Chaco Culture National Historical Park travel guide

Chaco Culture National Historical Park travel guide

National Airports

There are no national airports located directly in or near Chaco Culture National Historical Park, as the park is located in a remote area of northwestern New Mexico. However, there are several airports within a few hours’ drive of the park that offer commercial flights.

The closest airport to Chaco Culture National Historical Park is the Four Corners Regional Airport (FMN) in Farmington, New Mexico, which is approximately 90 miles from the park. Other airports within a few hours’ drive of the park include Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) in Durango, Colorado, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Phoenix, Arizona.

Once you arrive at one of these airports, you can rent a car or hire a shuttle service to drive to Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Keep in mind that the park is located in a remote area with limited cell phone service and gas stations, so be sure to plan ahead and fill up your gas tank before heading into the park.

Trains in Chaco Culture National Historical Park

There are no trains that run directly to Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The nearest Amtrak train station is in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is approximately 150 miles from the park. From there, you would need to rent a car or take a shuttle service to get to the park.

However, there is a historic train ride that runs from Durango, Colorado to Silverton, Colorado, which passes through the scenic San Juan Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This train ride is a popular tourist attraction and is located about 3 hours north of Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Overall, while trains do not run directly to Chaco Culture National Historical Park, there are other options for train enthusiasts to enjoy the surrounding area.

Buses in Chaco Culture National Historical Park

There are no public transportation options such as buses that run directly to Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The park is located in a remote area of northwestern New Mexico, and visitors typically arrive by car.

However, there are tour companies and shuttle services that offer transportation to the park from nearby towns and cities. Some examples of these companies include:

Chaco Canyon Adventures: This tour company offers guided tours of Chaco Culture National Historical Park from the nearby town of Farmington, New Mexico.

Roads Scholar: This educational travel company offers tours of Chaco Canyon that include transportation from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Western New Mexico Shuttle: This shuttle service offers transportation to Chaco Culture National Historical Park from several nearby towns and cities, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Farmington.

Private shuttle services: There are several private shuttle services that offer transportation to the park, including Chaco Canyon Shuttle and Chaco Shuttle.

Overall, while there are no public transportation options that run directly to Chaco Culture National Historical Park, there are several tour companies and shuttle services that can help visitors get to the park and explore its many wonders.

How to get to Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is located in a remote area of northwestern New Mexico, and there are several ways to get there:

By car: The park is accessible by car via several routes. From the north, take US Highway 550 south from Durango, Colorado, or from the south, take US Highway 550 north from Albuquerque, New Mexico. From either direction, turn onto County Road 7900 and follow the signs to the park.

By tour company: Several tour companies offer guided tours of Chaco Culture National Historical Park that include transportation from nearby towns and cities. Some examples of these companies include Chaco Canyon Adventures, Roads Scholar, and Western New Mexico Shuttle.

By private shuttle service: There are several private shuttle services that offer transportation to the park, including Chaco Canyon Shuttle and Chaco Shuttle.

By bike or on foot: Chaco Culture National Historical Park is located along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, and visitors can access the park by bike or on foot via several trails in the area.

Overall, while Chaco Culture National Historical Park is located in a remote area, there are several ways to get there and explore this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What is the best time to travel to Chaco Culture National Historical Park

The best time to travel to Chaco Culture National Historical Park depends on your preferences and what you want to do in the park. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your trip:

Weather: Chaco Culture National Historical Park is located in a high desert region, which means that temperatures can be extreme. Summers can be very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C), while winters can be very cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Spring and fall tend to be the most pleasant times to visit, with mild temperatures and lower chances of precipitation.

Crowds: Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a popular destination, especially during the summer months and on holidays. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting the park in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild but fewer people are around.

Night sky: Chaco Culture National Historical Park is known for its dark skies and is a great place to stargaze. If you want to see the Milky Way and other celestial objects, plan your trip during a new moon phase and consider attending one of the park’s astronomy programs.

Park activities: Chaco Culture National Historical Park offers a variety of activities throughout the year, including guided tours, night sky programs, and ranger-led hikes. Check the park’s website for a list of upcoming events and plan your trip accordingly.

Overall, the best time to visit Chaco Culture National Historical Park depends on your preferences and what you want to do in the park. Keep in mind that the weather can be extreme, and crowds can be an issue during peak season, so plan your trip accordingly.

How to get around Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a relatively small park and can be easily explored on foot. The park’s main attractions, including Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, and Una Vida, are all located within a short walking distance of the visitor center. However, the park does offer a few other options for getting around:

Ranger-led tours: The park offers ranger-led tours of the main sites during the summer months. These tours are free and provide a great opportunity to learn about the park’s history and culture.

Shuttle service: During the summer months, the park operates a free shuttle service that runs between the visitor center and the main sites. This service is designed to reduce congestion in the park and make it easier for visitors to get around.

Biking: Biking is allowed on the park’s main roads and can be a great way to explore the park. However, the park’s dirt roads can be rough and may not be suitable for all types of bikes.

Private vehicles: Private vehicles are allowed in the park and can be used to get around. However, parking is limited at some of the main sites, and visitors should be prepared to walk from the parking areas to the sites themselves.

Overall, while Chaco Culture National Historical Park is best explored on foot, there are a few other options for getting around. The park’s shuttle service can be especially helpful during the summer months, and biking can be a great way to explore the park’s dirt roads.

Accommodations in Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a remote park and there are no accommodations within the park itself. However, there are a few options for lodging in the surrounding area:

Camping: The park offers three campgrounds, Gallo Campground, Juniper Campground, and Cottonwood Campground. All three campgrounds are first-come, first-served and offer basic amenities, including picnic tables and fire rings. There are no hookups available, and RVs are limited to a maximum length of 35 feet.

Nearby towns: There are several small towns located near the park that offer lodging options, including Farmington, NM, Aztec, NM, and Bloomfield, NM. These towns offer a range of lodging options, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.

Other nearby parks: If you’re willing to travel a bit further, there are several other national parks and monuments located near Chaco Culture National Historical Park that offer lodging options, including Mesa Verde National Park and Navajo National Monument.

Overall, while there are no accommodations within Chaco Culture National Historical Park, there are several options available in the surrounding area. Camping is a popular option for visitors who want to stay close to the park, while nearby towns offer a range of lodging options for those who prefer more comfort and amenities.