Attractions

The main feature of the Simpson-Chaco area is the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A United States National Historical Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Chaco Historical Park has one of the largest congregations of pueblos in the United States. Historically, it was the center of commerce and culture for the ancient Anasazi, said to have been abandoned due to changing climate conditions. The Chaco Historical Park preserves some of the mast amazing ruins of old structures and, with evidence of staggering astronomical feats left behind by the Chacoan people.

Hiking to and around the Chaco canyon is one of the activities that can be done in Simpson-Chaco, following set trails and walkways. Some areas have been closed off though, due to the boom in tourism that has caused erosion and worsened the fragile condition of the ruins. The majestic pueblos are beautiful to behold. They make the mind dwell on the mystery of the ancient races that lived there and on the ingenuity that allowed them to construct such fine and complex houses using only the most primitive of tools and their hands. The biggest and most famous of these structures is Pueblo Bonito, down in the Chaco canyon.

Some of the Hopi and Pueblo people consider the Chaco area sacred to them and their beliefs, and continue to maintain their spiritual contact with the land.

Other interesting places to visit in Simpson-Chaco are several trading posts, reservations and ruins. Some of them are: Huerfano Reservation, Kim-me-ni-oli Ruins, Lake Valley Historic Site, Bisti Trading Post, McKay Windmill, Gallegos Trading Post, Gallegos Windmill, Gallo camping grounds, Romulo Martinez Trading Post Historic Site and Carson Trading Post.