A major center of Puebloan culture between 850 and 1250a.d., the sites at the Chaco Culture National Historical Park form part of the homeland of the Pueblo, Hopi, and Navajo Indian peoples, and consist of thirty ancient masonry buildings containing hundreds of rooms each. Visitors can take an inspiring self-guided tour along the nine-mile Canyon Loop Drive where they can explore the most fascinating sites. Chief among these is Pueblo Bonito, a massive great house constructed in stages over the course of three hundred years and which served as the center of the Chacoan culture.
Equally interesting is Hungo Pavi, an unexcavated Chacoan great house with over 150 rooms, a great kiva, an enclosed plaza, and an exposed staircase. Visitors should take the time to walk the petroglyph trail or explore one of the four backcountry trails which lead to more remote Chacoan sites and ancient roads. The park also has an excellent Visitor Center featuring a museum, theatre, book store, and gift shop.
