Chaco Canyon Road

[Rosey Jet]

Has anybody pulled their AS into Chaco Canyon NHP campground? Did it 30 years ago in a van and it was washboard ride and I don’t recall it being terrible. Spectacular ruins and would like to spend more time visiting it.

[trsvax]

I drove there a couple months ago in my truck but did not have the Airstream. It's several miles of dirt road but I don't recall it being bad.

It is worth the visit.

[glcmranger]

I did with my 25 foot International in 2018. Roads were very bad. In fact, the vibration moved my shower wall.... I would do it again and only drive 5 mph REGARDLESS who is behind you.... camping in the canyon was spectacular -- Stargazing unbelievable.

[Rolind]

It’s been years since we were in Chaco Canyon, but my experience was also very bad road, passable but very slow going. We were in a suv and not towing. No big potholes, just a lot of washboard.

[tominphx]

Did the canyon in 2017 pulling an offroad trailer and yes the road was very severely
washboarded and ruted. That was the year we did the continental trail and I can
categorically say that was the worst road of that trip, including FS and BLM routes! Both north and south access roads are equally as bad.

Also care should be taken during the monsoon season, roadway becomes a mire of thick adobe (clay) mud. 4WD and mud terrain tires are a must, pulling a trailer would be problematic.

Chaco is a magical place and should not be missed! Take your time and explore and yes the night sky is spectacular!

Cheers, Tom

[tominphx]

As an afterthought, trip in and out of the canyon makes for a very long day.
If you intend to camp, I'd suggest reservations be made as the CG is not very large.

Cheers again

[islandtrader]

Originally Posted by glcmranger

I did with my 25 foot International in 2018. Roads were very bad. In fact, the vibration moved my shower wall.... I would do it again and only drive 5 mph REGARDLESS who is behind you.... camping in the canyon was spectacular -- Stargazing unbelievable.

Ditto above. We did it in 2021. The inside of the trailer was a mess. Coming back out we kept at 5mph and everything was good. However that is the longest 3 hours of my life.

Another note here if it rains you may not get out. After we left in August they had a storm that washed the roads out and folks were stranded with no egress or ingress for more than a few days.

[JeffKim]

This piqued my interest since my daughter lives in Albuquerque and we might want to visit someday. Looks very cool.

From Google Maps there are two ways to get there, one from the north on US 550 and another via IH40. Google recommends the IH40 route even though it's longer timewise (who knows with Google). So, wondering which route is preferred? Or maybe one of these is a bogus Google route (that's happened before)?

[tominphx]

550 is more scenic, both routs are about the same length once you hit the dirt!
Bonus on 550 is El Bruno's restaurant in Cuba best stacked green chili enchiladas ever!

Gheers, Tom

[JeffKim]

Originally Posted by tominphx

550 is more scenic, both routs are about the same length once you hit the dirt!
Bonus on 550 is El Bruno's restaurant in Cuba best stacked green chili enchiladas ever!

Gheers, Tom

Thanks! 550 for sure then with the enchiladas! New Mexico: Red or green? is the most asked question.

[tominphx]

Green, with a fried egg or two on top!