Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Usual hours

• Mon–Sun 7:00–17:00

From 56 published days, 2026-10-23 to 2026-12-17; community-mapped.

About

This park's official page lists: Wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Restrooms, Visitor center.

Official facts

Public access: Restricted access.

Protected area: 33,211 acres (13,440 ha).

Designation: National Historical Park. Listed as "Chaco Culture National Historical Park" in the Protected Areas Database of the United States. Protection: managed for biodiversity (GAP 2). IUCN category V.

Established: 1980.

Managed by: NPS.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Gap Analysis Project (GAP), 2025, Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) 4.1

At the park

• Biking activity
• Camping activity
• Stargazing scenic feature
• Hiking trails trail

Shows and experiences

• Ranger & guided programs

Events

• Fall Equinox Sunrise Program

Before you go

Disability access

This park's official page states it has wheelchair-accessible facilities. Specific routes, transfer access and equipment vary — confirm with the park for your needs.

Limits

Each group site can accomodate a maximum of 30 people

Limits

Service Animals: Service animals are allowed anywhere that you are allowed to go in the park

Getting there

Your journey into Chaco Canyon will take you through private tribal lands. Please be respectful of our tribal neighbors and their livestock and leave no trace of your journey on their lands. Chaco Canyon is located in northwestern New Mexico. The park can only be accessed by driving on dirt roads. Road conditions can be rough or impassable. Please call in advance for updates.

Weather & when to go

Summer highs are typically in the 80s to mid-90s. Thunderstorms can produce heavy localized downpours and sudden dramatic drops in temperatures. Winter temperatures will drop to well below freezing most nights. If you plan to camp in the winter, prepare for nighttime temperatures in the teens or lower. Spring and fall are great times to visit with more moderate temperatures, but unexpected storms can change things dramatically. Monitor local weather forecasts.

⚠ Caution: Road conditions 10/22/26

The north road (CR 7950) is completely impassable, with flowing water in the new wash and quicksand-like conditions underneath the water. The south road (Hwy 57) is currently extremely muddy and slick. 4WD, high clearance, and experience driving in the mud (or extremely slick conditions) is required. Please call for additional updates as needed: 505-786-7014.

Visitor center

Chaco Culture National Historical Park Visitor Center — The visitor center and park are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The visitor center has a gift shop and orientation film. — Please click on the link for detailed directions to our visitor center.

Visitor center

Chaco Culture National Historical Park Visitor Center

Visitor center

Chaco Culture National Historical Park Visitor Center

Facilities on the park map

1 bench, 1 first aid kit, 2 picnic area, 2 restroom, 3 visitor information.

Where to stay

• Gallo Campground Gallo Campground, located one mile (1.6 km) east of the visitor center, is open year-round. The campground has 24 individual sites and 2 group sites. We recommend making a reservation on www.recreation.gov to ensure a camping or RV space on the dates you plan to visit. Hook-ups are not available. The campground is closed 6 nights throughout the year: the day before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving night · 24 campsites · Accessibility: Site #11 is accessible and reserved until 4:00pm every day for individuals needing an accessible site.

History

Opened

1980

Heritage status

Listed heritage / protected status

• Park opened