PO Box 220, Nageezi, NM 87037
Phone: 505-786-7014
Fax: 505-786-7061
Open All Year
Overview. The vast number and size of its ancestral Puebloan sites establish Chaco Canyon as one of the most important trading and cultural center north of Mexico in the years between A.D. 900 and 1200. A lengthy, complex network of roads links Chaco with outlying communities. Shells from the Pacific found on site, as well as the remains of parrots and macaws native to southern Mexico, are evidence of a sophisticated trading system. Thirteen major sites dot the area around Chaco Canyon, with at over 100 outlying sites connected to Chaco. The breathtaking site of Pueblo Bonito, Chaco's largest great house, was once four stories high and contained 600 rooms and 40 kivas. Archaeologists can trace the development of evermore sophisticated building techniques by studying the masonry of the great houses. The Chaco culture reached its peak between A.D. 1000 and 1100. By 1200 Chaco's influence waned, and other centers emerged.What to see and do. Just getting to Chaco Canyon is an adventure, as it lies along an unpaved backroad more than 20 miles from modern amenities. Before you set out, make sure your car is in good repair and gassed up, because there are no services at the park or along the route. Bring plenty of water, and it wouldn't hurt to pack a picnic lunch, either; there is drinking water but no food service at the park. The visitor center offers several informative films and a number of exhibits explaining the Chaco culture. Artifacts found at canyon sites are on display, and you can buy books, maps, and guides to further acquaint you with the Chaco culture and the park. In summer, rangers lead informative walks through the sites, but trails are self-guided, as well. A paved road loops from the visitor center through the canyon, and short trails lead from the drive to the major sites. Allow yourself an hour for exploring each of these trails. Longer trails lead to backcountry sites, but to hike these you must obtain a free permit from the visitor center, and backcountry camping is not permitted. Leashed pets are permitted on backcountry trails only. There is a campground a mile from the visitor center that operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no hookups, and the nearest potable water is available at the visitor center, but there are flush toilets at the site. The visitor center is open from 8 AM to 6 PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and to 5 PM the rest of the year. Rangers offer interpretive programs and campfire talks during the summer. The sites are open year-round from dawn to dusk. Call the park or obtain information locally on road conditions before starting your journey.
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Visitor Center |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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