"Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon"

A small section of Pueblo Bonito is to the left.  This is the remains of one of the largest complexes of the Aztec or Anasazi culture that cultivated crops, developed trade routes to extended villages, and held elaborate religious ceremonies.  The Anasazi, the Navajo word, disappeared from the area by about 1350ce due probably to drought and over use of the available resources. This region is known as a high desert at 6200 ft elevation. The combinations of famine and ensuing wars forced the evacuation or elimination of most of the residents.   The pueblo culture that still exists in Taos my be from the progeny of the few hold outs.  This is still a tough place to live and the park has no gas, food or lodging.  The canyon is accessible after driving 20 miles of dirt road. 

©1999 Elroy Christenson