Friday, August 4, 2017

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

After we left Aztec Ruins National Monument, we wanted to go to Chaco  Culture National Historic Park to finish up our studies and sites regarding the Ancestral Pueblo (Anasazi & Aztec) cultures of the southwest.

We drove only 2 hours to get to Nageezi, New Mexico (1.5 hours via car) and it was on the way, but we learned that we had to go an additional 21 miles off the main road to get there, but we were ready for an adventure.  Hauling the 5th wheel was OK...for 5 miles on the paved road, but after that it turned into a very badly rutted gravel road...that we continued to follow...VERY slowly for 16 more miles.  We continued for 12 miles of those 16 miles until the road became a dirt road...even worse than the gravel road and when we had a chance, we decided to turn around...only 4 miles short of our goal. We couldn't gamble that we were going to ruin our RV due to these very terrible road.  We were heartbroken!

But, here's a you-tube video so we could see it...but I didn't get my National Parks book stamped or Cierra get her coin.

In retrospect, we should have unhitched the truck and parked the RV and finished up the 4 miles, but it took us nearly 2 hours to get those 17 miles completed!

My review to you is that when you get first get off the main road and continue on the paved road, on the left is a HUGE dirt area (just before  you turn on Rd 7950) that you can unhitch and then take your vehicle to the park.  Also, the speed limit is 35 mph on the gravel road.  GO 35 mph.  The slower you go, the bumpier the drive!  When I turned the RV around, I went 30 mph just because we were losing so much daylight.  And, then the drive was smoother than the 12-20 mph we were doing with the RV.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the park, but I think if you do Aztec, you'll get the feel for this park.  Both are mention as sister sites.

Directions from Aztec National Monument to Chaco Culture National Historic Park.

Good luck and learn from our mistake.

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