chetro ketl

This was the first part of Chaco that we visited. I was overwhelmed by the entire place. I am glad we started at Chetro Ketl as it was the closest to the visitor center. It has a nice path to lead you directly to Pueblo Bonito which is fantastic as well.

You just have to go and experience it. My words cannot express how beautiful and special the place is.

Construction here began about a thousand years ago. There are approximately 500 rooms and a great kiva. Supposedly the ancestral pueblo dwellers here were influenced by the Toltecs in Mexico.My wife and I spent an hour or so in admiration pouring over these ruins. We wore wide-brimned hats and hiking shoes.

Visit several sites at Chaco to get an idea of the variation among them. Smaller than Pueblo Bonito, this site affords an idea of the variation and significance of the different sites.

There are tons of things to check out here but we thought this one was really interesting to see. Each seems like it has its own personality.

While next to its star-power neighbour (Pueblo Bonito), Chetro Ketl is well preserved, HUGE, presents one of the largest different masonry forms with a great kiva that is unparalleled. Plus, it's a short stroll away from Bonito. Not to be missed!

Chetro Ketl is just east of Pueblo Bonito and is actually larger, or more spread out. Lots of rooms, lots of Kivas, well worth the walk. Tree ring dating has allowed science folk to exactly pinpoint when each of these ruins were built and how long they were occupied. Be sure to get the brochure.

This site has features that are not seen at any other pueblo in the US - colonnades. It is less accessible than Pueblo Bonito, but this is made up by the differences in the design.

Fantastic Site, do not miss this if you visit Chaco Canyon! The brick work is fantastic, and the walking trails are great.

Like all the other sites at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, this one is explained well by its brochure. Located at the same site, it could be said Chetro Ketl is in the shadow of its much better explored sister site, Pueblo Bonito. That being said, it is well worth the half hour to an hour you'll need to see it all.

A very interesting hike can be had by visiting Pueblo Bonito, then walking along the base of the cliff to Chetro Ketl. The wall has many petroglyphs. There are inexpensive guidebooks at the visitors center guide from both Cetro Ketl and Bonito, as well as the wall of petroglyphs. These guides will really help you interpret what you are seeing.Compare the two structures. Cheto Ketl's great kiva ruins are one of the best examples of this structure.

It was quite interesting to learn that all of the land between Chetro ketl, and Pueblo Bonito was populated with buildings both below grade and somewhat above grade as well. None of this is visible currently.