Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$100.00This fee for commercial entrance is charged per vehicle and based on the capacity of the vehicle.
NM
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Hours
Open daily · 7:00AM - 9:00PM
Entrance Fee
$25.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Trailie
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Chaco Culture at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, September–November
- Trip length
- 1–2 days
- Don't miss
- Main Chaco Culture highlights — see Things to Do for current listings
- Nearby city
- Nageezi, NM
Explore this park
About Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Explore the monumental structures and breathtaking landscape at Chaco, a thriving regional center for the ancestral Pueblo people from 850 to 1250 CE (Common Era), through hiking & biking trails, ranger guided tours & programs, and more. Chaco Canyon is a sacred and deeply personal place for many Indigenous peoples throughout the Southwest. Please visit with respect.
Weather Information
- Spring
and fall are great times to visit with more moderate temperatures, but unexpected storms can change things dramatically.
- Summer
highs are typically in the 80s to mid-90s.
- Winter
temperatures will drop to well below freezing most nights.
Thunderstorms can produce heavy localized downpours and sudden dramatic drops in temperatures. If you plan to camp in the winter, prepare for nighttime temperatures in the teens or lower. Monitor forecasts.
Entrance Fees
Commercial Entrance - Van
$40.00This fee for commercial entrance is charged per vehicle and based on the capacity of the vehicle.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$40.00This fee for commercial entrance is charged per vehicle and based on the capacity of the vehicle.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$40.00This fee for commercial entrance is charged per vehicle and based on the capacity of the vehicle.
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00This fee allows all persons traveling in one private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) to enter the park to visit for up to 7 days from the date of purchase.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$25.00Non-commercial groups are charged per vehicle and based on the capacity of the vehicle. For vehicles with a seating capacity of 15 or fewer, the fee is $25. For vehicles with a seating capacity of 16 or more, the fee is $15/person up to the commercial fee rate. Interagency passes may be used for entry in lieu of the $15/person fee.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00This fee allows a single individual traveling on foot, bicycle, or as individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group to enter the park to visit for up to 7 days from the date of purchase.
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
FreeIf you represent an academic institution, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. Download and complete the Academic Fee Waiver and mail it to the park at least two weeks prior to your intended visit. We will notify you of the approval or disapproval of your application before your arrival. Please call 505-786-7014 for any additional questions about this process.
Operating Hours
All hiking trails and archaeological sites are open from 7am until 9:00pm from May 1-October 31. The visitor center is open from 9:00am-5:00pm daily. At 8:30 PM, you must be leaving or if you are camping, you need to be back in the campground.
- Monday7:00AM - 9:00PM
- Tuesday7:00AM - 9:00PM
- Wednesday7:00AM - 9:00PM
- Thursday7:00AM - 9:00PM
- Friday7:00AM - 9:00PM
- Saturday7:00AM - 9:00PM
- Sunday7:00AM - 9:00PM
Common questions
Planning Chaco Culture National Historical Park
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Chaco Culture. Check the Permits tab on this page and Recreation.gov before you travel — campground, tour, or backcountry permits may apply even without park-wide timed entry.
See Permits tab →
