Note: The Pueblo Alto Trail is a backcountry hike. Hiking permits are required for these trails. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset - there are no overnight hiking trails in Chaco Canyon.

More on hiking in Chaco Culture National Historic Park

Bike the Wijiji Trail
The great house of Wijiji, one of the last pueblos built in Chaco Canyon, provides an excellent observation station for winter solstice and is notable for its precise symmetry. While all that may be impressive, some more recent history of the trail leading up to Wijiji makes it a must see. The 3-mile Wijiji Trail, which follows Sargent Road up the north side of Chaco Wash, set the scene for a battle over grazing rights, complete with livestock rustling and violence that - 100-year-old record indicate - eventually ended in murder. Wijiji is one of two backcountry trails open to bikes in the park, and the best way to get travel this trail is on two wheels. As with hiking, permits are required for all backcountry trails.

More on biking in Chaco Culture National Historic Park

Stargaze in the High Desert
Nothing attaches us to the past like gazing upon the same stars as our ancestors. Chaco's stars seem near enough to touch and constellations were never so easy to make out. 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. In early August, Chaco is a great place to watch the Perseids meteor shower.