Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Explore this historical park that features one of the most advanced examples of Pueblo architecture.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park story begins at least 1,000 years ago, when it was a thriving community that was unlike any other. The Chacoan people is believed to have begun around the mid-800s and flourish for over 300 years – this is known from the architecture and artifacts discovered at his New Mexico site. The buildings at this historical park feature architecture that was quite one-of-a-kind for its time; there are Great Houses around the site that have numerous levels with hundreds of large rooms. In addition to the remarkable structures and history tied to this location, the site is situated within the San Juan Basin and surrounded by three different mountain ranges.

The complexes at the site were built along a 9-mile expanse of the plateau, and the largest building lies in the center and is known as Pueblo Bonito. Today, visitors are welcome to visit the historical site and experience the cultural magnificence for themselves. There’s a 9-mile road that brings you to five of the Chacoan sites via car or bike, and there are four different backcountry hiking trails that provide access to other remote sites. For the true outdoor enthusiasts, there are also around 30 campsites that offer exceptional mountain views and stargazing opportunities. It’s imperative to treat this National Historical Park with the utmost respect and to arrive with a mind eager to learn about the long history embedded here. Pay a visit to the Chaco Culture National Historical Park Visitor Center before beginning your journey through time and be sure to come prepared with lots of sunscreen, water, and provisions since it is such a remote location.