Embarking on a road trip is the perfect way to spend a weekend. If you are looking for a route that will show you a taste of what makes New Mexico the Land of Enchantment, you'll want to try out one of the state's finest scenic drives: Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway. It's one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico, and once you embark, you'll see why pretty fast. Check it out:
This spectacular drive takes you on a 340-mile journey across the northwestern portion of the state.
On the Trail of the Ancients, you will have the chance to learn about and explore some prime examples of New Mexico's archaeological and geological history dating back millennia.
The start of this drive begins at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, one of New Mexico's premiere historical sites.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Dark Sky Park, and an important cultural site for local tribes, the history and beauty found at this park illustrates why Trail of the Ancients begins here.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is made up of a collection of timeworn buildings constructed by Ancient Puebloans and is spread across more than 33,000 acres.
Pueblo homes and ceremonial kivas dating back to 850 A.D. make up the majority of the remains of buildings found here.
These buildings were massive at their peak; Pueblo Pintado is estimated to have stood four stories tall with approximately 650 rooms.
Other buildings ranged in size from 200 to 700 rooms, while some kivas could hold up to 400 people.
What remains, however, is a stark contrast to how the site must have looked at the end of its occupation around 1250 A.D.
Pieces of pottery and jewelry, as well as pictographs lining walls are just a taste of the wonders found here. The on-site museum and visitor center contain even more information about the Ancestral Puebloans who called this location home.
When special tours and events are operating under a normal schedule, there is an amazing number of ways to experience Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
Drive through to see the ancient dwellings, take a hike on one of the trails to tour the pueblo remnants up close, or check out the park's astronomical programs for a combination of science and history.
Have you had a chance to visit Chaco Culture National Historic Park?
Let us know what makes this park a must-see location by leaving a comment or on our Facebook page!
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is located approximately 95 miles east of Gallup via NM-371 and NM-57, as part of the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway.
The park is typically open year-round, except for major holidays. For additional information about the park, visit the National Park Service website.
Website: National Park Service
Byway Details: Ancients Scenic Byway
Phone: 505-786-7014
Looking for another lovely panoramic drive to take through New Mexico? We bet you will fall in love with the views and history found on Billy the Kid Scenic Byway. Read more in Roll Down The Windows And Take A Drive Down Billy The Kid Scenic Byway In New Mexico.
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