Is Chaco Canyon Accessible? Trail Walkthrough & Mobility Guide (GoPro POV Tour)

Planning a trip to Chaco Culture National Historical Park but worried about the terrain? This comprehensive accessibility tour provides a first-person (GoPro POV) walkthrough of the major historical sites along the 9-mile canyon loop in northern New Mexico. We specifically focus on the trail conditions—highlighting sandy paths, gravelly surfaces, and elevation changes—to help visitors with mobility issues or wheelchairs decide which ruins are right for them. From the massive walls of Pueblo Bonito to the hidden Chacoan Stairway, see exactly what to expect before you arrive. In this video, we explore: Terrain Details: Real-time footage of path surfaces (clay, sand, and rock) and uphill sections. Site Accessibility: A breakdown of which loops (ranging from 0.25 to 0.6 miles) are the most "wheelchair-friendly" and which ones (like Casa Rinconada) are more challenging. Pro-Traveler Tips: Location of benches, handicap parking availability at every entrance, and advice on navigating short doorways (4ft) inside the ruins. Scenic Overlooks: Quick pull-outs for Fajada Butte and the ancient stone stairways. Sites & stops in this video: 1) Hungo Pavi (outer loop + views into the ruins) 2) Chetro Ketl (perimeter trail + optional interior sections) 3) Pueblo Bonito (outer trail is easiest; inside has stairs + low doorways) 4) Wetherill Cemetery (sandier, more uneven, steps) 5) Pueblo del Arroyo (short loop; close to parking; good “low effort” option) 6) Casa Rinconada (rougher, uphill, steps—least accessible in this video) 7) Chacoan Stairway (roadside pullout—binoculars help!) 8) Fajada Butte Overlook (easy pullout + picnic area) Traveler Note: This footage was captured in early February. While the winter landscape is stark, it offers a clear view of the paths without the summer heat or crowds. Quick note: conditions can change with weather and maintenance. Always check current conditions before you go. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:47 Hungo Pavi (0.25-mile loop) - Flat & manageable 04:09 Chetro Ketl (0.5-mile loop) - Sandy sections & benches 13:06 Pueblo Bonito (0.6-mile Loop) - The main attraction 15:35 Navigating the 4ft doorways & stairs inside ruins 22:07 Wetherill Cemetery - Sandy & uneven surfaces 23:20 Pueblo del Arroyo (0.25-mile Loop) - Closest to parking 28:15 Casa Rinconada (0.5-mile Loop) - Least accessible (uphill/steps) 33:38 Chacoan Stairway Pull-out 34:25 Fajada Butte Overlook & Picnic Area