• Overlooking Chetro Ketl

    Chaco Culture

    National Historical Park New Mexico

Pueblo Alto Trail

Distance:
Entire loop trail roundtrip - 5.1 miles (3-4 hours)
Pueblo Alto roundtrip - 3.2 miles (2 hours)
Pueblo Bonito overlook roundtrip - 2.0 miles (1 hour)

Trailhead: Pueblo de Arroyo Parking Area

Elevation gain: 270 feet

This trail provides spectacular overlook views of Pueblo Bonito and the other Chacoan buildings, enters Pueblo Alto and New Alto, passes by Chacoan stairs, ramps, and roads, and affords panoramic views of the San Juan Basin. This is an excellent introduction to the scope of the Chaco world.

 
Map of trail to Pueblo Alto
Pueblo Alto trail
 
Photo of Pueblo Alto
Pueblo Alto
 
Photo of Jackson stairs from Pueblo Alto trail
Jackson stairs from Pueblo Alto trail
Jedediah Drolet

Did You Know?

Photo of a Mesa Verde mug

The ancient Puebloans traveled many miles to come to Chaco and brought supplies with them.  Over half the pottery found at Chaco was made outside the canyon. More...