Where should I stay to see Chaco Canyon?

Lodging

  • Camping is the only lodging available in the park itself.
  • Bloomfield (61 miles, an hour and a half)
  • Aztec (69 miles, an hour and a half)
  • Farmington (74 miles, an hour and a half)
  • Albuquerque (151 miles via Highway 550, 3 hours)
  • Santa Fe (178 miles via Highway 550, 3 hours)
  • Gallup (94 miles, 2 and a half hours)

What is the closest town to Chaco Canyon?

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.

Is the road to Chaco Canyon paved?

The route includes 8 miles of paved road (CR 7900 & CR7950) and 13 miles of rough dirt road (CR7950). The 4 1/2 miles before entering the park are very rough. From the south, two routes access Chaco from Highway 9, which runs between Crownpoint, Pueblo Pintado, and Cuba.

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?

Self-Guided Tours Most of Chaco Canyon is set up to be toured on your own, allowing you to determine your own pace and schedule at each of the sites. For a richer understanding of the area, start at the visitor’s center, where you can get a close-up look at artifacts in the museum.

Why is Chaco Canyon famous?

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.

Is the road to Chaco Canyon open?

The north road entrance includes 13 miles of unpaved road. The last 4 miles into the park can become impassable if it is wet. As of November 1st, 2021: Loop Road will remain open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the entrance gate to Loop Road closing 30 minutes prior to closing, which is at 4:30pm.

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 campground open?

The Gallo Campground is now open at 100% capacity. We reccomend making a reservation on www.recreation.gov to ensure a camping or rv space on the dates you plan to visit.

How long does it take to tour Chaco Canyon?

Plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours here driving to and exploring the different pueblos. A one-way road from the visitor center loops up one side of the canyon and down the other. Parking lots are scattered along the road near the various pueblos; from most, it’s only a short walk to the ruins.

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.

Is Chaco Canyon worth visiting?

The ruins are amazing and beautiful. There are many sites throughout canyon. You can climb through one of them and see it all up close. Take the time, drive out there and see them.