The Mystery & Meaning of Chaco Canyon

Travel Tips & Information


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Currency

U.S. Dollar $USD

Language

Predominantly English

Time Zone

Mountain Time (MT)

Climate

6200 ft elevation (high desert); Spring storms/wind. Heat, rain, wind, unexpected temperature changes (bring layers), extreme swings; Rainfall likely from July – September; average high in September is 77° F.

Culture/Etiquette

Enter sacred sites with a respect for the local artifacts, environment, and spirit of the site.

Native American influence - Be respectful to local native cultures.

Archaic – Early Basketmakers, small bands descended from nomadic Clovis big-game hunters who arrived in the Southwest around 10,000 BC; Clovis culture is a prehistoric Paleo-Indian culture. Clovis people are considered to be the ancestors of most of the indigenous cultures of the Americas.

Ancestral Puebloans - A small population of Basketmakers remained in the area. By 850, the Ancient Pueblo population—the Anasazi – rapidly expanded into this area.

Athabaskan succession - Nomadic Southern Athabaskan speaking peoples, such as the Apache and Navajo, succeeded the Pueblo people in this region by the 15th century. In the process, they acquired Chacoan customs and agricultural skills. Ute tribal groups also frequented the region, primarily during hunting and raiding expeditions. The modern Navajo Nation lies west of Chaco Canyon, and many Navajo live in surrounding areas.

Local Crafts/Products

Native American crafts, textiles, and jewelry, Southwestern art and crafts.

Other Places of Interest

Native American ruins and pueblos; Aztec Ruins National Monument; Mesa Verde National Monument; Shiprock; Salmon Ruin; Four Corners Monument

Native Tribes

Pueblo, Hopi

Tipping

Food/Beverage: 20% for good service

Taxis: 10-20%

Hotels: Baggage assistance: $1-2 per bag; Housekeeping: $5/day; Room Service: 20%

Voltage

110-120 Volt 60 Hz Frequency U.S. plug

Warnings/Notes

Sun/heat, inherent dangers of being in a natural environment. Drink a lot of water and wear sunscreen. See Travelers' Health for more information.

The best thing to pack for your trip year-round is casual light layers, a brimmed hat, comfortable sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and a camera.