New Mexico: Chaco Canyon

Chaco Canyon

Chaco Canyon contains 15 large archeological sites spread over a wide area in a desolate part of New Mexico. Chaco was a spiritual site for the Anastasi between 850 and 1250AD. The site is widely lauded for its alignment with both lunar and solar cycles.

It is believed that Anastasi Indians traveled up to 200 miles to come to the Chaco sites at various times of the year that may have coincided with the lunar and solar cycles. Although huge in size, many believe that very few, if any, Indians lived here.

The main complex at Pueblo Bonita, which is three stories high, contains 15 kivas and thousands of rooms.