The Road To Chaco Canyon

 

Above, believe it or not, this was one of the smoothest sections of road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little while ago, I got back home from my little trek to Chaco Canyon, formally known as Chaco Culture National Historical Park, in New Mexico.

The park is about 75 miles from home, so it was reasonably close. I stayed one night at the Gallo Campground, the only campground in the park, but it is a nice one with some ruins next to it.

However, the road into Chaco Canyon is a rough one, 20 miles of it. It is much rougher than Six Mile Canyon Road. But thanks to my Jeep driving, I know how to spot smoother areas on the road. Rough as it was, The Beast (my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R) handled it just fine. But it certainly rattled things inside and sent some things on the floor, especially in sections loaded with ruts.

Above, cows making use of the road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On occasion, since the road takes you through ranchland, cows may be gathering in groups in the middle of the road.

I will divide my posts into two parts. This one will center on the rough drive in and the other will focus on the park itself.

The road route is through ranchland.

Rough as it was, I've driven on worse roads and this wasn't as bad as I thought it may be.

According to the National Park Service:

From the south, two routes access Chaco from Highway 9, which runs between Crownpoint, Pueblo Pintado, and Cuba. Both routes can vary from very rough to impassable. Not recommended for RVs. If you are traveling from the south, please call ahead for the latest conditions.

Via Hwy 57(Hwy 14 on some maps): This turnoff is located on Highway 9, 13 miles east of Highway 371, at the former Seven Lakes Trading Post. (20 miles of dirt). Note that the signs directing you to turn off of Hwy 371 onto Highway 9 are missing.

Above, the Chaco Canyon park sign and Fajada Butte in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The road becomes paved shortly after reaching the park's boundary sign.

After entering the park, one has to go to the Visitor Center to pay entrance fees.

Above, the Chaco Canyon Visitor Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read about my visit to Chaco Canyon, go here.