Chaco Canyon?
 

I will be visiting New Mexico the first week of August and am very interested in visiting Chaco Canyon. Anyone know how long it takes to get there from Santa Fe? Will it be too hot to enjoy? Where's the best place to stay nearby?

I can't answer any of the questions you have but I thought I would throw in what I do know. The road to Chaco is a dirt road. August is the beginning of the monsoon season in New Mexico. Inquire about the roads before you go!<BR><BR>This place is FANTASTIC!<BR><BR>Utahtea

<BR><BR>It's been 7 to 8 years since I've been there, so I may have a few things wrong, but . . .<BR>It takes a good three hours to get there from Santa Fe. The drive is a nice one, but there's not much in the way of restaurants or lodging along the way. It's just flat out good looking scenery.<BR>If it is raining, the road to Chaco, as noted in above post, becomes really tough; in fact, they may not let you in. If it HAS been raining, you'll probably need a 4wd. But if the road is dry, a regular car will do fine.<BR>If memory serves, i don't think there's much in the way of lodging around Chaco Canyon. (Keep in mind - you are in the middle of wilderness, and Chaco is very, very remote.) I do think there's a convenience store near where you turn off the main road onto the dirt road to Chaco.<BR>Chaco is set on some buttes and down into a valley. It can get very windy there, so unless there is no wind, I think it won't be too hot.<BR>It is simply a wonderful place.

We loved our visit to Chaco - but it is very isolated, and hot. There are no accomodations within 3 hours of Chaco, only the campground at Chaco itself. Bring lots of water (gallons and gallons). We stayed two nights and didn't feel like it was enough time. Do call ahead and make sure the road is stable - the rains can wash it out.

The turnoff to Chaco is not far from Cuba, NM. Cuba probably has a motel or two. We drive through the town frequently, but never notice lodging, just bathroom stops.

We drove from Chaco to Los Alamos last year in July. It was very hot then. And it took about 3 hours to get there (took some back roads over some very pretty country). There was a great Mexican restaurant in Cuba. I don't remember the name, but it was in the middle of town, family type with an inside courtyard. Delicious and good prices. (can't be too many restaurants there) Where will you be going after you're visit? If back to Santa Fe-then it is too much for one day. We stayed at Farmington the night before and it took more than 2 hours to get there. The dirt roads was not too rough except in a couple of short spurts. Monsoon rain can be random or can be a deluge. You would have to check the day you are going. On the other hand, rain has been in short supply this year. The park service will close roads if they think they are too difficult to get through.

I was just at Chaco on Saturday, it wad great. Although it was hot, there was a steady breeze the whole day. Take the backcountry hikes, there are worth it. All you have to do is ask for a pass at the visitor station. As far as the roads, there are two; one dirt and one paved. If it has rained at all, don't take the dirt road, unless your a professional off road racer. The mud is like ice and its no place to get stuck. don't get me wrong, the dirt road is the way to go as long as its dry and your in a rental car (: The paved road is longer but at least you don't get stuck. The weather last week was about 90 degrees but with plenty of water you'll be alright. Have fun

Have visited Chaco most years until the last two. It is well worth the trip. Last I was there both roads led into the same dirt road - about 11 miles of it. Not bad at all unless it is or has rained recently. The nearest motels are in Bloomfield or Farmington - about 2-3 hrs away. Try to go in early as the real heat is in the PM. Do take a couple of the hikes (walks), especially the one above Pueblo Bonito. Does require a 'pass' - free at Visitor's Center. In PM, see the movies at Visitor's Center. Enjoy.

To Matt,<BR><BR>I haven't been to Chaco for a few years and I didn't realize they now had a paved road to the park. Can you give me more information on which road is paved?<BR><BR>Utahtea