Chaco Canyon is about 66 miles southeast of Bloomfield, NM. It is accessible from Us Highway 550 to county road 7900 (six miles paved) then to county road 7950 (23 miles of dirt road.

There are several Pueblo building remnants. They are similar to the ones seen at Hovenweep National Monument and Aztec Ruins National Park (which really are Pueblo culture). Guided tours are recommended. Check at the visitor center for information on when the tours begin.

If possible, plan to spend the night in the park (there is a campgrounds). Why? The park has a 25-inch telescope observatory. Countless more stars can be seen since no large populations are within a 50 mile radius of the park. In fact, the darkness (ie. no "light pollution") is considered to be a natural resource of the park. Thus, it is protected by law.

I would have totally missed this place had it not been for my incredible friend Suzanne pointing it out to me. She grew up in the area. She and her husband Steve attended the University of New Mexico. Knowing this, I asked her for tourist-type information. I expected a conversation sometime. Instead, I got a five-page typed document telling all about the southwest (and more!). It is better than a travel guide. Thanks, Suz! :>)

The night was about as perfect as one could hope for. The temperature for the desert day was near 90 degrees. The night air chilled quickly and jackets were needed. Totally clear skies. New moon (thus, it was not visible and its brightness was absent from the sky). No city lights around meant no light pollution.

The forty people who showed up at 8:00 pm had a night sky full of stars. As luck would have it, on Tuesday nights (along with Fridays and Saturdays from late March through late October, weather permitting), the park rangers put on a special night sky program. First, we get stories (along with a slide show depicting examples) of how the Pueblo Indians there from 1000 A.D. to 1200 A.D. probably used the night sky. It was more important to their culture than for most people today. Many of their buildings were designed to make special use of the sunrise light at the solstice and equinox times.

After the stories and slide show, we were pointed out (via an amazing special pointer light made just for astronomy) several special sky features (eg. north star, big and little dippers, various constellations, etc.). Then, we were allowed to view several galaxies through the 25-inch telescope in the observatory in the park. Another ranger had a portable 16-inch telescope. What a difference the telescopes make. The Pueblos did not have such devices.

Up until ninth grade, I wanted to be an astronomer. This was as close as I have gotten to that early dream. It was something to remember for the rest of my life.

Because of the remoteness of the place, it being so dark, and so late, by the time we were done, it would be foolish to drive 2 - 3 hours across dirt/gravel roads and unfamiliar highways to get to a motel. I slept in my car at the park campgrounds. You could not see your hand in front of your face. Totally dark, totally quiet except for an occasional howl of a coyote. Loved it!

If you ever get a chance, this place is definitely worth the trip and effort. Definitely!!!