The National Park Service
Chaco Culture
National Historical Park
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Please Visit the Chaco Library and Photo Gallery

Exhibit on Chaco Canyon at Museum of Northern Arizona

The canyon, with hundreds of smaller sites, contains 13 major archeological sites unsurpassed in the United States, representing the highest point of Pueblo pre-Columbian civilization.

Chaco is remarkable for its multi-story dwellings, which required considerable planning, organization, management and gathering of resources for their construction. The dwellings show evidence of a knowledge of astronomy. The dwellings were carefully oriented with the extensive road system. The roads were engineered, not merely worn footpaths, and their alignment shows planning.

VISITATION:
National Park Service Visitor Statistics

LOCATION:
San Juan County, in northwestern New Mexico, between Gallup and Farmington

ADDRESS:
Superintendent, Chaco Culture National Historical Park
PO Box 220
Nageezi, NM 87037

TELEPHONE:
505/786-7014

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
The Visitor Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the rest of the year 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sites and trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
The weather in Chaco Canyon is inconsistent and unpredictable. Temperatures can fluctuate over 60 degrees during a twenty-four hour period. As with much of New Mexico, precipitation may be localized and one end of the canyon will experience a downpour while the sun blazes and rainbows appear five miles to the east.

If you are hiking in the canyon, be prepared for heat, rain, wind, and unexpected changes in temperature. Carry extra water, wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, and if you are going to be out for any length of time, bring along a jacket or sweater.

DIRECTIONS:
Chaco Canyon is located in northwestern New Mexico. From the north, turn off Hwy 44 at County Road 7900--three miles southeast of Nageezi and approximately 50 miles west of Cuba. This route is clearly signed from Hwy 44 to the park boundary (21 miles). The route includes five miles of paved road (CR 7900) and 16 miles of dirt (CR 7950/7985).

From the south (I-40, at Thoreau), turn north on New Mexico 371 and proceed to Crownpoint. Two miles north of Crownpoint, turn right on Navajo 9. Continue east on Navajo 9 for 36 miles to the marked turnoff in the community of Pueblo Pintado. Turn north on Navajo 46 for 10 miles (dirt). Turn left on County Road 7900 for 15 miles (dirt). Turn left on County Road 7950 and follow the signs 16 miles (dirt) to the park entrance.

From the Grants area (I-40, at Milan) turn north on Hwy 605 for 13 miles, then north on Hwy 509 for 36 miles to Whitehorse. Turn east on Navajo 9 for 12 miles to the town of Pueblo Pintado, then Navajo 46, and CR 7900 to CR 7950/7985.

Both the northern and southern routes include 16 and 41 miles of dirt roads. Although these sections of road are generally maintained, they can become impassable during inclement weather. Inquire locally, or call the park (505-786-7014) for current road conditions.

TRANSPORTATION:
There is no public transportation to the park.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:
The entrance fee is $8 per vehicle or $4 per person. Permits are required for backcountry hiking trails. The permits are available at the Visitor Center or from a Ranger. No overnight backpacking is allowed. Trailers longer than 30 feet (9.1 m) are not permitted in the campground. Camping fees: $10 per site, per night.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center:
Your first stop should be the Visitor Center, which includes a museum, information desk, book store, gift shop and restrooms. The Visitor Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the rest of the year 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Facilities include restrooms, public telephones and drinking water.
The book store is operated by the Southwest Parks & Monuments Association for the benefit of the Park.

Trails and Roads:
From the paved loop road, five self-guiding trails lead visitors through several ruin complexes. Walking time for each is 1 to 2 hours. There are 4 longer hikes as well. Inquire at the Visitor Center. Sites and trails are open from sunrise to sunset. The Wijiji and Kin Klizhin trails may be used for Biking  
For your safety -- Do not climb on the walls of the sites, which are weak and dangerous. No collecting of artifacts, plants, or minerals.

Programs and Activities:
Guided tours and campfire talks in summer, exhibits, walking tours, picnicking and day hiking.

Lodging and Camping Facilities:
The NPS operates a campground a mile from the visitor center. Tables, fireplaces, and central toilets are provided. Water is only available at the visitor center; no firewood is available in the park. Trailers over 30 feet cannot be accommodated. Camping is limited to seven days. No reservations are accepted for the camp sites. Write to the Park for group camp site reservations. Other overnight accommodations are available in Farmington; Thoreau; Bloomfield, and in Blanco.

Food/Supplies:
No lodging, gasoline, repair services or food are available at the park. On weekdays, staples can usually be purchased at Blanco and Nageezi trading posts on New Mexico 44, and in Crownpoint. The nearest town is 60 miles away.

Accessibility:
An access guide is available at the Visitor Center. There are 2 accessible camp sites and accessible restrooms in the campground and at the sites. Some trails are accessible with assistance.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
In the vicinity are:

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Last Updated:Tuesday, 20-Jul-99 17:40:24
http://www.nps.gov/chcu/

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