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Chaco Canyon National Historic Park - Resources
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.
Proclaimed Chaco Canyon National Monument March 11, 1907; redesignated and renamed
December 19, 1980. Boundary changes: January 10, 1928; December 19, 1980. Designated a
World Heritage Site December 8, 1987. Acreage -- 33,974.20 Federal: 31,084.74 Nonfederal:
2.889.55.
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 is located in northwestern New Mexico. From the north, turn off New Mexico 44
at County Road 7900, three miles east of Nageezi and approximately 50 miles west of Cuba. This
route is clearly signed from the New Mexico 44 turnoff into the park. From the turnoff, it is 21
miles to the park boundary. This includes five miles of paved road and 16 miles of dirt road.
From the south, turn north onto New Mexico 371 from I-40 at Thoreau and proceed on the paved
road to Crownpoint. Two miles north of Crownpoint, turn right on Navajo 9. Continue east on
Navajo 9 to a marked turnoff. From here a 21-mile stretch of unpaved road leads north to the
visitor center. Both the northern and southern routes include 16 to 21 miles of dirt road.
Although these sections of road are generally maintained, they can be rough and can become
impassable during inclement weather.
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.
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