This morning we drove around two hours from Corrales to Chaco Canyon - still in New Mexico but seemingly a world apart. That drive simply qualified us to drive another 21 miles - 13 on unpaved road - to get to the Chaco Visitors Center. Once there, we decided to go ahead and reserve a campsite for the night. It was only $10, and would allow us to stay if Chaco proved too much to see in one day. We headed for the campground to claim our spot, and had our first experience of the wonder of Chaco - our campsite fronted an Anasazi ruin! What a view! The second photo is from inside the ruin.)
Next, we headed off to explore Chaco. First, we visited the Chetro Ketl ruins, one of the largest Great Houses at Chaco. Chetro Ketl contained over 500 rooms and 12 kivas, including a huge great kiva within the central courtyard. This ruin also introduced us to the amazing masonry at Chaco. Keep in mind that construction at Chetro Ketl began around 945 AD with the greatest period of building between 1030 and 1090, which means that these walls of sandstone and mud have stood for nearly 11 centuries. Photos below are of the great kiva and masonry detail.
Next, we took the trail to Pueblo Bonito, the largest Great House at Chaco. On the way, we viewed ancient petroglyphs. My travel partner was kind enough to "pose" with one of the petroglyph characters (he's on the left).
At this point, the heat was already getting to us - it was approaching 90 (but it's a dry heat!) - so we headed to the Visitor's Center for a quick break.
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