A Culturally Rich Southwestern National Park: One of America’s Most Awe-Inspiring Historical Sites

Published
A Culturally Rich Southwestern National Park: One of America's Most Awe-Inspiring Historical Sites

Where can you find the largest pre-19th-century buildings in North America? You might be surprised to learn that they stand way out in the deserts of New Mexico. Long before skyscrapers and vast industrial sites appeared on the East Coast, Ancestral Puebloans constructed multi-story buildings with hundreds of rooms in Chaco Canyon. Today, Chaco Culture National Historical Park preserves this legacy, offering visitors a chance to visit one of the best ancient sites in the U.S.



Chaco Canyon lies in northwestern New Mexico, about three hours from Albuquerque. The drive across the sweeping plains is a study in austere beauty, and it can be hard to imagine that this remote area was once the center of a thriving civilization. But when you glimpse the monumental scale of the architecture, Chaco’s significance becomes obvious. Inhabited between 850 and 1250 A.D., Chaco gives visitors the chance to discover grand, stone-built great houses and centuries-old petroglyphs and provides a glimpse into the ingenuity and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans.

What to see at Chaco Culture National Historical Park

aerial view of stone ruins in desert



Explore more of Chaco by staying overnight

milky way over desert mesa

To truly enjoy everything Chaco has to offer, stay overnight at Gallo Campground. The sites are surrounded by a cliff dwelling and petroglyphs and offer magnificent views of the landscape. One Google reviewer called the campground “unique and magical,” while another described it as “remote and wonderful.” Sites cost $20 per night and can be reserved at recreation.gov.



One of the best things about staying overnight is the opportunity to stargaze under some top-ranked star-lit skies. Chaco is a designated Dark Sky Park, recognized for its low light pollution and fabulous celestial views. The Chaco Night Sky Program offers visitors the chance to connect with Chaco culture, blending ancient interpretations of the stars with modern approaches.

If exploring Chaco Culture National Historical Park leaves you wanting to see more in the area, consider a trip to the Valley of Dreams, where a hiking trail allows you to discover stunning hoodoos rising from the earth. One Google reviewer calls the Valley of Dreams trail “one of the most spectacular hikes in New Mexico.” The trailhead is just 40 minutes from the visitor center at Chaco, and the breathtaking natural landscape provides the perfect complement to the human-made structures at Chaco.

See also  Discover the Finest Florida Parks, Vibrant Cities, and Stunning Scenic Routes on an Unforgettable Road Trip

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.