Chaco for the Solstice

[PaleoRob]

So, upon returning from the 2011 Rainbow Bridge Spectacular we began discussing some possible "leaving Page" hikes. One that came up that Randy and I had done last year was Chaco/Bisti for the solstice. In order to 100% guarantee a camping spot we'd need a group of 10 people. Otherwise we'd be playing roulette. The idea would be to come in on the 20th at some point, do solsticial things on the 21st, and explore other parts of Chaco or nearby outlying areas on the days after that. The important thing would be to have 10 for the night of the 20th. Some folks may stay longer, some not so much.
This is a car-camping and day-hiking experience, not a backpack, and most of the main canyon trails are not strenuous. Some of the farther ruins in the canyon do require a decent hike, and in June the temps can get to 100. Come on up for a good time at a good place with good people and good drinks (and some Cag too).

Edit 5/26 - Plan is for some of the group to arrive on the 18th to take full advantage of the weekend and stay through at least the 21st.

[PaleoRob]

With trying to sell/rent our house and put an offer on a house in CG (while trying to figure if this could all be done without foreclosing on this house up here) and working I haven't had a chance to call Chaco this week. I apologize and hope to have more info by Monday afternoon, since things have started to stabilize here.

[Paintninaz]

With trying to sell/rent our house and put an offer on a house in CG (while trying to figure if this could all be done without foreclosing on this house up here) and working I haven't had a chance to call Chaco this week. I apologize and hope to have more info by Monday afternoon, since things have started to stabilize here.

No worries, I was just curious. Good luck with the house thing, I hope all that works out for you!!

[Trishness]

Thanks for the update Rob and best of luck with the house. Will check back tomorrow for an update.

What about Angel Peak National rec area which I believe is BLM land. There's a primitive campground there but I'm wondering how many RV's will be there from overflow at Gallo Campground. And from what I'm reading it is totally exposed badlands too. Also somewhere off Mt Powell Road (located off NM 371 before Smith Lake. Could there be some dispersed camping out there? Not sure if that is still Navajo Res or not......thoughts anyone?

Trish

[PaleoRob]

So I talked to someone who knows more than the previous person and they confirmed that the group sites are full. This is not the end of the earth, however. We have options, including:
Trying to get individual sites for groups of 3-4 campers each (this is what Randy, Mike, and myself did last year)
Camp at the ranch south of Chaco
Camp at Angel Peak.
Try one of the other options listed on Chaco's website.

[Paintninaz]

I talked with Amy Williams today (owner of the ranch south of Chaco), she said we're more than welcome to stay on the ranch property. She said just bring our own water, we can have a campfire if we want, pack out our trash, and we can do anything else we want, "just make sure none of your dogs chase the cattle or horses...that's the only rule" ;) $5 per person, per night.

[PaleoRob]

Sounds good to me, unless anyone objects. A bit further drive for me, but not too much so (since you guys are driving so much further anyway).

[Trishness]

Tracy,

Thanks for calling her. See everyone there!

Trish

[PaleoRob]

Just got back from CG, so figured I'd update all here:
I am going to be arriving on Saturday night. Since we are coming from the Page area, we'll probably try and see if there is space at Chaco itself before going down to Ruby Ranch in the event there is not. I am hoping that Toad (also coming from Page) will be able to get in earlier and get a couple of spots for people in the crew wanting to stay there. If we do end up splitting up at first, let's plan at meeting at the Visitor Center around 7:30-ish. That should give everyone time to drive in from (wherever) and get to hiking before it gets too blazingly hot. Last year I was surprised how many open spots there were despite it being a weekend.

[ToadOfTheRocks]

Sorry folks,
Gotta cancel again. Work sched conflicts. One will not trade for weekend, other requested time months ago and i wasnt aware.
One of these days it will all work out, hopefully soon, im jonesin for a good trip.

Toad

[PaleoRob]

Bummer. It would have been good to have you out there for this. We should still have a good crew.

[big_load]

I wish I could grab the open spot. Say "hi" to Ranger Cornucopia for me. I'm the guy that asked all the questions. I'm sure he'll remember.

[PaleoRob]

Plenty of open spots - we don't have a group size limit, only a minimum to try and get the group campsite. That doesn't matter any more anyway, since those spots are already taken. Join us!

[big_load]

It looks like I'll be working.

[PaleoRob]

indeed.

[squatpuke]

Rob/Paint....

I'm still in...however, I'm lost in all the changes and not being familiar with the area leaves me feeling a bit anxious.

I'll be bringing my 11 y/o daughter as well since (I think) we're not backpacking, but car camping...is that $10 bucks/night for the two of us? Or $5 per vehicle??

Do we have an itinerary yet? Meet/greet place?

HELLP

[PaleoRob]

Rob/Paint....

I'm still in...however, I'm lost in all the changes and not being familiar with the area leaves me feeling a bit anxious.

I'll be bringing my 11 y/o daughter as well since (I think) we're not backpacking, but car camping...is that $10 bucks/night for the two of us? Or $5 per vehicle??

Do we have an itinerary yet? Meet/greet place?

HELLP

So - we'll be meeting at the Chaco VC at 7:30 Sunday morning. You are correct - this is all car camping and hiking, no backpacking. You are welcome to camp at Ruby Ranch or try and find a spot at Chaco's campground. If the Chaco campground is full, we may all end up at the Ruby Ranch site anyway. You have seen my rig, but for those who haven't, this is the front:
http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=187097
and this is the back (minus the bottles):
http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=192674
The only set-in-stone thing for the time is to be at Casa Rinconada on the morning of the 21st for sunrise. We should check out some of the outliers (either north or south or both) as well as some of the trails in the canyon. Last year in the park we did South Mesa, with excursions elsewhere (plus Randy and Mike did Wijiji I believe). I've done all the park trails, so I don't have a preference on in-park trails. I would like to hit some more outliers. Randy has a wish list of things to see that is pretty comprehensive.
From Chaco's website: Each campsite costs $10.00 per night.
Each campsite in Chaco is allowed 2 vehicles, 2 tents, and 6 people. If we are able to get 2 sites close to each other, we'd be able to fit pretty much everyone I think. Ruby Ranch is wide open, though, with no group restrictions. Plan on bringing a little firewood to contribute to the communal pile for the evening.
There is usually an astronomy program at the Chaco VC after sunset that is worth checking out.

[squatpuke]

Thanks Rob...sounds good....

We will be leaving Flagstaff on Sat. morning...not sure what we will do that night....would love to meet up with anyone else that is going on Saturday.

WIll probably try for the campground first...but I'll bet they'll be full....wonder how many know solstice is special at Chaco...

[Randal_Schulhauser]

I see PBS has "The Mystery of Chaco Canyon" narrated by Robert Redford playing at 10pm tonight. Very appropriate viewing for Chaco Solstice Trekkers...

[big_load]

@Randal Schulhauser I watched that tonight. It was a little slow and painted the Chacoans as totally mysterious apart from their attention to the astronomical events. Great photography, though.

[Jeffshadows]

I see PBS has "The Mystery of Chaco Canyon" narrated by Robert Redford playing at 10pm tonight. Very appropriate viewing for Chaco Solstice Trekkers...

I was just going to tell everyone that was on...

It's amazing that they had the acumen to differentiate the times of day and accurately describe the noon hour when the sun is highest in the sky without any real instrumentation. I wonder if they used something rudimentary like the shadow stick and all of that has just been lost to time?