Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Explore the monumental structures and breathtaking landscape at Chaco, a thriving regional center for the ancestral Pueblo people from 850 to 1250 CE (Common Era), through hiking & biking trails, ranger guided tours & programs, and more.
Photo: B Davis / NPS
About Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Explore the monumental structures and breathtaking landscape at Chaco, a thriving regional center for the ancestral Pueblo people from 850 to 1250 CE (Common Era), through hiking & biking trails, ranger guided tours & programs, and more. Chaco Canyon is a sacred and deeply personal place for many Indigenous peoples throughout the Southwest. Please visit with respect.
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Driving times from Chaco Culture National Historical Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00This fee allows all persons traveling in one private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) to enter the park to visit for up to 7 days from the date of purchase.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00This fee allows a single individual traveling on foot, bicycle, or as individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group to enter the park to visit for up to 7 days from the date of purchase.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Van
$40.00This fee for commercial entrance is charged per vehicle and based on the capacity of the vehicle.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$100.00This fee for commercial entrance is charged per vehicle and based on the capacity of the vehicle.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$25.00Non-commercial groups are charged per vehicle and based on the capacity of the vehicle. For vehicles with a seating capacity of 15 or fewer, the fee is $25. For vehicles with a seating capacity of 16 or more, the fee is $15/person up to the commercial fee rate. Interagency passes may be used for entry in lieu of the $15/person fee.
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
FreeIf you represent an academic institution, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. Download and complete the Academic Fee Waiver and mail it to the park at least two weeks prior to your intended visit. We will notify you of the approval or disapproval of your application before your arrival. Please call 505-786-7014 for any additional questions about this process.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$40.00This fee for commercial entrance is charged per vehicle and based on the capacity of the vehicle.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$40.00This fee for commercial entrance is charged per vehicle and based on the capacity of the vehicle.
Hours
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
- Mon
- 7:00AM - 9:00PM
- Tue
- 7:00AM - 9:00PM
- Wed
- 7:00AM - 9:00PM
- Thu
- 7:00AM - 9:00PM
- Fri
- 7:00AM - 9:00PM
- Sat
- 7:00AM - 9:00PM
- Sun
- 7:00AM - 9:00PM
Activities
Getting there
Summer highs are typically in the 80s to mid-90s. Thunderstorms can produce heavy localized downpours and sudden dramatic drops in temperatures. Winter temperatures will drop to well below freezing most nights. If you plan to camp in the winter, prepare for nighttime temperatures in the teens or lower. Spring and fall are great times to visit with more moderate temperatures, but unexpected storms can change things dramatically. Monitor local weather forecasts.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Chaco Culture National Historical Park?
- Entrance to Chaco Culture National Historical Park starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Chaco Culture National Historical Park?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Camping, Guided Tours, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Chaco Culture National Historical Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Aztec Ruins National Monument (1 h 42 min), El Morro National Monument (3 h 3 min), Yucca House National Monument (3 h 8 min), Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site (3 h 13 min), Manhattan Project National Historical Park (3 h 18 min), Valles Caldera National Preserve (3 h 21 min).