Pueblo Bonito Overlook Trail

​00:00    Title
00:15     Pueblo Bonito  
15:00     Pueblo Bonito Overlook Trail  
20:45     Fin  

The Pueblo Bonito Overlook ​Trail is a two mile round trip and the difficulty level is moderately high. Not every visitor will be able to do this trek, because the steep climb up to the very narrow crevice passageway that goes to the top of the mesa is like tackling an obstacle course. Those who have mobility challenges may find this trek impossible to do.  On the flip-side, those who are spry and physically fit will find the trail to the overlook to be an adventurous easy hike, but there will still be limitations. The narrow crevice trail is barely wide enough for a slim hiker and a small backpack. Extra large people will have some difficulty and carrying a large pack will likely result in getting stuck. Packing extra water and a snack is advisable, especially on a hot day. The extra fuel will enable following the 5 mile loop trail option on the mesa top that goes to Pueblo Alto.

While weaving around up and over the boulders on the way up to the mesa rim crevice, the views of Kin Kletso are amazing to see. Kin Kletso is a majestic 65 room great house structure. Once on top of the mesa, the Pueblo Bonito Overlook Trail is well marked and easy to follow. The trail goes over relatively flat ground as it weaves its way along the rim of the mesa, so this end of the hike is like taking a walk in the park.

There are several protected archaeological sites to be found along the way, which include an ancient stone circle and several pecked basins, which are carved into the solid bed rock. These small basins were likely used for grinding food or raw materials and they are an interesting study to ponder over. There are also dozens of fossilized prehistoric shrimp burrows on the bedrock surface, which indicates this region was once covered with oceanic waters. 

The foot trail literally comes to a dead end at the Pueblo Bonito overlook and the first view will likely result in the jaw dropping in awe! The bird's eye view of Pueblo Bonito is magnificent to see and the features of the entire Chaco Canyon can be experienced as well. Landscape artists worldwide cherish this amazing cliff top perch, so be sure to pack a camera for the hike!