Chaco Canyon

One of the centers of ancient Puebloan civilization, life, culture and trade, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is home to a cluster of more than a dozen Chacoan ruins that housed as little as 800 to as much as thousands of inhabitants — an exact count of people cannot be pinpointed. The network of roads and irrigation systems, elaborate structures, meticulously crafted pottery and basketry – revel a sophisticated society with wide-ranging trade. The ruins are accessible by self-guided trails, but for those interested in longer hikes, trails lead to the top of mesas for unsurpassed views of the entire Chaco Canyon network of ruins. A visitor center, featuring a bookstore, museum, and restrooms and Gallo campgrounds are at the east end of the canyon as you enter the park.

Accessibility is best from the north entrance, near the town of Nageezi, via County Road 7900, which is paved at first, then after a few miles turns into dirt road. There will be Chaco Canyon signs. From the south, visitors can also arrive via County Road 7900 (turn north at the town of Pueblo Pintado). In either direction, you will come to the junction of County Road 7950, which will take you west in Chaco Canyon. Be aware that these roads can be inaccessible in inclement weather and cellphone reception is spotty at best.