was a ceremonial center for the entire four corners region because of the unique artifacts they found there, like wild jewelry, exquisite jet-and-turquoise ornaments, and colorful macaw feathers, presumably traded from Mexico. But no one knows the whys and hows of that place with certainty except for what we can see: a veritable metropolis of stone ruins, some three stories high with hundreds of rooms and intriguing astronomical alignments.

Danielle and I poked about several ruins sites, including Pueblo Alto, a 3.5-mile hike from the road. Sitting there in solitude amongst the centuries-old walls made of delicately stacked and mortared stones, we imagined the spirits of the original inhabitants lingering about. The spring wind wailed through the ancient windows—a delightfully spooky effect.

We happened to be there on an evening when the park offered an astronomy talk at its observatory, equipped with a 25-inch-diameter telescope. A tall, white-bearded ranger named G.B. Cornucopia narrated a slide show of the curious astronomical alignments among the many structures. “We don’t know for sure what any of this meant,” he said, noting that there were no written records left behind. “They could all just be extraordinary coincidences.” He smiled, leaving room for interpretation.

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After spotting craters on the moon’s surface and Saturn’s rings and moons through the telescope, Danielle and I lingered. I’m incorrigibly curious, and both Mr. Cornucopia and the visiting astronomer, a retired professor, indulged my endless questions. Until the wee hours, they explained their own theories as to why the Chacoans lined up their buildings with the solstices and why a certain petroglyph might depict a supernova that burned as bright as the sun in 1054 and that the Chacoans surely witnessed. They explained black holes, the red limit, and other phenomena that lie beyond the confines of our comfortable earthly atmosphere.

Contemplating the night sky and the doings of those who came before us in a wild, remote location always has the unique effect of making me feel both very small and very miraculous. I become overwhelmed with the improbability of it all, and it’s a feeling to which I’m now genuinely addicted. It’s also precisely why I live in the Southwest. Year after year, I can still find new, wild, beautiful places that remind me that I am wonderfully small and the world is wonderfully big. Still, after eight years, there’s always something new to do, something new to learn, someplace new to explore. There's always some other corner of these American hinterlands calling my name.

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Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park, also known as Chaco Canyon, is the largest excavated prehistoric ruins in North America and is a must-see for history buffs and outdoor lovers. It is advised that visitors call the Park prior to a visit to ensure roads are accessible during inclement weather. 

Turn off is on US 550 at CR 7900 Nagezzi, NM

505-786-7014

Visit Website

Chaco was the center of the ancestral Puebloan culture from AD 850 to 1200.  Attractions within the park include Chacoan great houses, kivas, rock art, and stunning vistas. The hallmark Chacoan roads and the geometric layout of structures captivate visitors from around the world. Please call the park prior to your visit for updates on guided tours by Park Rangers and visitor center hours. 

How to get to Chaco Culture National Historical Park

The remote location of Chaco Canyon adds to the beauty and adventure of visiting this National Park. The main entrance into the park is from US Highway 550. From 550 turn onto CR 7900, (40 miles south of Farmington / 50 miles north of Cuba).  This route is signed from US 550 to the park boundary (21 miles). The route includes 8 miles of paved road and 13 miles of dirt road.

The section of dirt road can best be described as "washboard".  Visitors not accustomed to traveling on dirt roads need not worry, note the posted speed limits, and keep in mind that the destination is well worth the 13 miles of dirt road.  Please note that some roads recommended by Google, map publishers and mapping services using GPS are unsafe for passenger cars. The most recommended access point is from Highway 550, from CR 7900.  The road to Chaco can become impassible in inclement weather. If rain, snow, or thunderstorms are in the forecast simply call the visitor center or visit their  website  for road conditions and park closures.

• Official Map of Chaco Culture NHP
• Back Country Hiking Maps
• Biking Trail Maps
• Chaco Outlier Maps
• Virtual tour of Chaco Canyon

Chaco Culture History

Chaco Culture National Historical Park preserves the monumental architecture and complex community life of a major center of ancestral Puebloan culture (Anasazi) that took root and flourished for a thousand years.  The Chacoan culture began to flourish in the canyon in the mid-800s with continual habitation and building lasting for another 300 years. The ancient Puebloan people (Anasazi) constructed massive stone buildings, called great houses, of multiple stories that are much larger than what had previously been built. Construction on some of these buildings spanned decades and even centuries. These structures were often aligned to solar, lunar, and cardinal directions and placed within a landscape surrounded by sacred mountains, mesas, and shrines. The buildings in the canyon are believed to be “public architecture” that were used periodically be the people for times of ceremony and commerce when temporary populations arrived in the canyon.

By 1050, Chaco Canyon had become the political, economic, and ceremonial center for the Chacoan culture. Roads connected the canyon to over 150 other great houses, including Aztec Ruins and Salmon Ruins to the north. Chaco Canyon became the trade center for turquoise, parrots, macaws, copper bells, and other precious commodities.

By the mid-1100s the canyon began to decline as the regional center as building ceased and influence moved to Aztec Ruins and other great houses. In time, the people moved away from the area and culture to reinvent themselves. Today the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico claim to be the descendants of the ancient Puebloans.

• Guided Tours

Looking for a Chaco tour guide? The following entities offer guided tours of Chaco and are recommended:

• Journey Into the Past Tours  call 505-632-2013 or email  [email protected]
• Navajo Tours USA  call 855-422-5476 or email  [email protected]

Cycling at Chaco Canyon

One way to explore Chaco Culture National Historical Park is to bike. One option for cycling is the paved one-way Canyon Loop Road (9 miles & share with vehicles). There are two backcountry options: biking to Wijiji Trail (3 miles - start at Wijiji Trailhead) or Casa Chiquita (2 miles - start at Pueblo del Arroyo parking area). This is a wonderful way to experience both the Great Houses and canyon.

For your comfort and bicycling safety:

• Wear a helmet.
• Secure bikes at the bike racks.
• Follow the rules of the road and be alert for vehicles. Please ride single file.
• Carry plenty of water and snacks with carbohydrates.
• Prepare for extreme weather. Bring along sun protection, a hat, and rain gear.

Things to do while visiting Chaco Canyon

• Night Sky programs
• Photography
• Guided tour by  Journey Into the Past Tours
• Guided tour by Navajo Tours USA
• Self-guided tours

Things not to do while visiting Chaco

• Do not collect pottery, arrowheads, or any type of artifact or plants
• Do not walk, climb, sit, or lean on fragile walls
• Do not deface, add to, or alter the petroglyphs, pictographs, or rocks

Why did the Chacoans leave?

• Outdoor Adventures
• Native Culture
• Self-Guided Tours
• Performing Arts
• Four Corners
• Family Adventures

An Acre in the City

Where I am when not traveling...

Visiting Chaco Culture: The Ultimate Guide

Only have one day to visit Chaco Canyon?  

Fear not; you can still immerse yourself in the magic of this ancient site. Begin your adventure by understanding where Chaco Canyon is located. Situated in Chaco Valley, New Mexico, this hidden gem is approximately three hours northwest of Albuquerque, making it easily accessible for a day trip.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a fascinating destination nestled in the rugged landscapes of New Mexico. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the ancient Puebloan civilization, with its remarkably preserved ruins and rich cultural history. 

In this blog post, we'll guide you on planning your visit to Chaco Canyon, highlighting the incredible things you can do and see, providing valuable tips, and answering frequently asked questions. One day in the park will give you an excellent overview of the park, but plan an overnight trip to enjoy the dark skies.

About Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring history of the ancestral Puebloans as you step foot into Chaco Culture National Historical Park . This archaeological marvel boasts a collection of monumental stone structures, kivas, and intricate petroglyphs, all serving as a testament to the ancient civilization's advanced engineering and spiritual significance.

Chaco Canyon is a time capsule, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture that once flourished in the arid landscapes. With their architectural prowess, the ancient Puebloans created an intricate network of Great Houses and sacred Kivas, meticulously aligning them with celestial events. 

At the heart of Chaco Canyon stand the awe-inspiring Great Houses, such as Pueblo Bonito and Casa Rinconada, architectural masterpieces that leave visitors in awe of their grandeur. Each stone meticulously placed, these structures witness the ancient inhabitants' advanced engineering and cultural sophistication.

You are welcome to venture into the sacred Kivas—underground chambers that served as ceremonial spaces for the ancient Puebloans. Standing within these hallowed grounds, you'll feel the spiritual essence that once filled the air during sacred rituals and gatherings.

As you travel through the park, you will find that the canyon walls adorned with petroglyphs and rock art narrate the stories of the past. Decipher the intricate symbols and carvings that depict the beliefs, customs, and daily life of the Chacoans—a window into their spiritual and cultural world.

Beyond its historical significance, Chaco Canyon also boasts breathtaking natural landscapes. From the sunsets that paint the sky with vivid hues to the serene silence that envelops the canyons, nature herself adds to the allure of this ancient wonder.

Where did the People of Chaco Canyon go?

The story of the people at Chaco Canyon is one shrouded in mystery, and historians and archaeologists continue to piece together fragments of the past to unravel their fate.

The ancient Puebloans, also known as the Ancestral Puebloans, inhabited Chaco Canyon from approximately 850 to 1250 AD. They flourished in this region of the American Southwest, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable architecture, art, and advanced societal structures.

At its peak, Chaco Canyon was the center of an impressive civilization. The ancient Puebloans built intricate multi-story Great Houses, such as Pueblo Bonito and Casa Rinconada, using precisely cut sandstone blocks.

These monumental structures served as community centers, ceremonial spaces, and living quarters, displaying the Puebloans' sophisticated engineering and architectural skills.

Chaco Canyon was not merely a cluster of buildings; it was a hub of culture and spirituality. The Puebloans were deeply connected to the celestial cycles, and their architectural alignment with the sun, moon, and stars attests to their advanced understanding of astronomy.

Rituals, ceremonies, and observances were integral to their daily lives, fostering a profound relationship with the natural world.

Around the mid-12th century, a transformation began to unfold at Chaco Canyon. The reasons behind the decline of this once-thriving civilization are subject to debate among experts, but several factors likely contributed to the shift:

Environmental Challenges -The region experienced a series of prolonged droughts during the 12th and 13th centuries, altering the availability of water and impacting agriculture. These environmental challenges likely put immense strain on the community's resources.

Societal Pressures – As the population grew and resources became scarcer, competition for vital resources, such as water and fertile land, may have led to conflicts among neighboring communities.

Cultural and Social Changes – Internal cultural and social changes might have played a role in the decline as well. Shifting ideologies, leadership disputes, and changing trade networks could have affected the community's cohesion and stability.

As the challenges mounted, the Puebloans gradually began to disperse from Chaco Canyon to outlying areas, seeking more sustainable living conditions. Sites like Aztec Ruins and Salmon Ruins are examples of places where the ancient Puebloans may have relocated during this period.

Though the Chacoan society declined, their legacy lives on in the remnants of their ancient civilization. Chaco Culture National Historical Park stands as a testament to their ingenuity, spirituality, and cultural richness.

The story of the people at Chaco Canyon is a tale of resilience and adaptation. They navigated environmental challenges, cultural shifts, and the ebb and flow of history, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire wonder and curiosity to this day.

As we explore the ancient ruins and immerse ourselves in the enigmatic charm of Chaco Canyon, we honor the enduring spirit of the people who once called this place home—a spirit that whispers its tales through the silent canyons of time.

Planning your Visit to Chaco Canyon

A trip to Chaco Canyon requires thoughtful planning and preparation. From choosing the best time to visit for pleasant weather to arranging accommodations and guided tours, our comprehensive guide ensures an unforgettable and seamless experience.

Remote and Isolated: 

Chaco Culture is located in a remote and isolated region. The dirt roads to the park can be narrow, winding, and predominantly rural so you may encounter few amenities or services.

Also note that there are no gas stations, restaurants, or other amenities within the park boundaries, so ensure you have enough fuel, food, and water for your visit.

Limited Cell Phone Reception: 

Due to the remote location, cell phone reception can be spotty or non-existent in some areas. Have a paper map or a reliable GPS device to navigate.

Unpaved Roads: 

Access to the park requires driving on unpaved roads. The access roads are rough, rocky, and rutted. The most accessible route to the park is from the North (From US 550, go to mile 112.5, 3 miles SE of Nageezi, and turn onto CR 7900 and CR 7950) – expect 13 miles of unpaved road. 

 It's essential to check weather conditions before heading out and consider the suitability of your vehicle for such terrain. Also, expect the unpaved road portion to take about 1.5 hours to drive.

Tip: The park rangers are only sometimes aware of road conditions. A ranger told us that the south access road would be good if we had made it a certain distance. Well, we passed that distance and came across an area covered in water, and we had to turn around. If it has been raining, call 505 786-7014 for road conditions.

Four-Wheel Drive Recommended: 

While the main roads leading to Chaco Culture National Historical Park are generally accessible by regular vehicles, having a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle can be advantageous and give you a better piece of mind as you venture down the unpaved roads.

Wildlife: 

Be cautious of wildlife crossing the roads, especially during dawn and dusk. Watch for signs indicating potential wildlife crossing areas.

Weather Conditions: 

The region experiences a desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially during monsoon season, as flash floods can occur.

Tip: The route from the South has 21 miles of unpaved road and is impassable when wet. 

Respect Nature and Archaeological Sites: 

Chaco Culture is a place of significant historical and cultural importance. When driving within the park, be mindful of protecting the fragile desert ecosystem and respecting the archaeological sites and artifacts.

Getting to Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Canyon's remote location adds to its allure but requires careful consideration when planning your journey. Here are a few transportation options:

Self-Drive: If you prefer the freedom of exploring at your own pace, driving to Chaco Canyon is an option. Be prepared for rough roads and limited services along the way.

Chaco Canyon Guided Tours: Joining a guided tour is an excellent way to navigate the challenges of reaching Chaco Canyon. Sit back, relax, and let the experts handle the logistics while you soak in the awe-inspiring surroundings. Some local Chaco Canyon Tours include a day tour with Heritage Inspirations or a five-hour guided route with Navajo Tours USA .

Things to Do in Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Canyon offers a range of activities for history enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and nature lovers alike. 

Visitor Center: 

Start your journey at the visitor center to get an overview of the park's history and cultural significance in the museum and helpful information about your visit. There is also a 26-minute film that helps you understand the history of the site and bookstore. The National Park Service did a fabulous job with the visitor center; unfortunately, due to climate concerns, artifacts are not displayed at this time.

The Chaco Canyon hours vary by season but are open at 7 am, with closing hours ranging from 5 pm to 9 pm. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. 

Explore the Ruins: 

Wander through the iconic Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, Casa Rinconada, and Hungo Pavi sites to witness the architectural marvels of the ancient Puebloans. Marvel at the precision of their stonework and imagine life in these old structures. 

As you wander through the rooms and plazas of these ancient ruins, you will transport yourself to a time when this monumental structure thrived with activity and cultural significance. 

Pueblo Bonito: Explore the park's largest and most impressive ancient Puebloan Great House. Pueblo Bonito contains over 600 rooms and served as the center of Chacoan society, showcasing the Ancestral Puebloans' intricate craftsmanship. 

Chetro Ketl: Another remarkable Great House, Chetro Ketl, showcases the architectural expertise of the ancestral Puebloans. It's one of the most significant structures in the park.

Casa Rinconada: This large circular structure is believed to have been an ancient kiva, a sacred space for religious ceremonies and community gatherings.

Hungo Pavi: Another notable Great House within Chaco Culture National Historical Park that offers insights into the architectural prowess of the ancestral Puebloans with its interconnected rooms and classic Chacoan masonry construction.

Petroglyphs and Rock Art: Hike to various rock art panels and petroglyph sites, such as Una Vida and Hungo Pavi, showcase ancient artwork and symbols etched into the rocks.

Canyon Loop Drive at Chaco Culture National Historical Park

The Canyon Loop Drive is a scenic and informative 9-mile-long paved route that takes you around to explore five major Chacoan archaeological sites and the natural beauty of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. 

This self-guided driving tour comprehensively overviews the park's history, culture, and stunning landscapes. The loop will take 3 to 4 hours to complete, depending on the time spent at each site and the frequency of stops.

Main Sites: The drive includes access to prominent Chacoan archaeological sites, such as Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, and Una Vida. Visitors can explore these impressive ancient Great Houses and learn about the advanced engineering and architectural techniques the ancestral Puebloan people employed.

Petroglyphs and Rock Art: Along the drive, there are opportunities to observe petroglyphs and rock art panels etched into the sandstone cliffs, providing a glimpse into the ancient inhabitants' spiritual beliefs and artistic expressions.

Scenic Overlooks: The Canyon Loop Drive offers several designated viewpoints, allowing visitors to appreciate the grandeur of Chaco Canyon and the surrounding landscapes. These overlooks provide excellent opportunities for photography and contemplation of the region's natural beauty.

Interpretive Signage: Throughout the route, there are informative interpretive panels that provide historical context, cultural significance, and archaeological details about the sites and their inhabitants. These resources enhance visitors' understanding of the park's importance and its place in the history of the ancient Southwest.

Ranger Programs

Ranger-led programs at Chaco Culture National Historical Park offer valuable opportunities to enhance your understanding of the park's history, culture, and natural environment. These programs are led by knowledgeable and passionate park rangers who provide informative and engaging experiences. 

Interpretive Talks : Park rangers conduct interpretive talks that cover a wide range of topics, such as the history of the ancestral Puebloans, the significance of Chaco Canyon, and the region's unique geological and ecological features.

Guided Hikes: Ranger-led hikes allow visitors to explore lesser-known areas of the park and gain insights into its natural and cultural wonders. Depending on the season and availability, guided walks may lead to petroglyph sites, lesser-known ruins, or scenic overlooks.

  Visit the park calendar for events .

Chaco Culture has four backcountry trails, ranging from 3 to 7.5 miles. Speak to a park ranger before setting out for an adventure to find out the latest conditions of the trails. There are sign-in logs at each trailhead.

Wijiji Trail

• Length: Approximately 3 miles round trip.
• Terrain: Mostly flat and easy with some uneven surfaces.
• Trailhead: before the visitor center across from the camping area.
• Description: The Wijiji Trail leads to the Wijiji Great House, one of the smaller structures in the park. Wijiji was constructed around AD 1100. Unlike the other houses, this one does not feature enclosed plazas or great kivas.

South Mesa Trail

• Length: Approximately 3.6 miles round trip.
• Terrain: 450 feet of elevation change
• Trailhead: Casa Rinconada Trail, Stop 10
• Description: The trail climbs to the top of the South Mesa and leads to the Tsin Kletzin Great House. Enjoy the scenic views from the Mesa.

Pueblo Alto Trail

• Length: Approximately 5.4 miles round trip.
• Terrain: 450 feet of elevation change, moderately challenging
• Trailhead: Pueblo de Arroyo Parking Area
• Description: This trail provides an aerial view of Pueblo Bonito and other Chacoan buildings. The trail enters both Pueblo Alto and New Alto. You will also pass Chacoan roads, ramps, and stairs along the way.

Penasco Blanco Trail

• Length: Approximately 7.2 miles round trip.
• Terrain: 200 feet of elevation change, moderately challenging.
• Description: The Penasco Blanco Trail is a backcountry hike that takes visitors to the remote Penasco Blanco and passes Chacoan and Navajo petroglyphs and historical inscriptions along the way. 

Bicycling 

If you have your bicycle while visiting the park, consider riding one of the many options available at Chaco Canyon. The main 9-mile paved loop road does not require a permit, but most other options require a free permit from the Visitor Center . 

Stargazing 

Chaco Culture is designated as an International Dark Sky Park , making it an excellent location for stargazing and experiencing the night sky free from light pollution. 

Night Sky Programs: Ranger-led night sky programs offer opportunities to observe celestial objects through telescopes and learn about the constellations, cultural astronomy, and the importance of dark skies for preserving our natural heritage.

Special Events and Solstice Celebrations: Throughout the year, the park organizes special events to celebrate solstices and equinoxes, aligning with the astronomical phenomena observed in Chacoan architecture. These events often include demonstrations, performances, and interactive activities.

Visit the park calendar for events .

If you like night sky events and National Park Service sites, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also has night sky activities!

Where to Stay when visiting Chaco Canyon

Camping at Gallo Campground within the park is your best bet, but reservations can fill quickly. Sites are reserved online or at the visitor center on a first come, first serve basis.

The closest lodging options are about 1.5 hours away in Bloomfield, Aztez, or Farmington. We stayed at the Best Western Plus The Four Corners Inn in Farmington the night before our park visit.

Gallo Campground: 

Gallo Campground is just a short distance from the park entrance and has 32 spaces and two group camping areas. RV’s under 35 length, tents, and car camping are allowed. Sites include a picnic table and a fire grate with a grill. 

You will need to bring firewood and charcoal. There is a bathroom with water and flush toilets. There are no showers or site hook-ups available. Generators are permitted between certain hours.

It is also important to know that the campground has no shade. Visitors are permitted to stay for 14 days at a time. Individual camping sites are $20/night, but discounts are available for  Senior and Access pass holders.

Tips for Visiting Chaco Canyon

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, keep these tips in mind:

Plan Your Timing: Chaco Canyon is open year-round, but the best time to visit is spring or fall when temperatures are milder. Avoid visiting during monsoon season as flash floods can occur.

Bring Supplies: As the park is located in a remote area, bringing enough food and supplies to last your stay is essential. There are no restaurants or stores within the park. For better views of the petroglyphs, consider bringing a pair of binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens.

Nearby ancient Puebloan sites

Suppose you're interested in exploring other ancient Puebloan sites and similar cultural and historical locations in the region. In that case, consider visiting several sites within a 3-hour drive from Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Here are some places with similar characteristics to Chaco Culture National Historical Park:

Aztec Ruins National Monument (Aztec, New Mexico) – Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes drive from Chaco Culture. This site features well-preserved ancestral Puebloan ruins, including a large Great House.

Salmon Ruins and Heritage Park (Bloomfield, New Mexico) – Around a 2-hour drive from Chaco Culture, this park offers insights into the ancestral Puebloan culture and includes reconstructed ruins and a museum.

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center (Cortez, Colorado) – About 2 hours and 30 minutes from Chaco Culture, this educational center has archaeological programs and exhibits related to ancestral Puebloan history.

Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado) – Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes drive from Chaco Culture; this park is famous for its well-preserved cliff dwellings and ancient Puebloan structures built into the cliffs.

Hovenweep National Monument (Colorado/Utah) – Around 2 hours and 40 minutes from Chaco Culture is Hovenweep. This site showcases ancient Puebloan villages with unique stone towers and structures.

El Morro National Monument (Ramah, New Mexico) – Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes drive from Chaco Culture. This Monument features inscriptions and petroglyphs left by various cultures, including ancestral Puebloans, on a sandstone bluff.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument (Chinle, Arizona) – About 2 hours and 45 minutes drive from Chaco Culture. Canyon de Chelly has spectacular canyons and ancient Puebloan ruins, some of which are still inhabited by Navajo families today. I found this park one of the most peaceful parks I have ever visited.

Bandelier National Monument (Los Alamos, New Mexico) – Around 2 hours and 50 minutes drive from Chaco Culture. Bandelier offers well-preserved ancient Puebloan dwellings, cliff dwellings, and petroglyphs. Be sure to climb up into to ruins when permitted.

These nearby sites offer diverse opportunities to explore ancient Native American cultures and their architectural achievements. Each location has its unique historical significance and provides insights into the lives of the ancient inhabitants of the American Southwest.

When visiting these sites, respect the cultural heritage and follow any guidelines or restrictions set by the respective park authorities.

Photo Op: While in this region, consider stopping at the Four Corners Monument, where you can stand in four states simultaneously!

FAQ's about Chaco Canyon

Visiting Chaco Canyon will cost you $25/vehicle, $20/motorcycle, or $15/person if you walk or bicycle in. Annual passes are accepted, and you will get in for free, but you will still need to go to the visitor center and receive an entrance pass to display on the vehicle's dash. Passes are valid for seven days. Park passes may be purchased online prior to your visit.

Yes, but they must be leashes no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not permitted within archeological sites (Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, Casa Rinconada, Pueblo del Arroyo, Hungo Pavi, and Una Vida).

Also, be aware that the Bubonic plague and Hantavirus exist in northern New Mexico. Keep yourself and pets away from rodent nests and burrows.

Reservations are required for camping in the Chaco Canyon.

Final Thoughts: Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Canyon is a remarkable destination in the United States, offering a unique window into the past. Uncover the mysteries of the ancestral Puebloans, marvel at the ancient ruins, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes.

Plan your trip wisely, and prepare to be captivated by the enchanting allure of Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Visiting this Chaco Culture site is worth the drive!

Related Posts

If you enjoy Dark Sky Parks or UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you may also enjoy:

Smoky Mountains National Park

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

15 Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites in North America

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Teresa Kulczycki is the founder of An Acre in the City. She has travelled to all 50 States in the USA and has a travel bucket list that she continues to whittle down. She has less than 100 US National Park Service Sites and only 9 state capitols left to visit. Other travel bucket lists includes catching a baseball game at all the Major League Baseball Fields.

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Immerse yourself in a captivating exploration of ancestral Puebloan civilization in the high desert of New Mexico. Discover well-preserved sites, including Pueblo Bonito and Casa Rinconada, with knowledgeable guides sharing insights into these ancestral structures’, advanced engineering, and cultural significance. Unveil the rich history of the Chacoan people on this remarkable journey.

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Explore the mystery of Chaco Canyon UNESCO World Heritage Site with Heritage Inspirations. Featured in top publications, our tours unveil the enigma of this ancestral Puebloan site.

$325 per person + tax* VARIED PRICING: Hotel Chaco guests $299 + tax tour price per person

Saturday 7:15 am - 5:45 pm (Not offered in July and August): March 1 - November 30 MEET AT: Hotel Chaco in Old Town Albuquerque TOUR REGION(S): Albuquerque, NM, Chaco Canyon, NM

Acoma Pueblo Day Tour + Chaco Canyon Day Tour Bundle

Explore the ancient Acoma Pueblo, the oldest continuously inhabited community in the U.S. A cultural journey from Hotel Chaco to Sky City.

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Chaco Canyon Glamping Excursion

Not only can you experience this major ancestral Puebloan center of migration, grand construction, and cultural integration, but you can do it at an equinox to witness the precision engineering, elaborate ingenuity, and timeless architecture documenting the sun’s movement across the sky.

Your luxurious journey to the National Park of Chaco Canyon will transcend this ancient site, at its most special time.

Not only can you experience this major ancestral Puebloan center of migration, grand construction, and cultural integration, but you can do it at an equinox to witness the precision engineering, elaborate ingenuity, and timeless architecture documenting the sun’s movement across the sky. Your luxurious journey to the National Park of Chaco Canyon will transcend this ancient site, at its most special time.

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One Day at Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by Grant

The American Southwest is full of archeological ruins of the Ancestral Puebloan people. The largest and most complex of these is found in Chaco Canyon, in northwest New Mexico. With just one day at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, you can walk through the ruins of several different buildings, view exhibits at the visitor center and hike through the high-desert landscape of the region.

Without really trying, we ended up making 2022 the year of the American Southwest. We spent time in southern Arizona over Spring Break, all over the Four Corners region over the summer and one final trip to northern New Mexico in December. Add in additional trips to the area and I think we’ve visited nearly all of the Ancestral Puebloan sites within the National Park Service, plus a few managed by the Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service.

Check our our 2022 Year in Review

Of course, each site is different and special in its own way. But, I have to be honest and say that the sites can become a bit redundant. Still, we were notably impressed by what we found at Chaco Culture National Historical Park. 

The size of the community and the complexity of the architecture is impressive by today’s standards. But these ruins date back to the mid-800s and this community formed the center of more than 150 great houses throughout the San Juan Basin spanning hundreds of miles. Yes, it’s a bit mind-blowing and why this site was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

So, let’s take a look at exactly what you can expect from a visit to Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

(Disclaimer: When we link to places where you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes that earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

Getting to Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is an extremely remote park, in a largely undeveloped area of northwestern New Mexico and can only be accessed by driving on dirt roads. Quite simply, this is not a park that you are going to pass by accidentally!

The closest moderately-sized town is Farmington, which is about 76 miles northwest of the park. Due to the unpaved roads, you’ll need nearly two hours to make the drive. Albuquerque is about 150 miles and three hours to the southeast.

From the north, you’ll access Chaco Culture National Historical Park by turning south off US Hwy 550. This is the way we came in, after visiting Bandelier National Monument and Valles Caldera National Preserve near Los Alamos . This is, generally, the best way to access the park but still includes 13 miles of rough, dirt road.

When we visited (late December 2022), there had been quite a bit of snow and rain in the days prior. For this reason, we made a point to call the park the day before to check road conditions. Honestly, I’d suggest that you call to check conditions regardless of the weather. This park is simply too remote to drive all the way out there and then have difficulty on the last leg of the route.

With the wet roads, there were definitely some very difficult sections, even in our F-150. We had four-wheel drive on for most of the unpaved section and still did a bit of slipping and sliding in a couple of places. We passed one vehicle that slid off the side of the road and was stuck. 

According to the park’s website, the route from the south is not very well marked and can be very rough at best. These roads are rarely maintained and can easily become impassable. I would definitely call ahead if you are considering this route. 

If the roads are dry, almost any vehicle should be able to make the drive from the north. But it is important that you know the current conditions and the capabilities of your vehicle. Expect getting any kind of help to be difficult or even impossible.

What to See and Do at Chaco Culture NHP

The good news is that once you arrive at the park, all roads are paved and easy to drive!  As always, you should definitely make the visitor center your first stop. Be sure to talk to a ranger to get recommendations based on how much time you have.

Unfortunately, we only had a couple of hours. But, we were happy to follow the ranger’s suggestion to leave well before sunset and the park’s closing time just in case we had any issues on the road. As they said, if you’re not the last one out, then there’s still hope that someone could help you if you have any problems!

While at the visitor center, be sure to watch the park introduction film and walk through the museum/exhibit area. Unfortunately, display cases in the exhibit area are empty. After the visitor center was renovated in 2010, the park realized that the HVAC system was not able to balance out the harsh weather conditions here. Thus, the interior conditions are not adequate for the extremely delicate artifacts.

We certainly hope that the park will get this fixed soon so that the many artifacts that have been found here can be displayed. In the meantime, there are still some interesting informational signs and displays about the history of the park and the people who lived here.

Before you leave the visitor center, consider purchasing a trail guide for any of the archeological sites you plan to stop at along the loop drive. Most have a few signs but the guides will provide much more information. 

Canyon Loop Drive

The main area of Chaco Culture National Historical Park is accessed by a nine-mile one-way loop drive that starts just past the visitor center. Along the drive, there are six major sites that can be reached by relatively short walks from several different parking areas.

Since we were short on time, we took the ranger’s advice and only visited three sites, described below. If you have more time, I hope that you’ll explore some of the other stops. 

Our first stop was Hungo Pavi, which is an unexcavated great house. Here, a short trail leads you around the ruins of more than 150 rooms, a great kiva and an enclosed plaza. Even though the area is unexcavated, many of the walls are exposed and easy to view. The loop here is only about 1/4-mile and relatively easy but there are a few inclines and uneven surfaces.

Chetro Ketl

The next parking lot provides access to the must-see site at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Pueblo Bonito. This is the most thoroughly investigated cultural site in the park. Next to it (and accessed from the same parking area) is Chetro Ketl, the second largest Chacon great house. Connecting them is the Petroglyph Trail, along which you can view a variety of carvings and paintings on the canyon walls.

Walking around at Chetro Ketl and Pueblo Bonito was, by far, the highlight of our visit to Chaco Culture National Historical Park. What we enjoyed most about Chetro Ketl was being able to look down into the lower (underground) sections of the building. You can also see several kivas and the interconnected rooms that are common in Ancestral Puebloan buildings.

The 1/2-mile trail around Chetro Ketl is relatively easy but, again, does have some uneven surfaces. We also encountered a few puddles and muddy areas due to the rain and snow. 

Following along the cliff wall, the Petroglyph Trail connects Chetro Ketl to Pueblo Bonito. Honestly, if you are visiting both sites, this is likely the shortest and easiest path between them. Plus, you get to see a few petroglyphs along the way. Additionally, the trail ends above the rear of Pueblo Bonito, giving you an elevated view of the great house! 

Pueblo Bonito

Pueblo Bonito is the largest great house and the core of the Chaco complex. It is also the only site where you can walk through the rooms. From the inside, it’s easy to see the engineering and detailed masonry. In particular, we enjoyed seeing the different types of doorways and techniques for building multiple levels.

It is estimated that Pueblo Bonito reached at least four stories and included over 600 rooms and 40 kivas! Even though we’ve now seen many different Ancestral Puebloan ruins, we were still amazed at this massive and impressive great house!

The trail here is a little longer (just over 1/2 mile) and weaves you through several different rooms. Some of these require stooping or squatting to get into. You can easily skip any portions that you need to. That said, I highly recommend you do the full tour if you can. 

Hiking at Chaco Culture NHP

Accessing each of the aforementioned archeological sites does require a little walking. But, I would not call any of them hiking trails. If you are looking to do a longer hike, there are four to choose from, ranging from three to eight miles roundtrip. 

From my research, the one that I most want to hike is the Pueblo Alto Trail. This trail takes you up on the mesa top and provides views down onto Pueblo Bonito and the San Juan Basin. Seeing the ruins from above really would be spectacular and would provide a grand overview of the entire Chaco world.

Each of these trails does require a permit, so be sure to ask a ranger at the visitor center for details.

Where to Stay

As mentioned previously, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a fairly remote park, so there really aren’t a lot of places to stay that are close by. We ended up driving over from Los Alamos, after a quick visit to Valles Caldera National Preserve that morning. While that worked ok, it did mean we arrived late in the day and didn’t have as much time as we would have liked. 

Following our visit to Chaco Culture NHP, we drove to Farmington and stayed at the Home2Suites . Farmington is actually a much larger town than we initially expected, providing most of the usual chain hotels and restaurants. Our hotel was quite comfortable and we enjoyed being able to get dinner at Chick-Fil-A, one of our hometown favorites. Typically, we seek out restaurants that we don’t have at home but after a long day of driving, we just wanted something quick and easy!

Read TripAdvisor Reviews | Book the Hotel

For campers, Chaco Culture National Historical Park’s Gallo Campground offers 32 sites and a restroom with flush toilets. There are no showers or any hookups, though. Five of the sites are designated for RVs only but the rest can accommodate tents or small RVs. Campground reservations can be made on recreation.gov on a 3-month rolling basis. Note: due to the rough roads in and out of the park, I wouldn’t necessarily suggest RV camping here.

You’ll also find a few hotels in the small town of Cuba, to the east. It is such a small town, I probably wouldn’t recommend that unless you just need a place in that area based on your itinerary.

If you want to spend more than one day at the park, your best option is to camp at the park. Otherwise, I’d suggest staying in Farmington for one or two nights. 

Other Sites Near Chaco Culture NHP

From Farmington, you could easily visit another Ancestral Puebloan site, Aztec Ruins National  Monument . We previously visited this park a few years ago, as a day trip from Pagosa Springs, CO . That worked well for us, but Aztec Ruins NM is less than 30 minutes north of Farmington, so could easily be combined with a visit to Chaco Culture NHP.

At Aztec Ruins, you will have the opportunity to walk through a reconstructed Great Kiva and through intact pueblo rooms. We have now visited many different Ancestral Puebloan sites and this is one of the few (and definitely the most impressive) that had a reconstructed Great Kiva. While it was a neat experience, I’d probably appreciate it more now that I’ve seen so many other ruins. 

We only spent about an hour at Aztec Ruins NM and felt that we had a fairly thorough visit. That said, I don’t think it would be unreasonable to spend a little longer there.

Read more about Aztec Ruins and other things to do from Pagosa Springs.

Of course, the entire Four Corners region and, indeed, the American Southwest as a whole, are home to a plethora of natural, cultural and historical park sites. From cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park (southwest Colorado) to sandstone buttes at Monument Valle y (southeastern Utah) and the historic Hubbell Trading Post National Historical Site (northeastern Arizona), there’s more to this region than just dust.

Find more articles on other parks in the Southwest.

Final Thoughts on Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Even though we’ve visited numerous archeological ruins and other Ancestral Puebloan sites, Chaco Culture National Historical Park still impressed us. There’s just something about its size and complexity that we haven’t seen at other sites. 

Yes, it is difficult to reach. But, it is absolutely worth it. The one day we visited was cold and dreary and we only had a couple of hours. Still, we enjoyed walking around and through the great houses and peering into the kivas. 

I’ll admit that after many different parks of Ancestral Puebloan ruins, it can get a little repetitive. Still, we find that we learn something new everywhere we go. Each site tells another part of the story. Seeing how it all weaves together really makes it come alive.

Travel Resources

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We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

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