There’s something otherworldly about Chaco Canyon. I’ve been returning for over twenty-five years, and every visit stirs something deep in my soul. Maybe it’s the silence, so vast it almost hums. Or the golden light that slides across ancient stone walls built over a thousand years ago. The ancestral builders left behind monumental architecture, mysterious petroglyphs and sacred roads that stretch straight across the New Mexico desert for miles.
Whether I’m tracing ancient roads, deciphering sun-tracking petroglyphs or settling in for a night of Chaco Canyon camping under the stars, this place fills my head with questions.
On my most recent return to Chaco Culture National Historical Park, I found myself fascinated all over again. Chaco never lets go of its grip on my imagination. Here are just a few of the strange and surprising things that make this place unforgettable — including ancient Puebloans with six toes:
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1.) The Mesoamerican Connection Hiding in a Cup of Chocolate
Back in 1896, archaeologist George Pepper uncovered 112 cylindrical jars buried in Room 28 of Pueblo Bonito. What were they for? The mystery persisted until 2009 when archaeologist Patricia Crown published her breakthrough research with the Hershey company. Their research revealed that the jars once held chocolate—yes, actual cacao—brought all the way from Mesoamerica.
So, of course, during my most recent visit, I brought along cocoa mix laced with cinnamon and chile, my nod to ancient rituals. Sitting beside my campfire, I toasted the long-gone Chacoans who once sipped their sacred drink from those intriguing communal vessels.
RELATED: Your Virtual Tour of Seldom Seen Petroglyphs Grand Canyon
The photo above shows me holding my research copy of George Pepper’s 1920 report Pueblo Bonito, opened to the page with a photo of the cylindrical jars as found in situ.
This book makes the excavation come alive with easy-to-read chapters and fascinating photos of what was discovered in each room—like stepping back in time! Get your own copy of the 1920 report on Amazon.
How to save money on National Park fees? Buy the annual $80 America the Beautiful and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The pass allows unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks that usually charge entrance fees.
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2.) Sun Daggers and Celestial Calendars
Chacoans weren’t just builders—they were skywatchers. The alignment of buildings and the Sun Dagger petroglyph on Fajada Butte demonstrates just how attuned they were to the cosmos. Sunlight slices through the spiral petroglyphs during the solstices, while other sun daggers are believed to align with the lunar standstill, eclipses and other celestial moments.
High atop Fajada Butte, three large stone slabs once cast narrow beams of light—sun daggers—onto a carved spiral petroglyph. On the summer solstice, a single shaft of sunlight pierced the center of the spiral, while the winter solstice and equinoxes were marked by different light patterns.
Though public access to Fajada Butte is now restricted to protect the fragile site, its alignment still stands as one of the most striking examples of Chacoan astronomical knowledge.
It’s clear that this culture had a deep reverence for the sky—and they built their world to reflect it. Today, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is an International Dark Sky Park. It was designated as such by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2013. The park’s commitment to reducing light pollution and preserving natural darkness has earned it recognition as a dark sky location.
Check out the Chaco Area Destination Highlights
3.) Semi-Mummified Macaws at Pueblo Bonito Chaco Canyon
Here’s something that has intrigued me for years: colorful macaws in the high desert of New Mexico. The remains of 34 macaws—some semi-mummified—have been discovered here, with 14 found in just one room of Pueblo Bonito Chaco Canyon. These birds, native to the jungles over 1,000 miles away, were carried north through vast trade networks.
Feathers of red and blue appear to have been highly prized, not just for their beauty but also for ceremonial purposes. Along with turquoise, copper, seashells and chocolate, these birds show how far the Chacoan people reached—and how deeply they valued connection.
Although I took the photo above in 2012 near Tuba City, AZ, I saw a reproduction of the mural again this weekend at Wupatki National Monument.
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4.) Ancient Superhighways Connect "Chacoan Outliers"
One of the most mind-blowing parts of Chaco Culture is the road system. These weren’t footpaths—they were wide, engineered roads, some inside the canyon and others stretching for miles across the desert. Roads in the canyon measure around 15 feet wide, but those leading to distant outliers? Nearly 30 feet.
What’s more, they’re straight as an arrow. Instead of bending around hills or adapting to the terrain like modern roads, Chacoan roads run precisely in the cardinal directions. When they do change course, it’s with sharp angles, not curves. They weren’t just practical—they were intentional.
Looking for a map of Chaco Canyon? Check the Chaco maps I’ve found helpful over the past 25 years of exploring the region.
This is the research book I brought with me on my last expedition to Chaco. It’s a great scientific study, but you might prefer Roads to Center Place: A Cultural Atlas of Chaco Canyon and the Anasazi, which helped me understand what was going on at Chaco when I first started visiting over 20 years ago.
5.) A Six-Toed Mystery in the Walls
You might’ve seen the handprints of ancient builders left behind in adobe walls, but have you ever seen a six-toed footprint pressed into plaster walls? I hadn’t either—until I heard Dr. Crown describe what she found in Room 38 of Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon. A beam was held in place by thick plaster, and within that plaster, the clear impression of a six-toed left foot.
Turns out, polydactyly—having extra digits—wasn’t just a biological quirk. It may have been considered a mark of status at Chaco. While you can’t visit the footprint itself (Room 38 has been resealed), you can spot six-toed figures etched into the cliff face just north of Pueblo Bonito. Keep your eyes peeled.
Several readers in the UNSTOPPABLE community have mentioned that this unusual trait reminds them of Goliath and his kin from the Bible. These giants, descendants of Rapha, were described as mighty warriors—some with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot:
“In still another battle, which took place at Gath, there was a huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He also was descended from Rapha. When he taunted Israel, Jonathan son of Shimeah, David’s brother, killed him.”
— II Samuel 21:20–21
“In still another battle, which took place at Gath, there was a huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He also was descended from Rapha. When he taunted Israel, Jonathan son of Shimea, David’s brother, killed him. These were descendants of Rapha in Gath, and they fell at the hands of David and his men.”
— I Chronicles 20:6–8
Could this rare physical trait have signified power or reverence in ancient Chacoan society, just as it did in stories passed down for millennia and recorded in the Bible?
The X-ray image above is of a modern individual—but imagine seeing a six-toed print made by this foot, pressed into ancient plaster.
Beneath the Stars: Chaco Canyon Camping
There’s nothing quite like Chaco Canyon camping. As the sun dips behind the canyon walls and shadows stretch long across the desert floor, a stillness settles over the land. That’s when the magic starts. The stars—oh the stars!—ignite the night sky like a celestial cathedral. Chaco is designated as a Dark Sky Park, which means that on a clear night, you can see the Milky Way stretching overhead like a sacred trail of light.
I always recommend reserving your campsite early—especially during spring and fall when the weather is perfect for tent camping. Gallo Campground, the only campground in the park, offers rugged beauty with views of petroglyph-covered cliffs and crumbling stone ruins just steps away.
There are no showers and limited shade but there is a strong sense of connection—to the land, to the past and maybe even to something greater.Bring extra water, sun protection and layers for the chilly nights. And don’t forget your cocoa mix—there’s something poetic about sipping a hot drink under the same stars that guided ancient Chacoan astronomers.
What to Pack for Camping at Chaco Canyon
Camping at Chaco is a rugged, remote adventure, so packing the right gear can make or break your experience. There’s no cell service, no water hookups and no nearby store to run to if you forget something. Here’s what I recommend bringing along to stay comfortable, safe and ready to soak in the magic:
[I’ve included easy-to-use links right to my recommended gear on Amazon, REI, Backcountry and others. When you use these links to make a purchase, I recieve a small commission at no extra cost to you!]
🛏️ Shelter and Sleep
- A sturdy tent that can handle high desert winds
- Ground tarp or footprint to protect your tent floor
- Sleeping pad or air mattress for the rocky ground
- A warm sleeping bag—temps can drop sharply at night
🔥 Cooking and Campfire
- A Jetboil or camp stove (I like the one with the French press attachment for my morning coffee)
- Lightweight cookware, utensils and a cooler with dry ice or ice packs
- Reusable mugs for sipping cocoa or evening wine under the stars
- Headlamp or lantern for after-dark meals and stargazing
☀️ Day Gear
- Wide-brim hat and UPF-rated clothing to beat the blazing sun
- Plenty of reusable water bottles or a hydration bladder (bring more than you think you’ll need) I always fill up my 5-gal water jug when car camping
- Trail snacks like nuts, jerky and dried fruit—there’s a lot to explore
- Daypack for hikes to ruins, petroglyphs and overlooks
🧭 Safety and Extras
- Printed maps or downloaded offline maps—there’s no signal out here
- First aid kit with blister care and electrolyte tablets
- Sunscreen, lip balm and lotion (the air is bone dry)
- Binoculars for scanning wildlife, studying distant rock art or picking out Chacoan outliers precisely aligned to the cardinal directions across the landscape. This is the monocular I bring along – it’s lighter than binoculars for backpacking!
- Annual National Park Pass – Take one thing off your TO-DO list: Buy your annual pass online from REI now!
I always stash a journal, too—Chaco has a way of stirring up deep thoughts. And for a special touch, I pack my cinnamon-spiced cocoa mix to toast the ancient ones as I watch the sky turn indigo.
A Note from UNSTOPPABLE Stacey
Every time I visit Chaco Canyon, I come away with more questions than answers—and that’s exactly why I keep going back. This place pulls you in with its mysteries, then whispers stories from the stones, stars and wind. Whether you’re camping under the Milky Way, walking the ancient roads or simply sitting in silence, Chaco has a way of reaching into your soul.
I hope this guide helps you plan your own journey into this sacred and storied land. Who knows what wonders you’ll uncover?
If this story stirred something in you, please share it with a fellow adventurer—someone who loves ancient mysteries, desert beauty or simply the thrill of discovering something new.
Stay curious and keep exploring,
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey
Check out the Chaco Area Destination Highlights
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Hi, I’m Stacey
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. You can count on me for accurate reports and insightful analysis as your trusted travel writer since 2008.
As the author of several spiritual and walking guides, I occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. See my Amazon author page here. You may review my credentials as a professional travel writer on LinkedIn.
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2 thoughts on “Visiting Chaco Canyon | 5 Strange Secrets That Still Baffle Us Today”
We have visited Chaco Canyon & were impressed with the remoteness, beauty, mystery & intrigue of this colossus community!! And the stars!! We approached from the south & left going north. We broke an axle on our RV on the 9th cattle guard from the south! It’s an extremely rough road getting there from either direction. But it was worth it! Highly recommended! I will enjoy reading more about it using your links. Thank you!
Thanks for telling us about the precautions we should take on that dreaded road when visiting Chaco Canyon