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San Juan County

Pueblo Alto Trail loop – Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

San Juan County

Pueblo Alto Trail loop – Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Moderate

5.0

(2)

hikers

Pueblo Alto Trail loop – Chaco Culture National Historical Park

02:24

8.77km

140m

Hiking

In the Chaco Culture National Historical Park you can marvel at monumental Pueblo buildings dating from 850 to 1250 AD. Chaco Canyon is a sacred and deeply personal place for many indigenous peoples throughout the southwest. On this hike you will explore the impressive ruins of old settlements and connecting routes.

The Pueblo Alto loop starts at a parking lot north of Pueblo del Arroyo. You first hike on a gravel road and then turn onto a narrower path at Kin Kletso. What follows are dramatic views of the historic sites of Pueblo Bonito and Chetro Ketl. But Jackson Stairway is also sure to leave you in awe. Almost vertical steps carved into the rock lead out of the gorge, which were regularly used by the indigenous people.

Before the circular hike closes again, you pass Pueblo Alto and New Alto, both ancient, majestic buildings that are still relatively well preserved today. If you want to learn more about the ancient cultures, it is worth visiting the visitor center or taking a guided tour.

by VisitTheUSA

Last updated: December 3, 2024

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions. Check ahead to confirm restricted segments are open to the public.

After 83 m for 425 m

After 8.27 km for 425 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.92 km

Pueblo Bonito Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

Breathtaking view from high on the canyon rim down into the valley with a perfect angle to see the geometrically perfect shape of the great Pueblo. Best light in the late evening. Access is via climbing up a difficult rock gully and a half mile trail on the edge of the canyon wall.

Tip by

2.61 km

Chetro Ketl Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

Fantastic view from high on the Canyon rim down into the second largest ancient Chacoan Pueblo. Access is via a very steep climb through a rock gully and a 1 mile walk along the canyon edge.

Tip by

4.49 km

Jackson Stairway

Highlight • Historical Site

Impressive example of the straight, ceremonial, Chacoan roads needing steep steps up vertical canyon walls, not built for practical transportation.

Tip by

8.77 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.84 km

903 m

Surfaces

8.06 km

494 m

141 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,960 m)

Lowest point (1,860 m)

Weather

Today

Friday 29 May

27°C

13°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 43.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

October 12, 2024

In the Chaco Culture National Historical Park you can marvel at monumental Pueblo buildings dating from 850 to 1250 AD. Chaco Canyon is a sacred and deeply personal place for many indigenous peoples throughout the southwest. On this hike you will explore the impressive ruins of old settlements and connecting

Translated by Google •