Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Today the massive buildings of the Ancestral Puebloan people still testify to the organizational and engineering abilities not seen anywhere else in the American Southwest. For a deeper contact with the canyon that was central to thousands of people between 850 and 1250 CE, come and explore Chaco through guided tours, hiking & biking trails, evening campfire talks, and night sky programs.
Road conditions can be rough or impassable. Please call in advance for updates.
- Astronomy
- Camping
- Guided Tours
- Hiking
- Archeology
- Ruins
- Night Sky
Red Mesa Black on White Bowls
Many of the things discovered at Chaco came from other places. These bowls came from the Red Mesa area. Red Mesa Black on White was produced from about A.D. 875 to 1040. Due to the lack of adequate resources, very few pots were produced in Chaco Canyon.
Pueblo Bonito with Cliff Face
Pueblo Bonito is the most famous Chacoan great house. Constructed between 850 and 1150, Pueblo Bonito had almost 700 rooms, 32 kivas, and 3 great kivas.
Gallup Black on White Pitchers
These pitchers are another form of pottery that was created elsewhere and then brought to Chaco canyon. This particular style was manufactured from A.D. 1030 to 1150.
Night Sky Above Fajada Butte
In 2013 Chaco Culture NHP was designated an International Dark Sky Park. The park has night sky and sunrise programs throughout the year.
Una Vida
Una Vida is one of Chaco's largely un-excavated great houses. It's location provides great views of the canyon floor while being a short walk from a striking rock art panel.