For approximately 250 years the Ancient Pueblo People (or Anasazi) lived in Chaco Canyon in what were the largest buildings in North America until the 19th century. This ancient civilization was the cultural and socio-political center of a region as large as the whole American Southwest before its collapse, the reasons for which remain a highly studied and debated topic.
Much of the Chaco Canyon site is open to visitors, though recent concern over the impact of tourists has led to the closure of certain sites. The entirety of the Chaco site is considered sacred ancestral homeland to the Hopi, Navajo and Pueblo people, and many of the active tribes in the region continue to tell stories of migration from Chaco to their present homes.
The Basics
Hours:
The park is open everyday from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The park visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’‘s Day, in observance of these holidays, but the park’‘s roads, sites, trails and campground will remain open.
Address:
PO Box 220
Nageezi, NM 87037
Phone:
505-786-7014
Directions
Car
Chaco Canyon is located in northwestern New Mexico. The preferred and recommended access route to the park is from the north, via US 550 (formerly NM 44) and County Road (CR) 7900, and CR 7950.
From the north, turn off US 550 at CR 7900--3 miles southeast of Nageezi and approximately 50 miles west of Cuba (at mile 112.5). This route is clearly signed from US 550 to the park boundary (21 miles). The route includes 8 miles of paved road (CR 7900) and 13 miles of rough dirt road (CR7950).
From the south, two routes access Chaco from Highway 9, which runs between Crownpoint, Pueblo Pintado, and Cuba. Both routes can vary from very rough to impassable. Not recommended for RVs. If you are traveling from the south, please call ahead for the latest conditions.
Via Hwy 57(Hwy 14 on some maps): This turnoff is located on Highway 9, 13 miles east of Highway 371, at the former Seven Lakes Trading Post. (20 miles of dirt)
Via Pueblo Pintado: At the community of Pueblo Pintado, turn north on Navajo 46 for 10 miles (rough dirt). Turn left on County Road 7900 for 7 miles (some rough dirt). Turn left on County Road 7950, and follow the signs 16 miles to the park entrance (3 miles paved and 13 of rough dirt road).
The northern and southern routes include 13, 20, and 33 miles of dirt roads, respectively. These sections of road are infrequently maintained, and they can become impassable during inclement weather. If you have an RV and are not planning on camping in the park, you may want to leave the RV and drive a car into the park. Call the park (505-786-7014) for current road conditions.
Climate
At 6200 feet elevation Chaco's weather can be extreme; sometimes varying 60° in the same day! Winter days hover in the teens, spring winds frequently blow, summer days may approach the upper 90's and thunderstorms occur from July to September. Come prepared for all extremes.
Vehicle: $8, Individual Pass: $4 good for 7 days Camping: $10.00 per day
Reservations
Call for group camping reservation.
Things To Do
Self-Guided Tours along the Canyon Loop Drive
The majority of the park and cultural sites are self-guided year-round. Six major sites are located along the 9-mile long Canyon Loop Drive. These sites include: Una Vida, Hungo Pavi, Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, Pueblo del Arroyo, and Casa Rinconada. You may purchase self-guided trail guides at the visitor center bookstore or at the trailheads for these sites.
Ranger Guided Tours
From May to October, ranger-led tours of Pueblo Bonito (and other Chacoan sites) and evening programs are offered. From April to October, the Chaco Night Sky Program presents astronomy programs, daytime solar viewing, and telescope viewing of the spectacular dark night sky. Check the schedule at the visitor center.
Backcountry Trails:
Four backcountry hiking trails lead visitors to remote Chacaon sites, passing ancient roads, petroglyphs, stairways, and spectacular overlooks of the valley. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset. For your safety and protection permits are required. They are free at the visitor center and at the trail heads.There is no overnight backcountry camping, only camping in Gallo Campground.
Hiking
There are four backcountry hiking trails in Chaco Culture National Historical Park ranging from a relatively level 3 mile roundtrip hike to a trails over 7 miles long and climbing up to 450 feet. Whichever trail you choose to take it will provide you with a rare opportunity to experience the present-day solitude and sweeping vistas of the canyon and mesa landscape; allow you to see the impressive Chacoan great houses, roads, and features in an undeveloped setting; and help you understand the scope and extent of the Chaco world.
Bicycling is a great way to visit many of the Chacoan sites and to experience the canyon, its wildlife, its solitude, and the ever-changing environment.
The Canyon Loop Drive
Bicycling the 9-mile paved Canyon Loop Drive is an excellent way to begin. The road is nearly level, and open from sunrise to sunset. Bike racks are located at the Visitor Center and the parking areas at the Chacoan sites: Hungo Pavi, Pueblo Bonito and Chetro Ketl, Pueblo del Arroyo, and Casa Rinconada. The drive begins just beyond the Visitor Center. Please remember that the road is one way. Be alert for traffic. Please stay on the road and designated bike trails.
For your comfort and bicycling safety
War 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.
You can help protect and preserve this significant park of our world heritage by following basic rules:
Do not collect pottery or other protected artifacts, plants, or rocks anywhere in the park.
Do not walk, climb, sit, or lean on fragile walls.
Stay on designated roads and trails. Do not take bikes cross country or into sites.
Pets are not permitted in sites.
The Chacoan sites and the Canyon Loop Drive close at sunset. Camp only in Gallo Campground.
Night riding requires lights and reflectors, and is limited to paved roads and the campground road.
The majority of the park and cultural sites are self-guided year-round. Six major sites are located along the 9-mile long Canyon Loop Drive. These sites include: Una Vida, Hungo Pavi, Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, Pueblo del Arroyo, and Casa Rinconada.
