Dear Educator:

Greetings from Chaco Culture National Historical Park! Our mission is to preserve and protect the cultural sites and natural features of Chaco Culture National Historical Park for future generations, while making these sites available for people to enjoy.

We are looking forward to your class’s visit to Chaco Culture National Historical Park. We have included some orientation information that we hope will help you plan your visit.

1. Plan you visit when there are few visitors. April and May are our busiest month for school groups. Consider other times of the year to avoid crowding or interference with other groups.

2. Please remember to apply for an Entrance Fee Waiver (pdf file), and make separate reservations if you plan to camp in the group campsite.

3. Visit the park prior to the group’s visit to plan logistics. Talk with the rangers, become familiar with the museum exhibits, cultural sites, and trails, and plan your activities.

4. Research the area. We have brochures and other references you can have or you may contact the bookstore at (505) 786-7014 ext. 239 for a list of books we sell at the visitor center. The trail guides are good introductions.

5. Prepare your class for the visit. Use lesson plans that you design to introduce them to the resources here. Discuss the enclosed list of rulesfor visiting the park and preserving our past. Make clear their lesson assignments prior to the visit.

6. Assume an adequate number of adult chaperone. A ratio of one adult to seven students is ideal, although the ratio may depend on the age of the students.

7. Brief the adults before your trip. Tel them about the activities planned and their responsibilities to help conduct them. Tell them the park rules also.

8. Deivide your class into smaller groups once you arrive crowding. For example, one group can visit the museum, while another visits Pueblo Bonito. If you plan to hike any backcountry trails, divide your group into smaller groups (12 to 15 people) to assure that everyone has a safe hike, stays on the established trails, and lessen the impacts on the fragile cultural sites.

Be aware that the trail passes through rooms where burials were found. There are no doubt more in unexcavated areas. This is a sensitive concern for many American Indians. We urge you to consider this before your visit.

The manner in which your group enjoys Chaco Culture NHP is up to you. The above suggestions are offered as a result of our having observed and talked with educators who have visited with their classes in the past.

We expect you to remain responsible for the activities of your students at all times.

Rangers are available to help you plan your visit. Because of limited staffing, we regret that a park ranger will not be available to give your group a special guided tour.

Most of all, make your trip enjoyable for everyone! Don’t hesitate to call us if we can help you with your plans. We are eager for your group to have a rewarding experience.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Dubois, Superintendent

Last Updated:08-Jun-04