10/04/2026
๐จ Please be aware ๐จ
Flooding has washed out the north road into Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the road is completely inaccessible.
The only way to access the park for the foreseeable future is the south road (Hwy 57).
โ Chaco Road Update - October 3rd โ
Chaco Culture NHP currently has ONLY one road to access the park. The south road (Hwy 57) is still muddy and slick in places, with patches of deep standing water and wet clay. AWD, high clearance, and experience driving in the mud is strongly recommended. We have had at least one person get stuck in the mud, and others hit large exposed (unseen) rocks on the road. Please don't hesitate to turn around if you are nervous about continuing down the road. If you would like additional details about the current condition of the road, please call us at 505-786-7014.
The former north road (CR 7950) has sustained catastrophic damage at Escavada Wash. This road is completely inaccessible as an entry point to the park. We expect the repair will take a long time. Please do NOT attempt to enter Chaco from the north road.
Please be advised that while there are other unpaved roads outside of the park, we do not advise driving on them as an entry point to the park. Some local roads recommended by map publishers and GPS are unsafe for cars or are private roads. In addition, this week's floods could have damaged or de-stabilized roads and bridges. Out of respect for our tribal neighbors, please only use Highway 57 (the south road) as the entry point to avoid getting lost, stuck, or trespassing on private property.
As a reminder, the south road is not owned by the NPS. We do not have the jurisdiction or staff to tow your vehicle if you get stuck on the road leading into the park. Cell service is extremely limited in the area, and tow companies are unlikely to come out to help your vehicle until the road becomes less slick and/or muddy. Please consider your vehicle and driving abilities carefully. We have landlines and free wifi at the visitor center if you need to make an emergency call while in the park.
Photo credit: K. Housley
Photo is of the new wash through the former north road outside of the park.