The Most Remote National Park In New Mexico Is The Perfect Place To Escape
By Melissa Mahoney|Published August 28, 2023
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
Located in a remote section of the Four Corners region, Chaco National Historical Park is one of the state’s most underrated parks. However, it’s one that everyone should consider visiting. With its historical and cultural significance including ancient dwellings, there’s a lot to see at this remote national park in New Mexico.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a remote park located in a remote part of northwest New Mexico in the San Juan Basin. It encompasses 33,977 acres.
Due to its remote location, visitors can clearly see the night sky. In 2013, it became a designated Dark Sky Park. For you stargazers out there, you should make plans to visit especially during a meteor shower.
This national park is known for its preservation of ancient ruins that once belonged to the Chacoan people. The ruins include numerous well-preserved buildings as well as ancient roads.
(Pictured here is the Pueblo Bonito Ruins, the largest great house at Chaco Culture National Historical Park.)
While hiking around this national park on one of its many trails, take a good look at any ruins you encounter. It's amazing to see what an ancient culture left behind.
(Pictured here is the Great Kiva of Chetro Keti, an Ancestral Puebloan great house built between 990 and 107 A.D.)
For example, you may notice one of the preserved structure's round rooms. The round rooms are kivas, traditional rooms Puebloans used for religious ceremonies.
Due to its historical and cultural significance, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's one of 24 UNESCO sites in the U.S. and is worth driving to this remote part of New Mexico to explore.
(Pictured here is the Kin Kletso ruins, another great house that was built between 1125-1130 AD.)
Have you been to Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a remote national park in New Mexico, yet? If so, please share your experience with us in the comments. To learn more about this incredible national park, head to the National Park Service website. Love exploring some of the state’s hidden gem parks? Check out these lesser-known state parks in New Mexico.
Looking to spend the night close to Chaco Culture National Historical Park? Book a stay at an Authentic Native American Hogan located 25 miles from the park – we know you’ll have an unforgettable experience there.
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