• Overlooking Chetro Ketl

    Chaco Culture

    National Historical Park New Mexico

Penasco Blanco Trail

Photo of Penasco Blanco

Jedediah Drolet

Penasco Blanco

Distance:
Peñasco Blanco roundtrip 7.2 miles (4-6 hours)
Petroglyph Trail roundtrip 4.0 miles (2-3 hours)

Trailhead: Pueblo del Arroyo parking area

Elevation gain: 200 feet

The longest trail - relatively level - includes two spur trails (the Petroglyph Trail and the Supernova pictograph) where you can view numerous Chacoan and Navajo petroglyphs and historic inscriptions. Peñasco Blanco, an unexcavated great house, has a unique oval design and a spectacular natural setting. Hot summer sun and soft sand can make this a difficult hike.

 
Trail go Penasco Blanco
Trail to Penasco Blanco
 
Photo of doorway in Penasco Blanco
View of Penasco Blanco through doorway.

Did You Know?

Photo of Chaco wash during a flood after heavy rains.

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.