• Overlooking Chetro Ketl

    Chaco Culture

    National Historical Park New Mexico

Getting Around

Photo of the canyon loop drive through Chaco Canyon

Canyon Loop Drive

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.

Biking the 9-mile paved loop is a great way to see the sites and experience the canyon. The Wijiji, Casa Chiquita, and Kin Klizhin trails may also be biked. Inquire at the visitor center for a free permit and directions.

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

All trails close at sunset.

 
Photo of Una Vida taken from the canyon loop drive
Una Vida from Canyon Loop Drive
 

Did You Know?

photo of cylinder jars from Chaco

Archeologist Patricia Crown discovered evidence of cacao in a cylinder jar from Chaco! This may be the earliest importation and use of cocoa north of where it is grown. Cacao is now processed into chocolate, but the Mayans and (later) the Chacoans may have consumed a bitter beverage. More...