The Pueblo Alto Loop Hike begins just behind the Kin Kletso ruins and immediately ascends the canyon wall to the rim, in a rather convoluted and difficult manner, requiring a bit of scrambling through narrow slots and over rocks. The loop trail is about 5.4 miles, 5.7 if starting from the parking area. Once on top, much of the remainder is flatter and easier, with one exception - the descent from the rim where the Chaco Staircase can be viewed, to the lower canyon rim. This requires some significant squeezing through a slot wall, and would not be possible for those of considerable girth!

Not far from the ascent from Kin Kletso is a very nice overlook of Pueblo Bonito - the interesting, full "D" shape of the site can be easily seen.  After the overlook area, the trail begins to slowly ascend via the Chaco Road to the Pueblo Alto Complex, which includes the Pueblo Nuevo ruins and the mostly unexcavated Pueblo Alto site. After viewing the ruins, the amazing "Chaco Staircase" is seen descending the canyon rim, followed later by the slot descent, and then a view from above of Chetro Ketl.