Your first stop should be the Visitor Center, which includes a museum, information desk, theater, book store, and gift shop. Picnic tables and shade shelters are located by the parking lot.
From there, the 9-mile paved loop road accesses five major Chacoan sites, including Pueblo Bonito. Self-guiding trails are available at each site. Trail guides are available at the parking lots of the sites, or in the bookstore. Each site usually takes 45 minutes to one hour to complete. Pets are not permitted on these trails.
Four backcountry hiking trails access more remote sites and features. Free permits are availible at the visitor centerand at all trailheads. All sites and trails are open from sunrise to sunset. Pets are permitted on these trails as long as they are leashed.
Biking the 9-mile paved loop through the canyon is a great way to see the sites and experience the canyon. The Wijiji, Casa Chiquita, and Kin Klizhin trails may also be biked. Inquire at visitor center for free permits and directions.
From May to October, tours, hikes, and evening programs are offered. From April to October, the Chaco Night Sky Program presents astronomy programs, solar viewing, and telescope viewing of the spectacular dark night sky. Check the schedule at the visitor center.
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