Pueblo Bonito
The largest great house, four stories high in places.
Chaco Canyon
The great ceremonial center of the Ancestral Puebloan world, with huge stone great houses in a remote desert canyon.
Between about 850 and 1150, the Chacoan people built massive multi-story buildings, aligned to the sun and moon, and linked by long straight roads. Pueblo Bonito had around 600 rooms. It's a World Heritage Site, and it's sacred to today's Pueblo and Navajo people.
- Best Time
- April–May and September–October
- Time Needed
- 1 day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Check before you go; hours vary by season
- Getting There
- About three hours by car northwest of Albuquerque.
What to See
0 of 3 are freeChetro Ketl
A massive great house with a great kiva nearby.
Pueblo Alto Trail
A climb to the mesa for views and an ancient roadway.
Know Before You Go
- The last 13 or so miles are rough dirt, and it can be impassable after rain. There's no food or fuel.
Where to Stay
Camp in the park, or stay in Farmington or Cuba.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
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Go Next
Worth a DetourMesa Verde National Park
Colorado
Whole villages built into cliff alcoves by Ancestral Puebloans 800 years ago. Ranger tours take you inside.
Full Guide
If You're NearbyAlbuquerque
New Mexico
Home of the Balloon Fiesta, with an old Spanish plaza, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and a long tram up Sandia Peak.
Full Guide
Worth a DetourCanyon de Chelly
Arizona
Sheer red canyon walls sheltering ancient cliff dwellings, and Navajo families who still farm the valley floor.
Full Guide
Last checked 2026-11-02. Part of the Southwest list.