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Secrets to the Anasazi Culture- Northern AZ and NM

This month’s journey takes you through northwestern New Mexico and eastern Arizona to three remarkable Ancestral Pueblo sites: Chaco Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, and Casa Malpais. Each offers a different glimpse into the lives, traditions, and movements of the people who inhabited this region. Give yourself plenty of time—and consider staying overnight near each destination—because there is much to explore, learn, and absorb.

Secrets to the Anasazi Culture

The Center of an Ancient World

Imagine…..Indians singing and dancing around a roaring campfire or planting seeds by the light of a full moon.

Chaco Canyon National Historical Park

This park sits in Northwestern New Mexico and was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1987. According to archeological studies, 4,000 to 6,000 Hopi, Pueblo, Navajo, and other Indian tribes passed through this canyon. From 850 A.D. to 1150 A.D., the Anasazi lived within great houses often oriented to solar, lunar, and cardinal directions. Navajotoursusa.com offers hiking and interpretive tours into Chaco Canyon.

Canyon De Chelly National Monument

This monument resides in Northeast Arizona and is west of Chaco Canyon. Numerous overlooks of the canyon are accessible by driving a two-lane road that meanders along the rim. My favorite overlook was Spider Rock. Today, only two tall spires of red sandstone stand alone in the middle of the valley floor depicting Spider Woman’s home where she helped her People move into the fourth world by hiding them in the reeds and then floating them down to dry land.

Casa Malpais Archaeological Park

Further south of Canyon De Chelly lies Casa Malpais Archaeological Park. This National Historic Landmark also has evidence of underworld activity within the ruins. Intact pottery was discovered here as well as an 8 X 4-foot panel depicting human-like figures with tails that may have represented ancestral beings before they emerged above ground to the fourth world.

When You Go:

Mileage

Chaco Canyon to Canyon de Chelly- 181 miles, Canyon de Chelly to Casa Malpais- 178 miles

Chaco Canyon

Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as summer can be extremely hot. From US 550, turn onto County Road 7900 about three miles southeast of Nageezi, then follow the signs onto County Road 7950. The route includes 13 miles of rough dirt road and may become impassable in bad weather. Southern approaches are rougher and are not recommended for RVs. Check current road conditions and official directions before leaving.

Canyon de Chelly

Located not far from the town Ohinle, Arizona. Campsites are free and available on a first-come-first-serve basis and the historic Thunderbird Lodge is also close by that offers a gift shop, restaurant, and rug room. For more info call (928) 674-5500.

Casa Malpais

Open year round. Tours of the site leave from the Springerville, AZ museum at 318 E. Main St. 928-333-5375. Reed's Motor Lodge is a good place to stay overnight.

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