Chaco Culture National Historical Park
New Mexico
Chetro Ketl

Chetro Ketl is one of the largest pueblos in Chaco Canyon.  It had over 500 rooms and 12 kivas including a great kiva within the central courtyard.

The walls of Chetro Ketl are implanted with wooden beams.  One of these beams has been measured at more than 26 inches thick. These beams were built into the structure for stability and roof support.  They had to be carried to Chaco Canyon from distant forests by hand and then be prepared with stone tools.  It is estimated that over 5,000 trees were cut for Chetro Ketl alone.