Chaco Canyon access from south

[Damdifino]

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 from the Grants area. Does anybody know if the southern route into the park is still viable?

[lizzie]

We towed our 22' TT into Chaco in early May. I called the Visitor's Center the day before and was advised to not even think about coming in by the south route. We used the north route and it was slow and bumpy but we were fine. It was so worth it! In May, the Apache Casino on 550 was open and had campsites available. I think this is about the closest place to stay. We left the Bernabillo KOA at 9:30 a.m. and were set up to camp in Chaco at 12:15. The CG did not fill up that night. it was a unique and special experience and we will go back! lizzie

[DesertHawk]

Roy&Lynne wrote:
Oh please, Chaco is on our bucket list, when you get back let me know how it was and the best road. I know it would be worth the bumps
Try calling the Visitors Center. I think that is where we were told to call for updates.

The road can vary from time to time, depending on recent weather & when they had graded the road last. In a few places very rough or mildly rough, some not too bad at all. We didn't want to take the Scamp last year, so just used the pickup & topper. Due to the campground being full, we had to drive the road twice, 4 times if counting into & out.

The entry via US 550 down from Bloomfield seems to be the better of the routes into the park. We did the one from Crownpoint years ago, longer on dirt & much more rough. At least at that time. I believe I noticed an RV park in Bloomfield or maybe Aztec. Not sure how good any would be. Bloomfield is closer to the park than Farmington. We stayed at the BLM Angel Peak campground, south of Bloomfield. No water, pit toilets, on not to bad of sandy road, a little rough at the start only. Follow signs, GPS wanted to go on other roads if checking it out. Better description of the road in Part 2 below.

The Chaco campground was pretty good, dirt roads mainly (a little dusty), had water at the restrooms, which were good. But last morning, the one by us was closed, due to water break. Water & restrooms by visitor center as well. No showers.

Our Chaco Canyon Trip Part One in 2012. A hard one to get back into at times. Part Two

Kind of neat once there & the park loop road is paved.

[Roy_Lynne]

Oh please, Chaco is on our bucket list, when you get back let me know how it was and the best road. I know it would be worth the bumps
Try calling the Visitors Center. I think that is where we were told to call for updates.

[rbtglove]

Went in from north 2 yrs ago with our 23' TT,it was very bad but they said coming in from the south would have been much worse. Spending the night in the canyon was awesome.

[DesertHawk]

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.

[JohnnyT]

Best and quickest way from the south is to take 371 which intersects rt 40 midway between Grants and Gallup

[I_am_still_wayn]

www.nps.gov/chcu