Ancient Mysteries of Chaco Canyon

• HelloYá'át'ééh
  [yah-ah-tay]
• GoodbyeAhe'hee'
  [ah-hay-hay]
• YesAoo'
  [ow-oh]
• NoT'a'go
  [tah-go]
• Please/You're welcomeT'áá hwó'ají
  [tah-ah whoa-hee]
• Thank youAhéhee'
  [ah-hay-hay]
• Excuse me/SorryHáiyáá
  [high-yah]
• How are you?Naa'áłk'įįh?
  [nah-ahł-kee]
• Fine. And you?Díí bizaad. Haa
  [dee bi-zaad. hah]
• Do you speak English?Bizaad yaałtł'íi?
  [bi-zaad yaa-łtł-ee]
• I don't understandBaa shí
  [bah shee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNaanish díí yee naaltsoos
  [nah-neesh dee yee nah-alt-soos]
• I don't eat meatShádi'ááshch'įį'
  [shah-dee-ah-sh-chee]
• Cheers!Shík'é
  [shee-kay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBééhózin
  [beh-ho-zin]

• Help!Nihí
  [nee-hee]
• Go away!Yágo
  [yah-go]
• Call the Police!Nímá t'áá hwó'ají
  [nee-mah tah-ah whoa-hee]
• Call a doctor!Nímá bich'į́įdí
  [nee-mah beech-ee-dee]
• I'm lostTó éí íiyisí
  [toh ay ee-yee-see]
• I'm illT'áá hwó'ají
  [tah-ah whoa-hee]

• I'd like to buy...Naanish díí yee ła'
  [nah-neesh dee yee lah]
• I'm just lookingNaakwíí sii
  [nah-kwee see]
• How much is it?Háadidíínanídí?
  [haa-dee-dee-nah-dee]
• That's too expensiveBaahóóh bił hózhó
  [bah-ho-h bił hoz-ho]
• Can you lower the price?Nahójí bił hózhó yee nínáhí
  [nah-ho-hee bił hoz-ho yee nee-nah-hee]

• What time is it?Haa'aahdéé' nízí
  [hah-ah-ah-day nee-zee]
• It's one o'clockBahaají
  [bah-haah-hee]
• Half past (10)'Ałtso
  [ahł-tso]
• MorningT'ááyíí
  [tah-ah-yee]
• AfternoonHózhóogo
  [hoz-ho-go]
• EveningHashké
  [hah-shkay]
• YesterdayÉíshjaa
  [ay-shah]
• TodayNízí
  [nee-zee]
• TomorrowNáhoní
  [nah-hoh-nee]
• 1Táá'
  [taah]
• 2Naaki
  [nah-kee]
• 3Tł'eejí
  [tł-ee-jee]
• 4Dį́į'
  [dee-ee]
• 5Ashdla'
  [ah-shd-lah]
• 6Hastą́ą́
  [has-tah-nah]
• 7Tsosts'id
  [tsoh-tseet]
• 8Tseebíí
  [tsee-bee]
• 9Náhást'éí
  [nah-hast-ay]
• 10Ná'ooltį
  [nah-oh-ol-tee]

• Where's a/the...?Hágoónee...
  [hah-goh-nee]
• What's the address?Nílį́į́'
  [nee-lee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ádííshní
  [ah-dee-shnee]
• When's the next (bus)?Níłch'i
  [neeł-chee]
• A ticket (to ....)Bílká
  [beel-kah]

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a testament to the ingenuity of the Ancestral Puebloans, who flourished in the region from approximately 900 to 1150 AD. These early inhabitants constructed complex multi-story buildings, known as great houses, using sandstone blocks and timber transported from distant locations. The Chacoans were skilled astronomers, architects, and traders, creating a thriving cultural and economic center.

The hallmark of Chacoan society is the great houses, massive stone buildings with hundreds of rooms each. The most famous among them is Pueblo Bonito, which once stood four or five stories high and contained more than 600 rooms. These structures were used for various purposes, including residential, ceremonial, and storage. The layout of the great houses aligns with solar, lunar, and cardinal directions, reflecting the Chacoans' advanced understanding of astronomy.

Chaco Canyon was the hub of a vast trade network that extended across the American Southwest and beyond. The Chacoans exchanged goods such as turquoise, shells, and exotic birds from Mesoamerica. Roads radiating from Chaco connected it to outlying communities and facilitated the flow of goods, ideas, and people. This extensive trade network contributed to the region's economic prosperity and cultural richness.

The Chacoans were keen astronomers, and their architecture reflects their celestial knowledge. Buildings like Fajada Butte feature petroglyphs and alignments that mark solar and lunar cycles. The Sun Dagger, a famous rock art site, casts light and shadow patterns that correspond to the solstices and equinoxes, serving as a sophisticated calendar system. These astronomical observations were likely crucial for agricultural planning and ceremonial events.

By the late 12th century, Chaco Canyon began to decline, and its great houses were gradually abandoned. Several factors contributed to this collapse, including prolonged droughts, resource depletion, and social upheaval. The Chacoans dispersed to other regions, and their descendants continued to live in the Southwest, maintaining cultural traditions and oral histories that preserve the legacy of Chaco.

The ruins of Chaco Canyon were first documented by European-American explorers in the 19th century. Subsequent archaeological investigations in the 20th and 21st centuries have unearthed a wealth of information about the Chacoan culture. Researchers have used advanced technologies like aerial photography, LiDAR, and dendrochronology to uncover the complexities of Chacoan architecture, trade, and society. These studies continue to shed light on the mysteries of this ancient civilization.

In 1987, Chaco Culture National Historical Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding universal value as a cultural landmark. The park preserves one of the most significant pre-Columbian cultural and historical areas in the United States, providing insight into the achievements of the Ancestral Puebloans. Visitors today can explore the ruins, hike ancient trails, and marvel at the astronomical alignments that once guided this remarkable society.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is located in northwestern New Mexico. The nearest major airport is Albuquerque International Sunport, approximately 150 miles away. From Albuquerque, you can rent a car and drive to the park, which takes around 3 hours. The park is accessed via County Road 7900 and County Road 7950 from U.S. Highway 550. Note that the roads to the park are dirt roads and may be impassable in adverse weather conditions, so it’s best to check road conditions before you travel.

The park is remote and there are no public transportation options directly to Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A private vehicle is necessary to visit the park. Once inside, you can explore the park by car or on foot. There are several hiking trails that allow you to explore the sites more intimately. Bicycles are also permitted on the park roads but not on the trails.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). There are no ATMs or credit card facilities within the park, so it is essential to bring sufficient cash for your visit. Some nearby towns may have ATMs and facilities for credit card payments, but it is advisable to prepare in advance.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is generally safe for tourists. However, it is a remote area, so always ensure you have enough water, food, and fuel. Weather conditions can change rapidly and can make roads impassable. It is advisable to inform someone of your travel plans and expected return time. The park does not have high-crime areas targeting tourists, but standard precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night are recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The park has limited cell phone coverage, so it is recommended to carry a satellite phone if possible. The nearest medical facilities are in the town of Cuba, New Mexico, approximately 70 miles away. Always carry a basic first aid kit and know basic first aid procedures. Park rangers are available to assist with emergencies within the park.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions. Avoid wearing bright colors that may disturb wildlife. Religion: Do respect the cultural significance of the sites. Do not touch or climb on the ruins. Public Transport: There is no public transport available, so plan to drive. Greetings: Do greet fellow visitors and park rangers with a friendly hello. Eating & Drinking: Do bring plenty of water and snacks, but remember to pack out all trash. Don't eat or drink in the ruins to preserve their integrity.

To experience Chaco Culture National Historical Park like a local, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. Attend a ranger-led tour or evening program to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the park. Bring binoculars for bird watching and star gazing, as the park is known for its dark skies and is an excellent location for astronomy. Always stay on marked trails to protect the fragile desert ecosystem.