National Parks National Parks

New Mexico National Parks
Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Colorado Vacation Directory
 
 

Thousands of years before settlers would journey into New Mexico, the Four Corners area of the state was already home to several thriving cities the largest among them being Chaco Canyon.

The urban center for the ancestral Pueblo culture from 850 to 1250, Chaco Canyon was known for its monumental buildings, innovative engineering projects and achievements in astronomy and the arts. The city was the center of commerce, the administrative hub and a popular ceremonial site for the entire region.

Hungo Pavi Pueblo Bonito, New Mexico Photo by Russ Bodnar
Learn How Chaco Canyon was the Urban Center for the Ancestral Pueblo Culture
Fajado Butte, New Mexico Photo by Russ Bodnar
Visitors Can Hike and Bike the Trails Around Fajado Butte In New Mexico
 

The city grew rapidly for nearly 400 years until, for reasons that are still unclear, the Puebloans left Chaco Canyon and spread to other areas of the state. The people later split into what are now the Hopi, Navajo and Pueblos of New Mexico, and Chaco Canyon though still a popular spiritual site for Native Americans fell into disrepair.

In the 1890s, curious archaeologists began excavating Chaco Canyon and discovered the city's sophisticated irrigation systems, dams and prehistoric roads. Large buildings and kivas were uncovered, and eventually the site was declared a national historical park.

Today, visitors can tour the once-great center of Chacoan culture and thanks to a partnership with the University of New Mexico view ancient artifacts found at the site. A handful of hiking and bike trails also run through the park, allowing vacationers to fully take in the landscape of mountains and mesas that held deep spiritual meaning for the Puebloan people.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset. The visitors center is open from 8am to 5pm everyday except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years days.

Downloads:

Download a map of Chaco Canyon
(Map provided by the U.S. National Park Service)

Directions:

From the North: Chaco Culture National Historical Park is located 21 miles south from Highway US 550, on County Road CR 7900. The road is paved 13 miles to CR 7950 and then turns to dirt for the Remaining 8 miles.

From the South: Travel north on New Mexico Highway NM 57 from NM 9 at the former Seven Lakes Trading Post. Chaco Culture National Historical Park is located 20 miles north. Note, this is a dirt road.

For more details on other routes to the park please visit National Park Service.

More Activities & Information

Farmington, New Mexico

Navajo Dam, New Mexico

National Parks and Monuments in Colorado


Argo Mill and Tunnel • Aztec Ruins National Monument • Bandelier National Monument • Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park • Blue Mesa Reservoir/Curecanti National Recreation Area • Browns Canyon National Monument • Canyons of the Ancients National Monument • Chaco Culture National Historical Park • Chimney Rock National Monument • Colorado National Monument • Comanche National Grassland • Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad • Dinosaur National Monument • Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument • Garden of the Gods Recreation Area • Garden Park Fossil Area • Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Click to return to main Colorado National Park Map

• Hanging Lake National Natural Landmark • Hovenweep National Monument • Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site • Lost Creek Scenic Area • Mesa Verde National Park • Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas Natural National Landmark • Pawnee National Grasslands • Pikes Peak National Landmark • Raton Mesa and Pass National Landmark • Red Rocks Park National Historic Landmark • Rocky Mountain National Park • Roxborough State Park National Natural Landmark • Russell Lakes National Natural Landmark • Slumgullion Earthflow • Spanish Peaks National Natural Landmark • Summit Lake National Natural Landmark • The United States Air Force Academy
Download The Colorado Vacation Directory Tourist Information Guide
The Colorado Vacation Directory
Colorado State Map Download, Colorado Vacation Directory
Colorado State Map
horizontal rule
Follow Us
Follow us on Facebook Button Follow us on Pinterest Button Follow us on Instagram Button

Places to Stay, Rentals & Amenities
Cabins & Cottages | Motels & Hotels | Lodging & Lodges | Vacation Homes | Condos, Suites & Townhomes | Bed & Breakfast | Tent Camping | RV Parks & Campgrounds | RV Sales, Service & Rentals | Romance Packages | Family Friendly | Pets Welcome | By Water | Swimming Pools | Guest Horses | Groups, Reunions & Retreats | Weddings & Elopements | Winter Lodging

Fun Things to Do
Calendars of Events | National Parks, Monuments & Historic Sites | Scenic Byways & Drives | Fishing & Fly Fishing | Hot Springs | Horse Riding | ATV/UTVing | Jeeping & 4WD | Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking | Attractions | Golfing | Restaurants & Dining | More Fun Stuff | Hunting & Land Leases | Snowmobiling | Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding | Snowshoeing | Cross-Country Skiing

A-Z Towns & Areas | Colorado Maps | About Us

Established 1980 | ©Copyright by The Colorado Directory, Inc. This is a directory only; it is not and does not contain a recommendation, warranty, guaranty, inducement or endorsement of any kind. Representations herein were supplied by the individual businesses. The publisher, The Colorado Directory, Inc., does not assume any responsibility for truth, falsity or completeness of any representation made herein or any errors, changes, services rendered, or changes made in the use of this directory. This information was compiled as accurately as possible. Prices and services are frequently subject to change. Errors called to the publisher's attention will be corrected in the future. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.