Many thanks to all who encouraged us to dare the road into Chaco Canyon. It was well worth it! I called the Park from Bernalillo on Monday morning and the ranger said he thought we would be ok and that the campground had not been filling up. It took us just under an hour to go from Highway 550 to the Park. We lost the top to the battery box but I saw it go and we were able to recover it. Spending two nights in the canyon was magical. The NHP is trying or a Dark Night site designation and they (very nicely) discourage using more light than is needed. Since generators cannot be run after 8 pm, it is stunning at night. I am happy to report that every ranger we encountered was pleasant and helpful. We tow a 22’ TT with our GMC Sierra 4x4 but there were large TT’s in the campground as well as a Class A. No potable water but they do have flush toilets.

Exactly how rough is the road for a 34' Class'A'? Will it coat everything with dust, inside & out? What speed can I expect to travel on it?

It is 21 miles from Highway 550 to the Park and 13 miles of it is unpaved. It is a wide road and is sandy. It is like a washboard in spots and can be bone-jarring. I understand that when it rains it is so slick you need to just stop and wait for it to dry. We traveled from 5 to 30mph. We did not get much dust inside but of course the exterior is filthy. On the trip in, I had one cabinet come undone (paper goods) and some stuff placed on the floor slid around. I was more careful this morning and nothing shifted coming out. There were two 25' TT's and a mid-sized Class A in the CG. They both said they did not have problems...just took it slow. We were prepared for a two hour drive so were pleased that it went so well. lizzie

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is certainly worth the rugged routeto get there.

Really do appreciate that update. Thinking about going in early autumn.

We took our TT in two years ago and it was awesome - still finding things that came loose though. Think it's more impressive than Measa Verde,Canyon De Chelley and Bandelier.

Chaco Canyon well worth the drive! | Good Sam Community

rbtglove
Explorer
May 16, 2013
We took our TT in two years ago and it was awesome - still finding things that came loose though. Think it's more impressive than Measa Verde,Canyon De Chelley and Bandelier.
NCWriter
Explorer
May 16, 2013
Really do appreciate that update. Thinking about going in early autumn.
Schertz
Explorer
May 16, 2013
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is certainly worth the rugged route
to get there.
lizzie
Explorer
May 16, 2013
It is 21 miles from Highway 550 to the Park and 13 miles of it is unpaved. It is a wide road and is sandy. It is like a washboard in spots and can be bone-jarring. I understand that when it rains it is so slick you need to just stop and wait for it to dry. We traveled from 5 to 30mph. We did not get much dust inside but of course the exterior is filthy. On the trip in, I had one cabinet come undone (paper goods) and some stuff placed on the floor slid around. I was more careful this morning and nothing shifted coming out. There were two 25' TT's and a mid-sized Class A in the CG. They both said they did not have problems...just took it slow. We were prepared for a two hour drive so were pleased that it went so well. lizzie
jolooote
Explorer
May 16, 2013
Exactly how rough is the road for a 34' Class'A'? Will it coat everything with dust, inside & out? What speed can I expect to travel on it?

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Chaco Canyon well worth the drive!

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