Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Nageezi: Address, Phone Number, Chaco Culture National Historical Park Reviews: 4.5/5
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
4.5
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Chaco Canyon holds one of the largest collection of prehistoric buildings on the continent.
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4.5
746 reviews
Excellent
593
Very good
120
Average
18
Poor
10
Terrible
5
BradinDoha
Doha, Qatar7 contributions
Let's get the negative out of the way first. The drive in.
It is about 29 miles from SR 550 near Nageezie to Chaco Canyon. At about 10 miles on Road 7900/7950 you hit the end of pavement. At about 15 miles you hit the end of the county maintained gravel road. The next 4+ miles of road into Chaco has the worst washboards I have ever seen. I grew up literally 2 blocks from the end of the pavement, so I am familiar with dirt roads, and I am not exaggerating. This stretch of road is desert hardpan. When it rains, it turns to grease. When it dries, it's as hard as rock and all the ruts and washboards remain until the next rain. The pavement resumes inside the park.
Just FYI, I pull a 31ft travel trailer with a heavy duty 4x4 Dodge diesel with really stiff suspension. I slowed to about 5 mph in 1st gear to try to minimize the shaking. After about 150 yards I absolutely HAD to stop. I was certain that I would ruin my truck or trailer or both! I backed up about 100 yards to a nearby driveway and turned around.
Our savior was Wayne. Wayne and his family own Horsethief Campground, a Dry Camp area, just past the end of the pavement. The land here is not public access. It is Navajo land and you may only camp in designated locations. Chaco has very few camp spots which are reserved well in advance. If you are pulling a trailer, I highly recommend you STOP AND DROP IT at Horsethief. Lower your tire pressure and then head on to Chaco.
Call Wayne at 505 486 3319 to reserve a spot.
Those with a passenger car or a light SUV with softer suspension will have a much easier time. Even for light vehicles, the last 4+ miles is still 15-ish mph. For heavy vehicles, it's do-able with reduced tire pressure. You can carry a small compressor like I do, or repressure your tires at the Sinclair where road 7900 meets SR 550. And BTW, that Sinclair is the neatest, cleanest miniart you will find!
Beyond the limited access, Chaco is an amazing place. It is mind boggling to learn about how and think about why this was constructed a millennium ago.
It is about 29 miles from SR 550 near Nageezie to Chaco Canyon. At about 10 miles on Road 7900/7950 you hit the end of pavement. At about 15 miles you hit the end of the county maintained gravel road. The next 4+ miles of road into Chaco has the worst washboards I have ever seen. I grew up literally 2 blocks from the end of the pavement, so I am familiar with dirt roads, and I am not exaggerating. This stretch of road is desert hardpan. When it rains, it turns to grease. When it dries, it's as hard as rock and all the ruts and washboards remain until the next rain. The pavement resumes inside the park.
Just FYI, I pull a 31ft travel trailer with a heavy duty 4x4 Dodge diesel with really stiff suspension. I slowed to about 5 mph in 1st gear to try to minimize the shaking. After about 150 yards I absolutely HAD to stop. I was certain that I would ruin my truck or trailer or both! I backed up about 100 yards to a nearby driveway and turned around.
Our savior was Wayne. Wayne and his family own Horsethief Campground, a Dry Camp area, just past the end of the pavement. The land here is not public access. It is Navajo land and you may only camp in designated locations. Chaco has very few camp spots which are reserved well in advance. If you are pulling a trailer, I highly recommend you STOP AND DROP IT at Horsethief. Lower your tire pressure and then head on to Chaco.
Call Wayne at 505 486 3319 to reserve a spot.
Those with a passenger car or a light SUV with softer suspension will have a much easier time. Even for light vehicles, the last 4+ miles is still 15-ish mph. For heavy vehicles, it's do-able with reduced tire pressure. You can carry a small compressor like I do, or repressure your tires at the Sinclair where road 7900 meets SR 550. And BTW, that Sinclair is the neatest, cleanest miniart you will find!
Beyond the limited access, Chaco is an amazing place. It is mind boggling to learn about how and think about why this was constructed a millennium ago.
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JHM231
Connecticut177 contributions
We came here on a weekday in June and there were about 30-40 other people here, so I'd imagine that even at the weekend you won't be sharing this with many people. The drive from the North is supposed to be better because it has fewer miles of dirt road. However we were glad we had rented a Jeep. It's bumpy. We bought the self-guided booklets from the visitor center for the main sites here. This is a unique experiene that is unlike any other site I have been to. The buildings which are c 1000 years old have been excavated and in some cases partially rebuilt so you can see what the structure was like. I would recommend getting the booklets so you can read about the structures you are seing in each part of the property. It will take about 3 hours if you look at all parts of the buildings, but factor in the time it takes to get here. You really need a whole day. I found the whole site quite atmospheric and it's remoteness adds to that
Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anna S
Albuquerque, NM7 contributions
Chaco Canyon National Historical Park is a treasure, but visiting the remote site takes some pre-planning. The surrounding scenery is gorgeous and the park/ruins are beautiful.
Getting there is another story. It involves driving on a rough, bumpy, "wash board," dirt road for 13 miles, once you make the turn off from paved road CR 7900. I absolutely recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle with good tires for this trip.
WARNING:
The dirt road is not maintained by the state, nor the National Park Service.
You should also dress accordingly. Wear study shoes for hiking; no sandals or open toed shoes! A hat and sun screen is advisable. There is a paved loop road within the park itself, but vistors must park at each site and then hike in; in order to see each of the individual sites. Be prepared to do some walking!
Finally, bring your own water and food to snack on or for lunch. There are no food concessions of any kind, other than the National Park Shop for information and souvenirs. Depending on how long you spend at each ruin site, it can take 2 to 4 hours to see the Chaco Canyon ruins, using the loop road.
Getting there is another story. It involves driving on a rough, bumpy, "wash board," dirt road for 13 miles, once you make the turn off from paved road CR 7900. I absolutely recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle with good tires for this trip.
WARNING:
The dirt road is not maintained by the state, nor the National Park Service.
You should also dress accordingly. Wear study shoes for hiking; no sandals or open toed shoes! A hat and sun screen is advisable. There is a paved loop road within the park itself, but vistors must park at each site and then hike in; in order to see each of the individual sites. Be prepared to do some walking!
Finally, bring your own water and food to snack on or for lunch. There are no food concessions of any kind, other than the National Park Shop for information and souvenirs. Depending on how long you spend at each ruin site, it can take 2 to 4 hours to see the Chaco Canyon ruins, using the loop road.
Written November 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Simon P
40 contributions
The place is vast, with numerous sites over a 5 or 6 mile long canyon, plus outlying sites. We saw 4 major ones in 4 hrs, total waling about 4 miles. There is a good road in the park, but getting in includes 13 miles of dirt, 6 of them bone shaking washboard. That 13 miles stretch of the 7950 took an hour each way -in a compact rental) so be warned and take it slow. Weirdly, no-one has thought to pave the road in - to the most important archeological site in the USA probably. (!?) Also, you an't get even a cup of coffee there. National Parks would have captive audience for cafe, after the 90 min drive in off the main highway (550). (There are two other roads in, not to be tried without a 4x4.
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ed B
Tampa, FL52 contributions
Couples
Excellent park with amazing history. It’s not a busy park as it’s literally off the beaten path. Unfortunately either way to enter the park (from the northeast or from the south) requires a 20 mile drive from the nearest main road, with almost all of that on dirt roads. We drove in from the northeast and exited to the south and both were horrendous. To be fair, we did it in a rented Nissan Versa so it’s doable in that type of car though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, especially depending on the weather. Despite all of that, the drive was worth it. Make sure you have plenty of water for the trails. The visitor center and restrooms were surprisingly very nice considering the park is so remote. They sell guides to all of the sites at the visitor center for $2 each.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charles G
4 contributions
Couples
We visited Chaco, then Aztec, then Mesa Verde. All were educational experiences and glad we did them all to see the different representations. Chaco was special; a remote, beautiful stark desert and spiritual place. The drive was rough. Pulling a 25’ Airstream with AWD BMW X5 diesel, stayed 2 nights (don’t chance it, make sure you have reservations), entering from the south and exiting to the north. South was rough, rutted, slow go for 2+ hours. Would be scary and probably impassable if wet. North was major washboard, slow go for almost 2 hours. It felt like quite an adventure to us, however, one of camp hosts was a delightful woman that hauls her 28’ AS pulled by a Suburban, each year! We won’t do it again with a trailer but glad we did it once. Hope this gives you confidence to go.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nancyqc
San Francisco, CA75 contributions
We are so glad we made the journey to visit this site. Our visit to Chaco Canyon was made enjoyable by having an experienced professional guide take us through this site. Tori Myers from the Salmon Ruin Museum is an archaeologist who does these tours and made our 7 hour day tour the best! Transportation was provided as well as a fresh sack lunch. The ruins are incredible and the knowledge we gained by having such a tour will be forever memorable.
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Babu2773
Chicago, IL886 contributions
First, we hired an archeologist from Salmon Ruins in Farmington to drive us into the site and spend the day telling us what we were looking at. Well worth it! You can't take a rental in and the road is rough. I just sat back and enjoyed the wash board road because I was in a giant Suburban and it wasn't my car. Chaco Canyon is amazing and worth the journey back. Just be prepared as the road is not maintained by the park service for a stretch and our guide said she has seen cars sliding off the road when the rains come. The ruins are amazing, and if you look closely, you will see pottery shards. Just don't take them or pool them together. Bring a lot of water and food. You will drive the loop road and stop off as you go, but make sure you buy the guide or you won't know what you're looking at. We had a real guide, but you need the paper guide if you don't. The visitor center has a little shop, museum and movie. Here you will pay your park fee. Check the national park's website for alerts before you go and make a call if you have any questions.
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martin S
Fort Wayne, IN30 contributions
Couples
Highly recommend you take the time to visit Chaco Canyon. The park is fantastic and the restored ruins are incredible. The visitor center has a nice display.
We also recommend you book a day long tour with Salmon Ruins Museum. They meet you at the Salmon Ruins Museum, located outside of Bloomfield, and drive you to the park in their vehicle. Definitely a plus since the road to the park is unpaved and can be difficult for normal vehicles. Our guide Tori is a trained archaeologist and did a great job explaining the history of the ancient communities and answering all our questions.
We also recommend you book a day long tour with Salmon Ruins Museum. They meet you at the Salmon Ruins Museum, located outside of Bloomfield, and drive you to the park in their vehicle. Definitely a plus since the road to the park is unpaved and can be difficult for normal vehicles. Our guide Tori is a trained archaeologist and did a great job explaining the history of the ancient communities and answering all our questions.
Written November 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve
2 contributions
During current COVID times, I was excited to hear from a ranger at El Morro that Chaco was open, so I decided to brave the 20-mile dirt road in my car (the road was passable, but EXTREMELY washboardy and rocky). There was a table outside the Visitor Center where a ranger charged me the $25 entrance fee (I had to ask for a copy of the NPS pamphlet for the park). While walking through the extensive ruins, I was surprised that there were no interpretive signs. There were wooden signposts with numbers that seemed like they might correspond to a guidebook, but the ranger hadn’t mentioned any guidebook, and the other visitors I talked to also didn’t know what the numbers referred to (I overheard one family say “Weird that they have numbers but no explanations). After several hours of viewing the ruins, I saw a family reading out of a guidebook, and I asked them where they got it. “It’s $2 at the Visitor Center,” they replied. I stopped at the Center again on my way out and explained all this to the ranger, who replied, “Yes, we have guidebooks for $2 at that table over there.” I asked, “Why on earth didn’t you tell me this when I arrived?’’ She offered little explanation or apology.
Given the sorry state of the roads, the lack of information, and the unhelpfulness of the staff, the $25 entrance fee (plus an additional $2 if you want to know what it is you’re looking at) seems a bit exhorbitant. The ruins were impressive, but the park itself was a huge disappointment.
Given the sorry state of the roads, the lack of information, and the unhelpfulness of the staff, the $25 entrance fee (plus an additional $2 if you want to know what it is you’re looking at) seems a bit exhorbitant. The ruins were impressive, but the park itself was a huge disappointment.
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
3bug51
Bisbee, AZ32 contributions
We are planning a family visit the end of June (I know it will be hot). We were going to stay four nights, which gives us three full days since the first and last won't count. Is this too much time? We thought one full day doing the loop and two mornings hiking. Games in the afternoon under a shade capopy. Should we shorten it???
Rob B
Sylacauga, AL226 contributions
One thing to consider aside from the heat is the humidity, or lack thereof. Chaco Canyon is very dry. It's also very windy and 6,200 ft (+/-) above sea level. The altitude combined with the heat, constant wind and dry climate is fatiguing if you're not accustomed to it. Also, as the previous poster stated, the road there can be challenging on the best days and impassable on bad ones, so making the most of your time there is key. My opinion, 4 nights, if you plan to break up your activities and spend the mid-day hours sheltered from the sun and wind, would be the absolute longest I'd want to be there unless it was in a really nice (overland capable) RV. Remember, you have to bring EVERYTHING you're going to need for the trip with you or make the drive back to Nageezi or Bloomfield at some point to resupply. FYI: the water at the water point next to the visitor center is excellent.
sailingzephyr
oregon11 contributions
Hi all,
We want to go into Chaco Canyon with a truck and 19' camping trailer that has average ground clearance. I saw that Belinda took the roads with a small RV. Did you come from the north from Nageezi as suggested? We have camping reservations but I am nervous about the roads.
Thanks!
Terri
Rob B
Sylacauga, AL226 contributions
Call ahead for road conditions if there has been any rain in the previous 48 hours. If it's still wet, it may be impassable. That said, the paved segment is no problem. The gravel section isn't too bad but very dusty when it's dry. The segment just past the ford is by far the worst. Expect bumps and a lot of torquing along the length of the vehicle as you navigate the ruts. It would be a good idea to check your plumbing as best you can to make sure no connections came loose before using it. Be aware that the area is open range, so livestock crossing the road is likely. The good news, the water at the visitor center fill point is really good.
Anita E
Aurora, IL
What are the hours
What are the hours of operation what are the hours of operation
defranks
Grafton, VT34 contributions
I am confused as to the most reasonable place to base ourselves in simple lodging for a couple of night/ one full day in Chaco Cyn. Any suggestions for a town? We’ll be driving to/from Sedona.
HeelDawg
Lynchburg, VA
Farmington and Bloomfield are the closest towns with motels. They are about 1.5 hours away from Chaco. If you are camping, you can stay at the park campground when it reopens.
A lot of people have stated they took the north road to Chaco because it was "the recommended route", but everything else my family is planning to do is south of Grants, and it doesn't make a lot of sense with the rest of the trip to both enter and leave via US 550. Has anyone driven the southern route from Seven Lakes lately, that can tell me about it or compare it to the north road?
Robin G
Grand Junction, CO288 contributions
Hey, I don’t know the best answer except to say that the ranger suggested we take the road we came in on back out. We took 550 south from Farmington. When you are driving the last 10 miles or so on deeply rutted dirt roads and the park ranger says the other route is worse, we could only assume he knew what he was talking about. If and when they regrade the road it may be different. If you are in 4wd trucks you may not care I hope this helps.
Thomas W
Millersville, PA23 contributions
Does anyone have a recommendation for an RV rental for going to Chaco? Preferably something small like a VW Westphalia or small class B RV. Would be flying in to Albuquerque. Thanks.
Gringacriolla
Santa Monica, CA81 contributions
Albq has pretty limited options for rv rental, and noplace I could find for a westfalia type. After researching (and not liking the terms and the lack of ANY promise of roadside assistance) the options on rv share and similar platforms (sort of like air bnb for rvs) we wound up renting from the local franchise of cruise america. They were inefficient, took forever to do the rental (and my credit card was cloned on that trip - could have been them or any of the gas stations) but we got a great deal on an old beater of a cruise america rv, and we had fun in our first time in a "real" rv. Their smallest one aint small, but it was fun and the bed was great. All in all, we had a blast and enjoyed having the full kitchen and bathroom in the rv, learning to use all the crazy features, and even the dump station (we spend our first and last night on the outskirts of albq at Coronado Campground, which is adjacent to an ancient/late prehistoric pueblo that we enjoyed visting too. all in all, it wasn't our usual, but was very fun. We felt totally independent and enjoyed the luxurious life. I'm no convert (inveterate car camper/sleep on the ground or in a tent) but would do it again for a lark.
The only other option I could find out of albq was just renting a regular vehicle and either bringing you camping gear or renting from the albq rei and my traveling companions weren't up to sleep on the ground so.
Have a great trip!
don t
Lowell, MI4 contributions
How much time should be allocated for drive from Alb to Chaco and days at Chaco?
BlueDevilOKC
Oklahoma City, OK849 contributions
With no allocation for potty or snack breaks, you should allow for right at three hours from Albuquerque. You should also take the northern route, entering from the park from the side near Nageezi.
As far as time in the park, we camped for two nights and spent one full day exploring. That one full day was enough to have a very full experience of Chaco, including two ranger-led programs and visits to three of the great houses. We also could have enjoyed two full days.
cost of Kailo tours from Nageezi JUly 20th
Cakolita
Bulla, Australia54 contributions
We did the self drive tour so I have no details on the Kailo tour
Travelerkn1
Santa Barbara, CA7 contributions
Hi there. Which tour did you take? You say that Nat'l Geographic recommended it... What's the organization and how do we contact them? Is it through the Park Service?
Cakolita
Bulla, Australia54 contributions
The day we were there they had no ranger available to do tours but honestly you can buy guide books for all sites for only a couple of dollars each and take a self guided tour. The sites are well signposted.
JW041
Evansville, IN321 contributions
If you take your time and go slow, will a regular car do ok? The NPS doesn't mention needing 4 wheel drive or high clearance but multiple comments on here mention needing them. The people who mention needing 4 wheel drive or high clearance did you specifically need that? We are ok if we need to go 5 or 10mph at times if that means taking a regular car.
maggiemay223
Thoreau, NM159 contributions
As long as it is not raining or snowing you should be just fine. We didn’t need our 4-wheel drive when we visited. You would only need it if the roads were washing out. It has been very dry so you should be a-ok! Have fun!!!