Una Vida Ruins

One of the lesser-visited Chaco Culture National Historical Park dwelling sites is ironically located just behind the Visitors Center near the canyon entrance. Una Vida is not a huge showy site with hundreds of rooms like Pueblo Bonita or Chetro Ketl, but it is well worth a visit for those who have the time because it includes some very nice features--interesting petroglyphs, picturesque ruins and some of the nicest canyon views of any building site.

Starting right in the parking lot near the fresh water fill station, the short trail to Una Vida follows the base of a short cliff toward the visible ruins. After a slight climb, the trail passes through the ruins where there are great views looking between and past the standing walls. One high wall with a doorway is particularly impressive. From the ruins, there is a short, steep trail up to the cliff walls for a glimpse of some nice petroglyphs, great views up and down Chaco Canyon and one of the best “seats” in the entire park.