Chaco Culture National Historical Park - Plan Your Visit

Local Partners & Information Resources

Farmington, New Mexico Convention & Visitors Bureau

Gallup, New Mexico

Grants, New Mexico

Aztec, New Mexico

Cuba, New Mexico

Getting There

Plane
The nearest airports are Farmington, NM, Durango,CO, and Albuquerque, NM.

Car
Chaco Canyon is located in northwestern New Mexico. The preferred and recommended access route to the park is from the north, via US 550 (formerly NM 44) and County Road (CR) 7900, and CR 7950.

From the north, turn off US 550 at CR 7900--3 miles southeast of Nageezi and approximately 50 miles west of Cuba (at mile 112.5). This route is clearly signed from US 550 to the park boundary (21 miles). The route includes 5 miles of paved road (CR 7900) and 16 miles of rough dirt road(CR 7950).

From the south, two routes access Chaco from Highway 9, which runs between Crownpoint, Pueblo Pintado, and Cuba. Both routes can vary from very rough to impassable. Not recommended for RVs. If you are traveling from the south, please call ahead for the latest conditions.

Via Hwy 57: This turnoff is located on Highway 9, 13 miles east of Highway 371, at the former Seven Lakes Trading Post. (20 miles of dirt)

Via Pueblo Pintado: At the community of Pueblo Pintado, turn north on Navajo 46 for 10 miles (rough dirt). Turn left on County Road 7900 for 7 miles (rough dirt). Turn left on County Road 7950, and follow the signs for 16 miles (dirt) to the park entrance. (33 miles of dirt)

The northern and southern routes include 16, 20, and 33 miles of dirt roads, respectively. These sections of road are infrequently maintained, and they can become impassable during inclement weather. Call the park (505-786-7014) for current road conditions.

Public Transportation
There is no public transportation to the park.

Getting Around

A 9-mile long paved loop drive provides driving access to five Chacoan sites in the heart of Chaco Canyon, including Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, and Casa Rinconada. Parking areas for vehicles and bicycles are located at each site, and trail guides are available. Most self-guided walking trails are about 1/4 mile roundtrip, and take 45 minutes to one hour to complete. Pets are not permitted on these trails.

Four moderately strenuous backcountry hiking trails provide access to more remote sites, petroglyphs, and mesatops with panoramic vistas. All hikers must obtain free hiking permits at the visitor center or at the trailheads. Pets are permitted on these trails when leashed.

All trails and sites close at sunset.