Kevin and I first visited Chaco Canyon in 1995. We were so impressed by the sites at Chaco Canyon that we spent many years talking about Chaco before returning in 2008. We were amazed by the size and complexity of the ruins, by the ancient roads found leading to Chaco, and by the architecture of the ruins. One of the the most amazing things to see at Chaco is the various styles of stone work.
If you ever get the opportunity to go the Chaco, please take it. If you are coming from Santa Fe, we recommend you stay at Jemez Springs. If you are coming from the north, Farmington and Bloomfield offer some good hotel options. Whatever it takes, it is well worth the visit.
If you only have part of a day, the park service has recommendations for 1/2 day and full day tours. I will offer my own recommendations. If you have only part of one day, I would recommend stopping at the Visitor Center and looking through the exhibits but skip the film. I would also skip the petroglyph trail because you can see the petroglyphs between Chetro Ketl and Pueblo Bonito. Definitely visit both Chetro Ketl and Pueblo Bonito...if time permits take the ranger tour of Pueblo Bonito. Hike up to the Pueblo Bonito overlook. From there, you will see Pueblo del Arroyo. End up at the Casa Rinconada Kiva.
If you have the opportunity to camp, try to camp on a Friday, Saturday, or Tuesday night so you can take part of the night sky program. Even if the sky is not good, the ranger presentations are fantastic.
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