Where To Stay Near Chaco Canyon?

Motels and Hotels

Bloomfield, Aztec and Farmington, New Mexico, are the closest towns to Chaco Canyon National Historical Park's main north road. Each is about an hour and a half from the park's entrance.

How many days do you need at Chaco Canyon?

To get a good feel for Chaco takes about 3 days 2 nights . We usually get their early on the first day and tour the loop buildings all day, go back to the campground and build a nice relaxing fire to sit near and wait for the chile con carne to warm up.

Is Chaco Canyon worth visiting?

Chaco Canyon definitely is one of the best places to visit but it takes a lot of time. It's some years ago and I checked my notes but it took almost all day from SF to drive, visit and drive from there to Durango a visit to Aztec Ruins (also recommended) included.

Can you stay overnight in Chaco Canyon?

I absolutely LOVED the campground at Chaco Canyon; I stayed for 5 nights . I think it so adds to the overall experience to be on the land, among the petroglyphs, and between guided ranger tours and self guided hikes, 5 overnights was perfect to cover everything.

Are there tours of Chaco Canyon?

CHACO CANYON DAY TOURS

Experience this major ancestral Puebloan center of migration, grand construction, and cultural integration and see why Chaco is a fascinating place of mystery. Learn more and book your day tour.

Is Chaco Canyon open to the public?

Hiking trails and archaeological sites are open daily from 7:00am to 9:00pm , with the entry gate to loop road closing 30 minutes prior to closing, which is at 8:30 pm. The park and campground are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

What is the best time to visit Chaco Canyon?

September and October are two of the best months to visit the canyon, with warm days and cool nights. During winter months, Pacific and Arctic airstreams dominate Chaco's weather. These systems bring cool temperatures and occasional snow storms. Snow usually only lasts a few days and melts off when the weather warms.

Is Chaco Canyon open during Covid?

All trails are self-guided. All backcounty trails require a backcountry permit, which can be found at the entrance of each trailhead. The visitor center exhibits along with the park film and museum are also now fully open .

Do you need reservations for Chaco Canyon?

The campsites are available by reservation . Camping is limited to 14 days. Each campsite costs $20.00 per night.

Can you drive through Chaco Canyon?

Chaco Canyon is located in northwestern New Mexico. The park can only be accessed by driving on dirt roads .

How old are the ruins at Chaco Canyon?

Chaco Canyon, a major centre of ancestral Pueblo culture between 850 and 1250 , was a focus for ceremonials, trade and political activity for the prehistoric Four Corners area.

Can you visit Pueblo Bonito?

Located 4 1/2 miles from the Visitor Center on the 9-mile Canyon Loop Drive . This is the most important site in the canyon and a must for all visitors. The trail through Pueblo Bonito is 0.6 mile, roundtrip.

Is there cell service at Chaco Canyon?

There is limited cell service inside the Visitor Center . Does not work with all carriers and not strong enough to use the internet. Chaco Culture National Historical Park preserves a major center of ancestral Puebloan culture dating between 850 and 1250 CE.

How do you get to Chaco Canyon tour?

1. Make Sure Your Car Can Handle Dirt Roads. ...
2. Stop At The Visitor Center And Walk Up To Una Vida. ...
3. Drive The 9-mile Loop And Stop At Each Individual Site. ...
4. Visit Hungo Pavi. ...
5. Explore The Structures At Chetro Ketl. ...
6. Walk The Petroglyph Trail. ...
7. Explore Pueblo Bonito, The Largest And Most Famous Great House.

Why is Chaco Canyon important?

Chaco Canyon served as a major center of ancestral Puebloan culture . Remarkable for its monu mental buildings, distinctive architecture, astronomy, artistic achievements, it served as a hub of ceremony, trade, and administration for the Four Corners Area unlike anything before or since.

What else is near Chaco Canyon?

• Chaco Great House Ruins adjacent to the Visitor's Center.
• Wijiji Ruins – reached by hiking the Wijiji Trail, trailhead by the campground.
• Gallo Campground has a small cliff dwelling right in the campground.
• Gallo Campground at dusk.
• Fajada Butte makes a striking show at sunrise.

Can you hike in Chaco Canyon?

There are four backcountry hiking trails in Chaco Culture National Historical Park: Wijiji Trail, South Mesa Trail, Pueblo Alto Trail, and Peñasco Blanco Trail . These trails range from three miles round trip (Wijiji) to eight miles round trip (Peñasco Blanco).

What city is Chaco Canyon in?

What do you wear to Chaco Canyon?

When hiking the canyon, be prepared for heat, rain, wind, and unexpected changes in temperature. Carry a rain poncho and a jacket or sweater . Wear hiking boots and a wide-brimmed hat, and use sunscreen. Carry and drink extra water.

Are dogs allowed at Chaco Canyon?

Dogs are allowed for no additional fee . Dogs are not allowed inside sites, ruins, or park buildings. Dogs are also not allowed on the short (200 yard) trails to some of the more famous ruins and would have to stay in the parking lot area. They are allowed on leash on the backcountry trails which are 3 to 7 miles long.