Trail To Wijiji ~ Chaco Culture National Historical Park

The foot trail to the Wijiji Great House Pueblo is an interesting journey through time that is best done during the cool weather seasons. This trail runs 1.5 miles over the flat valley floor with no steep climbs, so this hike is as easy as taking a casual walk in a park. There also is a short spur trail that goes to the Wijiji Pictographs, which are simply a must to experience. The total round trip is a little more than three miles, so this is an invigorating little trek to take on when doing a tour of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

The best time of day to do the Wijiji Trail is early in the morning or late afternoon just before sunset. There is absolutely no shade to be found along this trail, so doing the trek during the noon hours will likely not be a pleasurable experience, especially on a hot day. Straying off the trail is strictly verboten, because this is native sacred ground and plenty of rattlesnakes call this place home. For this reason, it pays to be aware of the surroundings while strolling down this path.

The Cliff Dwellings Campground is conveniently located next to the trailhead and doing an overnighter is the best choice for any lengthy hiking excursions in this remote National Park. The valley the Wijiji Trail runs through is surrounded by golden sandstone mesa bluffs and every step reveals a new breathtaking view. The valley floor is also an interesting study, because a dry wash ravine runs trough the center and the vegetation is thick. Elk and deer can be seen grazing along this path early or late in the day, so be sure to tote a camera along for the hike. Packing a snack and plenty of water will also be necessary even during the winter season because of the arid conditions. The reward for completing the three mile Wijiji Trail round trip is a chance to experience a Great House Pueblo and ancient pictographs that few others see, so be sure to keep this invigorating little trek in mind!