Forum Discussion

baron1953's avatar
baron1953
Explorer
Sep 14, 2013

Chaco Canyon Boondock

A long anticipated trip to Chaco Canyon was recently realized. The quietness and isolation of Chaco Canyon proved to be a great place for self reflection and focused study of an amazing culture that peaked over 800 years ago.

"As examples of primitive architectural skill the 18 major ruins of Chaco Canyon National Monument, N. Mex., are without equal in the United States."





Chaco Canyon Gallery:

http://casitaadventures.smugmug.com/Casita-Adventures/130907-Chaco-Canyon/31726194_HC8TBL
  • Tiger4x4RV wrote:
    That may be the same campsite I had 22 years ago. It's time to go again. Thanks for the trip report.


    Tiger, your vehicle is certainly up to the task. I saw one last year at the RV show at Quartzsite. Very impressive vehicle for camping in remote areas.
  • NCWriter wrote:
    Thanks for posting and your link! We are planning to go in a couple of weeks (in Utah today.) Looking forward to that road. Twice.


    Safe travels to Chaco! I see Utah has been getting a lot of rain like Colorado. I will soon be heading to Grand Canyon North Rim and I am hoping the roads are passable on the way, Hope to stop at Lee's Ferry on the Colorado River along the way, another favorite place of mine to visit.
  • chiefneon wrote:
    Howdy!

    Its been a few years sence we've stayed in the park. You did not mention the trip getting there. How is the road now? I know the last time we went it was about 15 miles of ruff unpaved road getting in, but worth the drive.

    "Happy Trails"
    Chiefneon


    Chieneon, since road conditions are always a major issue in a discussion about Chaco, I did talk about the roads in the gallery link I provided if you click on it.

    I took the recommended northern route into the park that the Chaco NPS recommends. It had some wash boarding but was passable by any vehicle. I left the canyon on what I thought was a more scenic Southern route. I thought it was in even better shape. A UPS driver had told me that a month earlier the roads were the worst he had even seen. They were in good shape during my visit. I would definitely call ahead to the visitor center before traveling to Chaco. The July and August monsoons can cause trouble.

    As you say, it is certainly worth the drive!
  • Thanks for posting and your link! We are planning to go in a couple of weeks (in Utah today.) Looking forward to that road. Twice.
  • Howdy!

    Its been a few years sence we've stayed in the park. You did not mention the trip getting there. How is the road now? I know the last time we went it was about 15 miles of ruff unpaved road getting in, but worth the drive.

    "Happy Trails"
    Chiefneon
  • Just an FYI tho...this is not boondocking in the 'free' sense. There is NO boondocking in Chaco Canyon. It is no power, no water at the sites.


    Gary Haupt
  • That may be the same campsite I had 22 years ago. It's time to go again. Thanks for the trip report.
  • Very nice trip report. Your pictures are great.
    Thanks for posting.

    I spent some time in the Southwest last April and May. Skipped Chaco Canyon because of the long dirt roads. Having driven on so many already we had just gotten tired of them.
    Your post shows we should not have skipped Chaco Canyon.