Chaco Canyon Boondock

[baron1953]

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

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

I almost drove up there from the south when we were in Gallup/ Grants in early August. Glad I didn't now that I've researched the roads from your link.

The water running over I-40 east of Gallup convinced me not to head that far off the normal track. We got six inches of pea sized hail on NM-53 near the Ice Cave and had to stop and wait four hours for it to melt before the road was passable.

I just looked over the NPS web site for Chaco Culture National Historic Park and noticed this

The campground will go to an online reservation system beginning January 8, 2014. Individual sites will increase to $15/night; group sites will be a flat rate of $60. Senior and Access passes will apply

Campground

As far as alternate campgrounds - Alternate Campgrounds

[Avalie]

Thanks for the fabulous photos and the interesting comments. We are planning on visiting Chaco near the end of December 2013.

I would be interested in any information on the nearest place to camp with full hookups.

[baron1953]

pnichols wrote:
Rob,

I checked out your site and particularly took note of your Chaco Canyon pictures with roads in them to see if our small Class C might be able to take them.
The roads appeared to be no worse than those in the lower loop of Monument Valley (RV's not recommended, but we took it) and in the Oregon outback (25 miles each way of extreme 7-10 MPH washboard).

Do you think we'd be OK touring Chaco Canyon in June or September?

Chaco Canyon is at 6,200 ft so weather can be unpredictable but park information states, "Spring and Fall are great times to visit with more moderate temperatures, but unexpected storms can change things dramatically. Monitor local weather forecasts."

Chaco Canyon Forecast

[pnichols]

Rob,

I checked out your site and particularly took note of your Chaco Canyon pictures with roads in them to see if our small Class C might be able to take them.

The roads appeared to be no worse than those in the lower loop of Monument Valley (RV's not recommended, but we took it) and in the Oregon outback (25 miles each way of extreme 7-10 MPH washboard).

Do you think we'd be OK touring Chaco Canyon in June or September?

[BillAnn_C]

Another thank you for the post. We passed by Chaco, unfortunately because there was snow on the ground last year when we drove by the entrance. We were debating about taking the south entrance. Wish we had tried it. Your pictures are beautiful.

[2gypsies1]

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.

With all the flooding problems in this area recently, be sure to check on an updated report of road conditions.

[baron1953]

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.

[baron1953]

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.

[baron1953]

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!

[NCWriter]

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.

[chiefneon]

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

[garyhaupt]

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

[Tiger4x4RV]

That may be the same campsite I had 22 years ago. It's time to go again. Thanks for the trip report.

[Less_Stuff]

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.

[ghsebldr]

Nice pics,thanks