Cistern overview
Cistern
1. Historic Value: Cistern Point was an essential resource for the ancient Pueblo people who inhabited the Chaco Canyon region over a thousand years ago. The cisterns were used to store rainwater, which was crucial for the survival of the people and their crops.
2. Amazing Views: Cistern Point offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can witness the vastness of the canyon, the beauty of the natural formations, and the wonder of the ancient ruins.
3. Wildlife: The area around Cistern Point is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, rabbits, coyotes, and deer. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitat and enjoy the serenity of the wilderness.
4. Hiking Trails: There are several hiking trails that lead to Cistern Point, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The trails range in difficulty, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
5. Star Gazing: The night sky over Chaco Canyon is one of the clearest in the world, making it a popular destination for star-gazers. Visitors can observe the constellations, planets, and galaxies using telescopes or simply with the naked eye.
Overall, Cistern Point is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, nature, and adventure. The unique combination of ancient ruins, natural beauty, and wildlife make it an unforgettable experience.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, campgrounds, fishing spots, and other landmarks so a quick visit can grow into a full day.
Parks
Responsible visitation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site (BLM, NPS, state agency, or private owner) for access rules, permits, and seasonal closures before driving out.
- Stay on trail
- Many points of interest sit in fragile ecosystems. Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation and prevent erosion.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and give nesting birds and denning mammals plenty of space.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you. Remote sites often have no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, fossils, or artifacts. Federal law protects cultural and natural resources on public land.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Cistern as a favorite, set a weather threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Cistern
What is Cistern?
A point of interest in New-Mexico tracked by Snoflo -- typically a scenic landmark, named summit, monument, or viewpoint.
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no public feeds.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get there?
Tap Directions in the hero above for Google Maps driving directions, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the spot.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this POI, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other points of interest near here
Snoflo-tracked landmarks within driving distance of Cistern.