The Land of Enchantment and its wide open spaces are meant for exploring. And there's so much of New Mexico to explore! From mountains to valleys, lakes, and rivers, we have countless trails that lead to breathtaking scenery and the best views in New Mexico. If you're looking for a hike that takes you to one of the most stunning overlooks, look no further than the Pueblo Alto Trail in San Juan County. We can almost guarantee its beauty will take your breath away.
The Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a remote preserve in Nageezi, New Mexico. Its mission is to preserve "ancestral Puebloan culture dating between 850 and 1250 CE."
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There are a total of four backcountry trails that meander through this nearly 34,000-acre park. There's the Wijiji Trail, the South Mesa Trail, the Peñasco Blanco Trail, and the Pueblo Alto Trail. Today we are going to focus on the Pueblo Alto Trail.
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The trailhead for the Pueblo Alto Trail can be found at the Pueblo de Arroyo Parking Area. While this trail is 3.2 miles round trip, you can add an additional two miles in order to take in the views from a little-known overlook.
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The roundtrip to the overlook and back should take approximately 3-4 hours with an elevation gain of 270 feet. Come prepared with plenty of water and sturdy hiking boots to trek along the rugged terrain.
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Once you get to the overlook, the views are just spectacular! No wonder it's one of the best overlooks in New Mexico! Not only will you see the San Juan Basin but also numerous Chacoan buildings that are important to the Chaco culture.
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There's truly no other hike quite like this with views overlooking an ancient historical site, and it's one worth adding to your bucket list.
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Have you ever taken this hike to the Pueblo Bonito Overlook in New Mexico? Do you agree that it has one of the best views in New Mexico? Share your experience in the comment section below. We always love to hear from you! To learn more about the Pueblo Alto Trail at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, as well as the other park offerings, visit the National Park Service website. Also be sure to check out AllTrails+, where you can find detailed maps as well as other helpful information from other hikers.
Do you enjoy exploring the great outdoors? Check out these underrated New Mexico state parks.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-mexico/underrated-state-parks-nm/
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