Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Chaco Culture National Historical Park, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, United States of America, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Chaco Culture National Historical Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, United States of America by month

January

January in Chaco Culture National Historical Park can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in Chaco Culture National Historical Park is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

March

March is crisp. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Chaco Culture National Historical Park is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

May

If you vacation in Chaco Culture National Historical Park during May, you are likely to notice that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

June

June here is extremely hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

July

July for Chaco Culture National Historical Park is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

August

If you visit Chaco Culture National Historical Park during August, you may see that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

September

If you are traveling to Chaco Culture National Historical Park in September, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

October

October here is mild. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

November

Traveling to Chaco Culture National Historical Park in November, you will notice that it can be brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December in Chaco Culture National Historical Park is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, United States of America

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a unique and awe-inspiring destination in New Mexico. Known for its well-preserved ruins from the ancient civilization that once called this area home, visitors to Chaco Culture National Historical Park are in for a fascinating journey back in time. There is plenty to explore and experience in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, so let's dive into the top tourist attractions in Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Pueblo Bonito

Pueblo Bonito is one of the largest and most well-known ruins at Chaco Culture National Historical Park. It is estimated that the site was inhabited between AD 850 and 1150 and it once housed around 800 people. The pueblo is a massive structure, and visitors to the park can walk around the site and see the remains of more than 600 rooms. Pueblo Bonito is a fantastic example of Chacoan architecture, with intricate stonework and impressive engineering, and it's no wonder it is considered one of the most significant architectural achievements of pre-Columbian North America.

Chetro Ketl

Chetro Ketl is another impressive ruin at Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The pueblo is situated just a short walk from Pueblo Bonito, and visitors can see the remains of over 500 rooms. One of the most remarkable features of Chetro Ketl is its massive Great Kiva, which is one of the largest in the park. The kiva stands 67 feet in diameter and had a roof that was supported by 26 massive pillars. Additionally, there are numerous smaller kivas that visitors can explore throughout the site.

Casa Rinconada

Casa Rinconada is an incredible site that visitors to the park should not miss. The circular structure was once a great kiva and served as a center for religious and social gatherings in the community. Casa Rinconada stands 40 feet in diameter, and visitors can walk around the kiva's perimeter and enter through a narrow entrance. Inside, visitors can see the remains of numerous supporting columns, fire pits, and benches. Casa Rinconada is a stunning structure that offers a glimpse into the ancient Chacoan way of life.

Petroglyph Trail

The Petroglyph Trail is a relatively easy hike that offers visitors views of a variety of interesting petroglyphs along the way. The trail is approximately two miles round trip and lasts about two hours. There are a variety of petroglyphs to see along the trail, including representations of animals, plants, and geometric designs. Along the way, visitors can see evidence of ancient irrigation systems that were once used in the area.

Conclusion

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient Chacoan civilization. With impressive ruins, interesting petroglyphs, and plenty of hiking opportunities, there is something for everyone in the park. Visitors should plan to spend at least a day exploring the sites and hiking the trails, and there are plenty of opportunities for guided tours and educational programs. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a beautiful outdoor experience, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a must-visit destination in New Mexico.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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