The Incredible Ancient Ruins In Chaco Canyon, New Mexico Will Blow You Away

Visitors to Chaco Culture National Historical Park will find an amazing collection of structures created by Puebloan peoples of the Southwest. The sheer size and magnitude of the enterprise is astounding, and the story behind its creation is just as incredible.

David Cooper Photography

Chaco Canyon is home to the largest collection of archeological ruins north of Mexico and contains excellently preserved pre-Columbian structures that served as an important cultural center that shows evidence of early astronomical influence on the ancient architecture.

David Cooper Photography

Approximately 1000 years ago, it is thought that aboriginal peoples migrated from Colorado to settle in this valley. Navajo tribal groups were living there at the time, but were displaced by this migration.

David Cooper Photography

Very large structures define the area, with smaller modest residential settlements nearby. Trade routes, which were straight, wide, and constructed with rock, led to this center of the Puebloan culture. The traces of these roads are still visible from airplanes flying overhead today.

David Cooper Photography

David Cooper Photography

Evidence of trade with such faraway places as Central America and Pacific coastal North America was unearthed in various excavations. No beasts of burden were available, so all travel was made on foot.

David Cooper Photography

David Cooper Photography

The construction of these massive structures was accomplished using only stone tools. Wood was carried from forests many miles away and some of the original wooden framework still survives today.

David Cooper Photography

David Cooper Photography

David Cooper Photography

The availability of water determined the survival of these agricultural people, who also supplemented their diets with hunted game. It is suspected that the short span of occupation in this area may be related to severe multi-year droughts.

David Cooper Photography

Chaco Canyon and the Chaco Culture National Historic Park are located in a remote area of northwestern New Mexico between Albuquerque and Farmington. If you are interested in travelling here, there are primitive campsites available and many hiking trails to explore.

The road into Chaco Canyon is rather rough, so bring a sturdy vehicle, and high heat in summer can be a problem; don’t forget to carry water! The nightly stargazing is an amazing experience that will leave you in pure awe of the vast beauty of this place and definitely shouldn’t be missed!