Chaco Culture National Historical Park is part of the National Park System of the United States. It is noted for archeological sites of the ancient indigenous Chaco culture of the area. Visible at the site are the ancient people’s dwellings, known as ancestral pueblos.
The Chaco are an ancient indigenous people of the American southwest region located near the Navajo Nation. These desert people constructed their great houses, or pueblos, from sandstone, around 900 to 1150 AD. The town served as a central hub of the region, but was abandoned probably due to a 50-year drought that began somewhere around 1130 AD.
The park is located amongst New Mexico’s canyons and mesas, notably Fajada Butte, which can be viewed near the south entrance of the park, towering 400 feet high above the canyon. It is famous for the Sun Dagger, an ancient artifact that may have been used to track the date of the summer solstice, suggesting that the Chaco people practiced archeoastronomy with their structures.
The flora of the Chaco region comprises of desert plants such as cactus, sagebrush, etc. The sparse vegetation in this region is due to less precipitation. The Chacos is also dotted with small bits of juniper scrub forest.
The fauna of Chaco is also not so abundant. If you love the “Coyote and the Road Runner” cartoon show produced by Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies, and you wish to see the real Coyote, then this is the place to be. The coyote is the largest animal in Chaco. You may also encounter a deer or, elk or antelope. Other animals found here include badger, rodents, skunk, bobcat, and fox.
Due to the scarcity of water, the park has only a few birds including vultures, hawks, raven and owls. The small birds found in the park are sparrows, warblers, house finches, mellower black-chinned hummers etc. You might spot a roadrunner, although it is very rare in Chaco.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park Map
Facts about Chaco Culture National Historical Park
- Chaco Culture Park attained the status of a national park in 1980.
- Pueblo Bonito was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
- The park covers an area of 33,977.8 acres (13,750 hectares).
- The largest pueblo of Chaco Canyon is called Pueblo Bonito.
Where Is Chaco Culture National Historical Park located?
Chaco Culture National Historic Park is a remote park in northwestern New Mexico. The nearest major cities to Chaco Culture National Historic Park are Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The park is only accessible via car due to its remote location.
Best time to visit Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Chaco’s location in the high desert of New Mexico makes it a destination to avoid during spring and summer, with its high temperatures and frequent thunderstorms. Winter is fairly mild, though the area does experience major snow storms. Autumn is the best season to visit Chaco Culture National Historic Park.
The Chaco Culture National Historic Park opens daily from 7:00 am to sunset.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park Address
PO Box 220
Nageezi, NM 87037
Chaco Culture National Historical Park Hours
Visitor Center: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Park Road: 7:00 am to sunset
Chaco Culture National Historical Park Tickets
The entry ticket to the Culture National Historic Park for an individual cost $8. The entry fee for a vehicle is $16. The ticket is valid for 7 consecutive days. Special discounts are available on groupings.
More About Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Attractions inside the Park: Pueblo Bonito, Casa Rinconada Community, Petroglyphs, and Supernova Pictograph.
Related: New Mexico Location | New Mexico Map | New Mexico National Park Map