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Chaco Culture National Historical Park

National Historical Park · New Mexico

Colorful sandstone walls with two open sections in the middle that look like doorways.
Most walls seen at Chaco Culture NHP are close to 1,000 years old. Photo: NPS

Hours

See this week's hours below.

Entrance fee
$25 · private vehicle
Phone
5057867014
Address
1808 CR 7950, Nageezi, NM 87037

About Chaco Culture

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.

Hours

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

All hiking trails and archaeological sites are open from 7am until 9:00pm from May 1-October 31. The visitor center is open from 9:00am-5:00pm daily. At 8:30 PM, you must be leaving or if you are camping, you need to be back in the campground.

Monday7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Tuesday7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Wednesday7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Thursday7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Friday7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Saturday7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday7:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Changes to these hours

  • Spring Operating Hours, Mar 1 to Apr 30, 2027: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Winter Operating Hours, Nov 1 to Feb 28, 2027: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Thanksgiving Holiday Closure, Nov 26: Closed
  • December 25th Holiday Closure, Dec 25: Closed
  • New Year's Day Holiday Closure, Jan 1: Closed

Entrance fees

Private Vehicle$25This 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.
Per Person$15This 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.
Motorcycle$20Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Commercial Van$40This fee for commercial entrance is charged per vehicle and based on the capacity of the vehicle.
Commercial Motor Coach$100This fee for commercial entrance is charged per vehicle and based on the capacity of the vehicle.
Non-commercial Groups$25Non-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.
Education/Academic GroupsFreeIf 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 Sedan$40This fee for commercial entrance is charged per vehicle and based on the capacity of the vehicle.
Commercial Mini-bus$40This fee for commercial entrance is charged per vehicle and based on the capacity of the vehicle.

An America the Beautiful pass covers the entrance fee at every site that charges one.

Getting there

Your journey into Chaco Canyon will take you through private tribal lands. Please be respectful of our tribal neighbors and their livestock and leave no trace of your journey on their lands. Chaco Canyon is located in northwestern New Mexico. The park can only be accessed by driving on dirt roads. Road conditions can be rough or impassable. Please call in advance for updates.

Weather

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.

Things to do

Astronomy, Camping, Guided Tours, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program.

Source: National Park Service data feed, checked September 24, 2026. Hours shown are the Park Service's posted standard hours plus any date changes it lists. Official page for Chaco Culture ↗