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Jun 29, 2018 · Chaco Canyon was the center of a pre-Columbian civilization flourishing in the San Juan Basin of the American Southwest from the 9th to the 12th century CE.
- Benjamin Oswald
The canyon itself, located within lowlands circumscribed by dune fields, ridges, and mountains, is aligned along a roughly northwest-to-southeast axis and is rimmed by flat massifs known as mesas. Large gaps between the southwestern cliff faces—side canyons known as rincons —were critical in funneling rain-bearing storms into the canyon and ...
Mar 3, 2024 · Chaco Canyon is known for its extensive ancient ruins, especially its Great Houses, unique to the region that originated here. The ancient city in Chaco Canyon was once the most important cultural, religious, and political center of the Four Corners area of the US Southwest.
Mar 11, 2024 · For all the wild beauty of Chaco Canyon's high-desert landscape, its long winters, short growing seasons, and marginal rainfall create an unlikely place for a major center of ancestral Puebloan culture to take root and flourish.
- Chaco Canyon: A Brief History. Despite its remote location and harsh conditions, Chaco Canyon was continuously occupied for at least 4000 years, as evidenced by numerous pit house settlements.
- Fajada Butte. After a seemingly endless journey along bumpy, unpaved roads, you’ll know you’re almost there when you spot the Fajada Butte in the distance near the park entrance.
- Una Vida. Just next to the Visitor Center is the trail leading to Una Vida, one of the least-excavated great houses of Chaco Canyon. The trail around the ruins is about a mile roundtrip, plus some additional hiking.
- Hungo Pavi. A short drive along the loop road leads you to the next Chacoan great house, Hungo Pavi. Occupied from around 1000-1250, it was strategically built near several springs and drainages.
Part of Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Chaco Canyon is among the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, receiving tens of thousands of visitors each year. Chaco is more than just a tourist site however, it is also sacred land.
If you are wondering if a visit to Chaco Canyon is a great way to use your vacation time, here are some of the reasons you may love it as much as we did. What is Chaco Canyon? Officially known as the Chaco Culture National Historic Park, but commonly known by its more concise nickname, Chaco Canyon’s origins date back close to 12,000 years ago.
