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Chaco Canyon National Historic Park - Practicalities
P.O. Box 220
Nageezi, NM 87037
(505) 786-7014
Getting There
The park is located in northwestern New Mexico. From the north, turn off NM 44 at Nageezi and follow San Juan county road 11 miles north to NM 57. The visitor center is 15 miles ahead. From the south, turn north onto NM 57 from I-40 at Thoreau and go 44 miles on the paved road. Two miles north of Crownpoint, NM 57 turns to the right. Continue east on NM 57 to a marked turn off. From here a 20 mile stretch of unpaved road leads north to the visitor center. Inquire about road conditions by calling the park.
No lodging, gasoline, repair services, or food are available at the park. The nearest town is 60 miles away. On weekdays, staples can usually be purchased at trading posts on NM 44. The NPS operates a campground a mile from the visitor center. Tables, fireplaces and central toilets are provided. Water is only available at the visitor center. No firewood is available in the park. Trailers over 30 feet long cannot be accommodated. Camping is limited to 7 days.
Climate
The weather in Chaco Canyon is inconsistent and unpredictable.
Temperatures can fluctuate over 60 degrees during a twenty-four hour period.
As with much of New Mexico, precipitation may be localized and one end
of the canyon will experience a downpour while the sun blazes and rainbows
appear five miles to the east. Due to this irregular weather pattern, reconstructing
prehistoric climatic conditions or advising visitors about tomorrow's weather
is difficult. Climatic data, such as the chart below, should only be used
as a general guide.
The high desert environment of Chaco receives an average
annual rainfall of around eight inches. The humidity is very low. Precipitation
will frequently evaporate before striking the ground creating virga, the
streamers that can be detected below rain clouds. Approximately 36% of
the total annual precipitation falls in July, August and September when
unstable tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico moves through the Southwest.
This moist air produces cumulus clouds and dramatic thunderstorms, enriching
the view while bringing much needed moisture to the plants and animals
that live here. Throughout the remainder of the year, Pacific and Arctic
airstreams dominate Chaco's weather. These systems bring cool temperatures
and occasional snow storms.
Temperatures in Chaco rise and fall with the sun. In the summer, days are hot while the nights are cool due to the canyon's elevation of 4175 feet. Frost has appeared in every month except July although it usually occurs from October to May. The yearly variation of temperatures can be extreme with the record high of 106 degrees occurring in July of 1942 and the record low of -38 occurring in December of 1961.
If you are hiking in the canyon, be prepared for heat, rain, wind, and unexpected changes in temperature. Carry extra water, wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, and if you are going to be out for any length of time, bring along a jacket or sweater. This will ensure your visit to the canyon will not be spoiled by an unpredictable change in weather.
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