Chaco Canyon in Depth
Sept. 13-20, 2025
$3,100 per person ($650 single supplement)
From 800 to 1130 CE, Chaco culture developed and expanded beyond Chaco Canyon into an extensive network of outlying communities filled with distinct architecture and pottery styles. These communities were integral parts of the entire Chacoan complex and their histories are still not fully understood by researchers. There is much debate among scholars as to how this vast system developed and operated, and why it came to a collapse around 1130 CE. This tour will explore some of these theories while visiting some of the most important outlier communities in the Chaco network. The tour concludes with an immersive, all-inclusive camping experience under the spectacularly dark skies of Chaco Canyon. Tents, sleeping bags, and delicious meals are provided. Days will be spent hiking to some of the most significant sites in the park and gaining a deeper understanding of the Chaco phenomenon. Special guests and guides will join along the way to offer a broader perspective on the archaeological evidence and share some of their own research.
Tour Schedule
Saturday, Sept. 13
The tour begins in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a welcome reception and a night’s stay at the beautiful Hotel Chaco.
Meals included: Dinner
Sunday, Sept. 14
We’ll begin our journey at Acoma Pueblo, one of the longest continually occupied Pueblos in New Mexico. The tour is led by Acoma guides who offer a unique view of early and modern Pueblo life. Afterwards, we’ll visit the museum and visitor center and have a picnic lunch. Next, we will travel to Casamero where we will learn more about great houses and the Chaco cultural system from our guest lecturer. We’ll spend the evening at the historic El Rancho Hotel in Gallup. The El Rancho was built along the original Route 66 alignment in western New Mexico and was once the resting place for many celebrities during the golden age of Hollywood.
Meals included: Lunch
Monday, Sept. 15
In the morning, we’ll visit the historic Richardson’s Trading Post for a special tour and shopping experience. Afterwards, we will travel to Salmon Ruins and Museum on the San Juan River where we’ll see a 300-room Chaco outlier that sits on the end of the Great North Road from Chaco Canyon. We’ll spend three evenings at the Courtyard Marriott in Farmington.
Meals included: Lunch
Tuesday, Sept. 16
We’ll travel to the northern extreme of the Chaco system in the Montezuma Valley of Colorado and visit the Conservancy’s Albert Porter and Haynie Preserves. Both contain examples of some of the most northern Chacoan outliers that include buried and exposed architecture as well as abundant surface artifacts. We’ll be joined by a special guest and researcher who will offer new perspectives on Chaco culture.
Meals included: Lunch
Wednesday, Sept. 17
We’ll continue to explore the outlier communities with a morning visit to Chimney Rock*, a spectacular setting for ancient astronomy used by the Chaco people to predict the moon’s movement across the sky. After a picnic lunch, we’ll travel to Aztec Ruins National Monument, where evidence suggests that the Chaco people may have once tried to relocate their cultural center. Our special guest and guide will join us for the day and for the rest of the trip into Chaco Canyon.
Meals included: Lunch
*Note: The hike to Chimney Rock requires a short but steep climb to the top to see the site. Those who are challenged by heights or with physical limitations may find this trail challenging.
Thursday, Sept. 18
Our three-day adventure begins in Chaco Canyon! After a stop at the visitor center, we’ll visit the great houses of Pueblo Bonito and Chetro Ketl and see the petroglyphs at Una Vida. We’ll camp for the next two evenings under brilliant skies, where our outfitters will provide meals, tents, and every comfort*.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
*Note: While there are indoor toilet stalls and sinks with running water at the campground, there are no shower facilities. Power outlets are available in the bathroom area, but they are limited. A portable battery unit is recommended for charging phones at Chaco, although there is little to no phone reception in the park.
Friday, Sept. 19
In the early morning, we’ll take a 5-mile roundtrip hike to Pueblo Alto* which culminates with an extraordinary view of the Great North Road. The trail also offers spectacular views and photo opportunities of Pueblo Bonito from above. After lunch and a rest at camp, we will visit Pueblo del Arroyo and some of the other southern canyon sites to learn more about the more domestic side of life in Chaco Canyon.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
*Note: The hike to Pueblo Alto requires a short but steep scramble on a narrow, rock “staircase” to the top of the mesa. Once on top, most of the hike is level, but it highly exposed to the sun. There is no shade and, while the mornings can be quite cold, it can get hot very fast as the sun rises. The hike typically takes a few hours with stops at several sites and an overlook for the Great North Road. Those with heat, sun, or elevation sensitivities or physical limitations may find this hike challenging. An alternative activity will be offered for those who opt out of the morning hike.
Saturday, Sept. 20
After coffee and a hearty breakfast, we will offer an optional* 4-mile roundtrip hike to Wijiji, a later-period great house built around 1100 CE. This hike also features petroglyphs, pictographs, and astonishing morning views. We’ll have a departing lunch at camp before we begin our journey back to Hotel Chaco for a farewell party and a good night’s rest.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
*Wijiji is a fairly level trail along an old two-track road, but it can feel long and rigorous after a couple of days of camping and hiking in primitive conditions. Those who opt out of this hike can relax at camp or explore some of the trails and features around the campground until lunch.
Sunday, Sept. 21
Participants depart for home.
Chaco Canyon in Depth
Tour Details
Cost includes six nights of hotel accommodations in New Mexico and Colorado based on double occupancy (single supplement is $650), all meals, refreshments, and cocktails. For the camping portion tents, meals, and other comforts by an outfitting company will be provided.
