A major center of Puebloan culture between AD 850 and 1250, Chaco Canyon sites are part of the homeland of Pueblo Indian peoples of New Mexico, the Hopi Indians of Arizona, and the Navajo Indians of the Southwest.

A Short History of Chaco Canyon

AD 850 to 1250

During this time Chaco Canyon served as a central hub of ceremonies, trades, and the administration of the vast area for about 400 years. Remarkable were its monumental ceremonial and public buildings, artistic achievements, engineering and astronomy projects, and unique architecture.

1250 to present

For more than seven hundred years many have returned to Chaco Canyon on pilgrimages to honor their ancestral homelands. Among these are affiliated clans and religious societies from the Pueblos and the Hopi of New Mexico.

Touring along the Canyon Loop Drive
There are six sites located along the nine-mile long Canyon Loop Drive. The majority of the sites are self-guided year-round. These sites include: Una Vida, Hungo Pavi, Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, Pueblo del Arroyo, and Casa Rinconada. Visitors can purchase self-guided trail guides at the visitor center bookstore or at the trailheads for these locations.

Ranger Guided Tours
Between the months of May through October, there are ranger-led tours offered of the Pueblo Bonito sites, as well as some others. Evening programs are also offered. Between the months of April through October, the Chaco Night Sky Program features astronomy programs, as well as daytime solar viewing, and telescope viewing of the dark night sky.

Backcountry Hiking Trails
Permits are required to explore the four backcountry-hiking trails that lead visitors to remote Chacoan sites. These hikes allow visitors to pass ancient roads, petroglyphs, stairways and overlooks of the spectacular valley. The four trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

No need to worry about the difficulty of the hikes. There is something for everyone.

From a relatively level 3 mile roundtrip hike for beginners to trails over 7 miles long and climbing up to 450 feet for the experts. Regardless of the trail you choose to explore you will witness the solace of sweeping vistas and mesa landscapes. You have the rare opportunity to view impressive Chacoan great houses, roads and featured in an undeveloped setting.

No overnight backcountry camping is permitted. There is camping allowed in the Gallo Campground.

Bicycling at Chaco
A good way to explore and experience the canyon and many Chacoan sites is to do so on bicycle. This way you can study the canyon, the wildlife, the solitude, and the dynamic environment.
Consider these options when bicycling:

The Canyon Loop Drive
To begin, try bicycling the nine-mile paved Canyon Loop Drive. The Drive is open from sunrise to sunset and is nearly level. The drive begins just beyond the Visitor Center.

Protecting and preserving the park is extremely important. Please follow these basic rules:
*Do not take pottery or other protected artifacts, plants, or rocks from anywhere in the park.
*Avoid walking, climbing, sitting, or leaning on fragile walls.
*Stay on designated roads and trails. Do not take bikes cross country or into sites.
*Pets are not permitted in sites.
*The Chacoan sites and the Canyon Loop Drive close at sunset. Camping only in Gallo Campground.
*Night riding requires lights and reflectors, and is limited to paved roads and the campground road.

Things to see and do in Farmington
Aztec Ruins National Monument Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness/Chaco Canyon/Navajo Nation/

Other Farmington links
History/Hotels/Maps/Contact the CVB/