Chaco Canyon access from south
Years ago I used to reach Chaco Canyon by going through Crownpoint or Whitehorse from the south. Now it seems the preferred route enters from the north off Hwy 550, a long detour if you're starting fr...
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Directions from the NPS website: "From the south, two routes access Chaco from Highway 9, which runs between Crownpoint, Pueblo Pintado, and Cuba. Both routes can vary from very rough to impassable. Not recommended for RVs. If you are traveling from the south, please call ahead for the latest conditions.
Via Hwy 57(Hwy 14 on some maps): This turnoff is located on Highway 9, 13 miles east of Highway 371, at the former Seven Lakes Trading Post. (20 miles of dirt). Note that the signs directing you to turn off of Hwy 371 onto Highway 9 are missing. The dirt road is very sandy in two locations. Small sedans, RVs and those pulling trailers may have difficulty.
Via Pueblo Pintado: At the community of Pueblo Pintado, turn north on Navajo 46 for 10 miles (rough dirt). Turn left on County Road 7900 for 7 miles (some rough dirt). Turn left on County Road 7950, and follow the signs 16 miles to the park entrance (3 miles paved and 13 of rough dirt road)."
Yep! We entered via this route years ago. Not sure of the shape now days, it was rough back then.
Via Hwy 57(Hwy 14 on some maps): This turnoff is located on Highway 9, 13 miles east of Highway 371, at the former Seven Lakes Trading Post. (20 miles of dirt). Note that the signs directing you to turn off of Hwy 371 onto Highway 9 are missing. The dirt road is very sandy in two locations. Small sedans, RVs and those pulling trailers may have difficulty.
Via Pueblo Pintado: At the community of Pueblo Pintado, turn north on Navajo 46 for 10 miles (rough dirt). Turn left on County Road 7900 for 7 miles (some rough dirt). Turn left on County Road 7950, and follow the signs 16 miles to the park entrance (3 miles paved and 13 of rough dirt road)."
Yep! We entered via this route years ago. Not sure of the shape now days, it was rough back then.
