Chaco Canyon Observatory — Attraction in Crownpoint

United States army Lt. James H. Simpson and his guide, Carravahal, from San Ysidro, New Mexico, discovered Chaco Canyon during an 1849 military expedition. They briefly examined eight large ruins in Chaco Canyon, and Carravahal gave them their Spanish names, including Pueblo Bonito, meaning beautiful village. Many of the members of the U.S. Army expedition had been to NYC, Philadelphia and even Washington, DC. Yet, the largest/tallest buildings which they had seen on the East Coast were SMALL/SHORTER than the stone buildings which they saw in Chaco Canyon. Factoid: The largest/tallest building in the U.S.A. in 1849 were in...

2nd time go and still blown away with this site. Discovered new sites. Camp ground great but hard to secure as this is a popular site. Ended up staying at Horse Thief Camp ground located about 14 miles from campground . Ask the camp ground manager. Site is amazing as well. It is primitive with portable toilet and cost 25/night. Great plan b. Be sure to plan for two days or more as much sites that...

Dark, dark skies, very informed guides, really nice telescopes....