When we found out that Chaco Canyon had been selected for one of the America the Beautiful quarters, I instantly hoped to get to cover the official unveiling. Why? Because I love Chaco Canyon. I love the land, the experience of walking where others have so long before us, and just being present in the vast space. There is something magical about Chaco Canyon that only people who have spent a night there can understand. With almost no artificial light at night and being miles and miles away from the nearest town, you can see more stars that you've ever imagined, all with the naked eye. It's something I tell everyone to experience if they make the trip to New Mexico.
Councilman Ernest M. Vallo Sr., of Acoma Pueblo blesses the new Chaco Canyon visitor center during the quarter launch at Chaco Canyon, Thursday, April 26, 2012. (Morgan Petroski/Albuquerque Journal)
Chetro Ketl at Chaco Canyon, Thursday, April 26, 2012. (Morgan Petroski/Albuquerque Journal)
Apache Elementary student Samantha Etcitty, 10, examines her new Chaco canyon quarter during the quarter launch at Chaco Canyon, Thursday, April 26, 2012. (Morgan Petroski/Albuquerque Journal)
The Apache Elementary Honor Choir performs in front of Fajada Butte during the Quarter launch at Chaco Canyon, Thursday, April 26, 2012. (Morgan Petroski/Albuquerque Journal)
Peyton Gallegos, 3, hides behind the Chaco Canyon quarter prop after posing for a photo with her brother, Timothy Gallegos, 11, after the official quarter launch at Chaco Canyon, Thursday, April 26, 2012. The children were visiting with their mother, Denise Gallegos from Chama. (Morgan Petroski/Albuquerque Journal)
Deputy Director of the United State Mint Richard Peterson hands out Chaco Canyon quarters to 5th graders from Apache Elementary during the quarter launch at Chaco Canyon, Thursday, April 26, 2012. (Morgan Petroski/Albuquerque Journal)
Children from Hanaa'dli Community School eat lunch outside the new visitor center at Chaco Canyon and in front of Fajada Butte, Thursday, April 26, 2012. (Morgan Petroski/Albuquerque Journal)
Gallup Wells Fargo store manager Melanie Mitchell exchanges 10 rolls of $10 quarters for coin collector Jon Brackin, from Las Vegas, Nevada, during the quarter launch at Chaco Canyon, Thursday, April 26, 2012. Brackin said he has been to 6 of the 8 America the Beautiful quarter launches so far. Wells Fargo brought an armored car out with the new quarters. (Morgan Petroski/Albuquerque Journal)
Pueblo Bonito as seen from the overlook at Chaco Canyon, Thursday, April 26, 2012. (Morgan Petroski/Albuquerque Journal)
$10 rolls of Chaco Canyon quarters wait to be exchanged by Wells Fargo at the quarter launch at Chaco Canyon, Thursday, April 26, 2012. (Morgan Petroski/Albuquerque Journal)
People line up to exchange their money for the new Chaco Canyon quarters during the quarter launch at Chaco Canyon, Thursday, April 26, 2012. (Morgan Petroski/Albuquerque Journal)
At left, Deputy Director of the United State Mint Richard Peterson and Superintendent of Chaco Culture NHP Barbara West officially launch the Chaco Canyon quarter, Thursday, April 26, 2012. (Morgan Petroski/Albuquerque Journal)
Chetro Ketl at Chaco Canyon, Thursday, April 26, 2012. (Morgan Petroski/Albuquerque Journal)