Directions

Be Safe! Know the Current Conditions.

Always check current conditions before entering into the park.

 

CR 7950 approaching Escavada Wash. Road is normally suitable for all passenger vehicles.

Russ Bodnar

Be Respectful and Leave No Trace

Your journey into Chaco Canyon will take you through private tribal lands. Please be respectful of our tribal neighbors and their livestock. Leave no trace of your journey on their lands.

 

Warning: Use Our Directions Below to Avoid Danger or Trespass

Some local roads recommended by map publishers and GPS are unsafe for cars, or are private roads. Please use our directions below to avoid getting lost, stuck, or trespassing on private property.

 

By Car

Chaco Canyon is located in northwestern New Mexico. The park can only be accessed by driving on dirt roads.

From the North

• Turn off US 550 at CR 7900
  • 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Nageezi and approximately 50 miles (80 km) west of Cuba (at mile marker 112.5).
• This route is clearly signed from US 550 to the park boundary (21 miles).
• The route includes:
  • 8 miles (13 km) of paved road (CR 7900 & CR 7950)
  • 13 miles (21 km) of rough dirt road (CR 7950).
  • The 4.5 miles (7 km) before entering the park are very rough.

From the South

• Two routes access Chaco from Highway 9, which runs between Crownpoint, Pueblo Pintado, and Cuba.
• Both routes can vary from very rough to impassable. These routes are not recommended for RVs.
• If you are traveling from the south, please call ahead for the latest conditions.

Via Highway 57 (Hwy 14 on some maps)

• This turnoff is located on Highway 9, 13 miles (21 km) east of Highway 371, at the former Seven Lakes Trading Post.
• This route is 21 miles (34 km) of dirt road.
• Note that the signs directing you to turn off of Highway 371 onto Highway 9 are missing.

Via Pueblo Pintado

• At the community of Pueblo Pintado, turn north on Navajo 46 for 10 miles (16 km) on a rough dirt road.
• Turn left on County Road 7900 for 7 miles (11 km) on a road with some rough dirt.
• Turn left on County Road 7950, and follow the signs 16 miles (26 km) to the park entrance.
• This will include 3 miles (5 km) of paved and 13 miles (21 km) of rough dirt road.

The northern and southern routes include 13, 21, and 33 miles (or 21 km, 34 km, and 53 km) of dirt roads, respectively. These sections of roads are seldom maintained. They can become impassable in bad weather.

If you have an RV and are not planning on camping in the park, you may want to leave the RV and drive a car into the park.

Call the park (505-786-7014) for current road conditions.

By Airplane

The nearest airports:

• Farmington, NM (73 miles)
• Gallup, NM (92 miles)
• Durango,CO (122 miles)
• Albuquerque, NM (159 miles)

Public Transportation

There is no public transportation to the park.

 

Hwy 57 (14). Rough road not recommended for RV's.

Russ Bodnar

 

Hwy 57 (14) entering park from the south. Road can be rough and rutted. May be impassable.

Russ Bodnar