Q: I’m very keen to drive up to Chaco, which I know you’re a big fan of. Any recommendations on how to spend a long weekend up yonder? — PB

PB-

All the ruins I’ve seen in the Four Corners are unique and fascinating. Still, Chaco tops everything (and I would understand anyone saying, ‘no, it’s Mesa Verde’ or Hovenweap or Montezuma’s Castle, etc).

I think the way to do it is to plan to camp in the campground at Chaco at least two nights (though many people do it all in one long day trip). On weekends, the CG tends to fill-up, especially in summer (which is a crazy time to be there). Try to get to the CG by early afternoon on a Friday (mid-week is really better) — stop at the CG first and get your spot (it’s 3 to 4 hours from Albuquerque). After the CG, visit the Visitors Center; look at the glorious 3D map. You’ll visit all the ruins along the main 8-mile loop road (“Downtown Chaco,” some say) — one can do that in a few hours or a few days. Eventually, you should hit one of the backcountry ruins — start early in the day; Wijiji is easiest (flattest route); Pueblo Peñasco is farthest; Tsin Kletsin may be least impressive, but a really neat hike if you loop through South Gap — great vistas at the beginning and end of that loop. If one could only do one backcountry ruin, it probably should be Pueblo Alto for the combination of terrain, vistas and ruins.

I will be very happy to answer any questions or offer more advice. I have lots of thoughts about things to see outside of Chaco Canyon (outliers, etc). And I look forward to your photos and blog entry. mjh

See also:
www.mjhinton.com/chaco/
www.mjhinton.com/outliers/