Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, is considered to be a center of the ancient Anasazi culture, flourishing from about 800-1100 A.D. Today the site is sacred to the Navajo and Hopi people. According to Navajo tradition, Chaco was the home of the “Great Gambler” from the south, who forced them to build Chaco’s structures, or “great houses.”

Archaeologists consider Chaco not so much a residence as it was a gathering place for trade and rituals, with a network of ancient roads crossing it in all directions. Many of the structures have been found to coincide with the directions of the compass, as well as lunar, solar, and astrological features and events – such as solstices. All Chaco’s purpose will probably never be known.

I found myself with only the latter half of March 1st to explore the area, and made the best of it.

Fajada Butte

The top tiers of this butte are home to the “sun dagger.” Reportedly, during the summer solstice a dagger of light penetrates between sandstone slabs directly through the middle of a spiral petroglyph. At the winter solstice, two rays of light bracket the edges of the petroglyph. Apparently there are markings for the equinoxes as well.

The Park Service has closed the site to visitors, and supposedly the sandstone slabs shifted in 1989 anyway.

My first stop was Una Vida, a site that has been left mostly unexcavated.

These petroglyphs are on a rock face close to the site.

Next stop was Hungo Pavi, also largely unexcavated.

…and on to Pueblo Bonito – the largest, most recognizable great house at Chaco. It was once five stories high, with an estimated 650-800 rooms and multiple kivas. A kiva is a circular structure used for ceremony.

Here you can see the multiple kivas.

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