Just a word of caution. If you find yourself anywhere near the Chaco Culture National Historical Park (AKA Chaco Canyon) and decide to visit, there are some things all trailer folk should know.
First, it’s well worth seeing the extensive ruins of multi-storied dwellings Chacoans built supporting a lively trading economy in the 900’s and mid 1,000’s. Camping is in the open, spots are good. Gone are the pit toilets of 30 years ago, replaced by clean, pleasant rest rooms that flush well. We had reserved a site with no hook ups - $7.50 a night with my Senior Pass. There are also first come first served sites. The visitors center is excellent.
Bring everything you need with you because this place is in the middle of nowhere. There is water, an observatory, good hiking and a dump station. I doubt the campground is ever booked full.
Nothing comes without a price. Hardly any road signs to guide you getting there. Do not rely upon your GPS (we used Garmin). You will end up lost.
Next, if it is raining, has just rained, or will rain soon, unless you are experienced with snow and ice, or fearless, towing your Escape from the paved state roads onto the 30+ miles of dirt road leading to the park entrance can easily become the uh-oh, thrill ride of the year. Even with 4WD. When the dirt is good you will not do more than 30 mph in between the spots where doing 7 mph is very wise. It took an hour to get to the campground. I rate it the worst towing road in America. Keep your fridge doors and cabinets tightly tied.
Going to Chaco, we drove on that road this Sunday last. 15 or so miles in we met up with a stopped couple and their flat tire. I stopped to help. Evidently he hadn’t been aware his front tire was going flat. Maybe he damaged it going over the many horrid cattle grates. The noisy, washboard rumbling of driving this road masked his problem. Finally he stopped to check. Tire is totally shredded. He’d been riding on the rim and didn’t know it. His jack was 90 percent toy, car frame nearly touching road. Did I mention this is in the middle of nowhere?
I got out my jack for the guy and then a truck of Navajo locals stopped to help. They quickly got his donut on. Now he still had to drive another 30 miles on a Sunday evening, where there are also no motels, on a donut. I wished him good luck.
Washboard is one thing, but when you hit the big wet spots you face a major decision. Drive fast, so your momentum carries you through, or drive slow, putting your faith in 4WD. Know now if your wheels are spinning and you stop, you are towing toast.
It rained that night. Next day we are back on that dirt road going home and dealing with serious sections of muddy road. It does grab your attention, watching your trailer fishtailing wildly behind you while speeding and struggling to keep the front wheels from running off the road into a ditch of mud. More fun than an eclipse.
First, it’s well worth seeing the extensive ruins of multi-storied dwellings Chacoans built supporting a lively trading economy in the 900’s and mid 1,000’s. Camping is in the open, spots are good. Gone are the pit toilets of 30 years ago, replaced by clean, pleasant rest rooms that flush well. We had reserved a site with no hook ups - $7.50 a night with my Senior Pass. There are also first come first served sites. The visitors center is excellent.
Bring everything you need with you because this place is in the middle of nowhere. There is water, an observatory, good hiking and a dump station. I doubt the campground is ever booked full.
Nothing comes without a price. Hardly any road signs to guide you getting there. Do not rely upon your GPS (we used Garmin). You will end up lost.
Next, if it is raining, has just rained, or will rain soon, unless you are experienced with snow and ice, or fearless, towing your Escape from the paved state roads onto the 30+ miles of dirt road leading to the park entrance can easily become the uh-oh, thrill ride of the year. Even with 4WD. When the dirt is good you will not do more than 30 mph in between the spots where doing 7 mph is very wise. It took an hour to get to the campground. I rate it the worst towing road in America. Keep your fridge doors and cabinets tightly tied.
Going to Chaco, we drove on that road this Sunday last. 15 or so miles in we met up with a stopped couple and their flat tire. I stopped to help. Evidently he hadn’t been aware his front tire was going flat. Maybe he damaged it going over the many horrid cattle grates. The noisy, washboard rumbling of driving this road masked his problem. Finally he stopped to check. Tire is totally shredded. He’d been riding on the rim and didn’t know it. His jack was 90 percent toy, car frame nearly touching road. Did I mention this is in the middle of nowhere?
I got out my jack for the guy and then a truck of Navajo locals stopped to help. They quickly got his donut on. Now he still had to drive another 30 miles on a Sunday evening, where there are also no motels, on a donut. I wished him good luck.
Washboard is one thing, but when you hit the big wet spots you face a major decision. Drive fast, so your momentum carries you through, or drive slow, putting your faith in 4WD. Know now if your wheels are spinning and you stop, you are towing toast.
It rained that night. Next day we are back on that dirt road going home and dealing with serious sections of muddy road. It does grab your attention, watching your trailer fishtailing wildly behind you while speeding and struggling to keep the front wheels from running off the road into a ditch of mud. More fun than an eclipse.
