Visit Chaco Culture National Historical Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place on the National Register of Historic Places, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is roughly 150 miles northwest of Albuquerque. This area served as a key hub for Chacoan culture between A.D. 850 and 1250. The roughly 4,000 ancient and historic archaeological sites in the park serve as reminders of the once-thriving civilization that once called this place home. Many of these are the remains of Chacoan great houses, enormous stone structures built employing masonry methods (which were unusual at the time). These dwellings are among the biggest, most intricate, and best-preserved prehistoric buildings in North America.

Driving around the 9-mile Canyon Loop Drive, which connects six significant cultural sites, such as Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, Una Vida, Hungo Pavi, Pueblo del Arroyo, and Casa Rinconada, allows guests to have a self-guided tour of these homes while they are in the area. Pueblo Bonito is without a doubt the most well-known of these, and for good reason. Pueblo Bonito is a magnificent illustration of early Pueblo history and was formerly the heart of Chacoan society. Today, tourists can explore the area on a small gravel route (less than a mile) and take in the remnants of this magnificent architectural marvel. Remember that getting here entails a long trip over miles of very uneven and rough roads, which may not be appropriate for cars without all-wheel or four-wheel drive.

Address: 1808 CR 7950, Nageezi, NM 87037

Website: https://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htm

Phone: +1 505-786-7014

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