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Chaco Culture National Historical Parkphoto of Chetro Ketl Pueblo
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Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Chetro Ketl
Photo of Chetro Ketl at sunset.

Joseph Guy Kennedy

Chetro Ketl at sunset

Chetro Ketl
(1/2 mile, allow about 45 minutes)

Located 4 1/2 miles from the visitor center on the 9-mile Canyon Loop Drive. The trail through Chetro Ketl is ½ mile, roundtrip. It is graveled, and climbs several short, steep rises, so assistance is recommended for people using wheel chairs. When you visit Chetro Ketl, you can use the trail guide to help you recognize characteristics of Chacoan architecture--features that are both typical and unique. Chetro Ketl is the second largest Chacoan great house. It covers more than 3 acres, and contains a great kiva and elevated kivas. As builders constructed second and third stories, they created an elevated plaza that stands 12 feet above the valley floor.  

 
Photo of Cheto Ketl from mesa top
Chetro Ketl from the mesa top
 
Photo of Chetro Ketl at night
Tyler Nordgren PhD
Chetro Ketl at night
Photo of Chaco wash during a flood after heavy rains.  

Did You Know?
A 20 km segment of Chaco Wash courses through the park. Its flows are derived from summer thunderstorms and winter snowmelt within a 2,175 km2 watershed. The wash is presently incised into a steep-walled arroyo which has a well-developed floodplain and a small inner channel on the arroyo floor.

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Last Updated: October 29, 2008 at 17:35 EST