Chaco Culture National Historical Park

An artist's reconstruction of Pueblo Bonito.

The Chacoan sites represent a unique era of Pueblo pre-Columbian civilization.

An example of the exquisite pottery excavated from Chaco sites.

Nearly 1,000 years ago, Chaco Canyon was a center of Ancestral Puebloan ceremony, trade and administration. The Chacoans farmed the lowlands and built great masonry buildings connected by a far-reaching network of roads.

Pueblo Bonito, the centerpiece of the park, was once four stories high.

Today, rangers lead walks at the ancient Chacoan sites. The core of the complex, including Pueblo Bonito, can be seen by driving into Chaco Canyon.

There are several self-guided trails, including two that cyclists share with hikers: Wijiji, three miles round-trip, and Casa Chiquita, two miles round-trip. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset. In addition, visitors can drive or bicycle to remote outlying sites. Free permits are required for backcountry hiking and no overnight backpacking is allowed.

The National Park Service operates a campground one mile from the visitor center. About 35 campsites were available in spring 2008. Water is available only at the visitor center. No firewood or food are available in the park. The nearest town is 70 miles away.

The park's nine-mile paved loop road provides access to five major Chacoan sites. Self-guiding trails are available at each site. Trail guides are available at the parking lots of the sites, or in the bookstore. Each site usually takes 45 minutes to one hour to complete.

Four backcountry hiking trails access more remote sites and features. Free permits are availible at the visitor center and at all trail heads.

Biking the nine-mile paved loop through the canyon is a great way to see the sites and experience the canyon. The Wijiji, Casa Chiquita, and Kin Klizhin trails may also be biked. Inquire at visitor center for free permits and directions.

From May to October, tours, hikes, and evening programs are offered. From April to October, the Chaco Night Sky Program presents astronomy programs, solar viewing, and telescope viewing of the spectacular dark night sky. Check the schedule at the visitor center.