Chimney Rock National Monument Interpretive Association

Chimney Rock National Monument Interpretive Association Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to interpret and protect the Chimney Rock National Monument.

Chimney Rock is a San Juan National Forest National Monument located in Colorado between Durango and Pagosa Springs and managed for archaeological protection, public interpretation, and education. Its care, protection, and preservation are shared by the Pagosa Ranger District, USDA Forest Service and the public, who contribute through tour fees, donations, and purchase of items from the Chimney Ro

ck Visitor's Center. The Chimney Rock Interpretive Program, managed and staffed by the National Forest Service and volunteers of the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, conducts daily guided walking tours and operates the Visitor Center during in-season, May 15 to September 30.

The countdown is on! Life at Chimney Rock Festival returns this Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM ...
06/01/2026

The countdown is on! Life at Chimney Rock Festival returns this Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Chimney Rock National Monument!

Step back in time and experience the fascinating world of the Ancestral Puebloans through interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities, and engaging cultural experiences for all ages.

🏺 Watch traditional pottery-making techniques
🌽 Try your hand at corn grinding
🎨 Create rock art
🧶 Learn about weaving and yucca fiber crafts
🏹 Discover ancient tools, skills, and traditions
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Enjoy fun family-friendly activities throughout the day

Best of all, thanks to a special announcement from the U.S. Forest Service, this year's festival is FREE to attend!

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious explorer, or looking for a memorable family adventure, Life at Chimney Rock Festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with the people, culture, and stories that make this place so special.

Join us for a weekend of discovery, learning, and fun at one of the Southwest's most remarkable archaeological treasures.

Learn more at www.ChimneyRockCo.org

There’s a full week of discovery, adventure, and unforgettable experiences waiting for you at Chimney Rock National Monu...
06/01/2026

There’s a full week of discovery, adventure, and unforgettable experiences waiting for you at Chimney Rock National Monument!

Join us this week for guided tours, immersive cultural programs, scenic hikes, and our annual Life at Chimney Rock Festival celebrating the heritage of the Ancestral Puebloans.

This Week at Chimney Rock National Monument:

Monday, June 1
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Tuesday, June 2
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Chimney Rock Through the Ages | 4:45 PM - 7:30 PM

Wednesday, June 3
• A Day in the Life of the Ancient Ones Tour | 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• A Tour of Two Trails | 4:45 PM - 7:15 PM

Thursday, June 4
• A Day in the Life of the Ancient Ones Tour | 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Friday, June 5
• A Tour of Two Trails | 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Saturday, June 6
• Life at Chimney Rock Festival | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday, June 7
• Life at Chimney Rock Festival | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Plan your visit and book your tour today at www.ChimneyRockCo.org

Experience Chimney Rock National Monument in a truly unforgettable way with our special Sunrise at Chimney Rock Tour! Re...
05/27/2026

Experience Chimney Rock National Monument in a truly unforgettable way with our special Sunrise at Chimney Rock Tour!

Recently designated an International Dark Sky Park, Chimney Rock offers a peaceful early morning experience unlike any other. This engaging two-hour guided tour begins before dawn as visitors hike to the top of the mesa to watch the sunrise illuminate the surrounding landscape with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views.

Following sunrise, guests enjoy the closest possible views of Chimney Rock and Companion Rock while learning about the ancestral Puebloans who inhabited this remarkable area over 1,000 years ago. Along both the Great House Trail and Mesa Village Trail, guides share the significance of the structures, the connection to the greater Chaco Culture, and insights into the daily lives of the people who once called Chimney Rock home.

The quiet off-hours atmosphere of the Monument makes this tour especially memorable. Peregrine falcons are often spotted near Companion Rock, so don’t forget your camera!

Please note: This tour includes hiking uphill on uneven terrain at elevations up to 7,600 feet and is best suited for those in reasonable physical condition.

Learn more and reserve your spot at www.ChimneyRockCo.org

There’s a full week of discovery, adventure, and unforgettable experiences waiting for you at Chimney Rock National Monu...
05/25/2026

There’s a full week of discovery, adventure, and unforgettable experiences waiting for you at Chimney Rock National Monument!

Join us this week for guided tours, birding adventures, cultural programs, and a magical Full Moon Program beneath our incredible dark skies.

This Week at Chimney Rock:

Monday, May 25
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Tuesday, May 26
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Chimney Rock Through the Ages | 4:45 PM - 7:30 PM

Wednesday, May 27
• A Day in the Life of the Ancient Ones Tour | 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Thursday, May 28
• A Day in the Life of the Ancient Ones Tour | 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Friday, May 29
• Birding at Chimney Rock Tour | 7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Saturday, May 30
• Chimney Rock Through the Ages | 7:45 AM - 10:30 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Full Moon Program | 6:30 PM - 8:40 PM

Sunday, May 31
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Plan your visit andbook your tour today at www.ChimneyRockCo.org

School Week at Chimney Rock National Monument was filled with curiosity, laughter, hands-on learning, and unforgettable ...
05/22/2026

School Week at Chimney Rock National Monument was filled with curiosity, laughter, hands-on learning, and unforgettable experiences!

We loved welcoming area schools to this special ancestral place and sharing the stories, culture, and history of the Ancient Puebloans with so many enthusiastic students. From hands-on activities and demonstrations to exploring the trails and learning about archaeology, nature, and culture — it was a joy to see young minds engaged and inspired.

A huge thank you to all of the teachers, students, volunteers, and staff who helped make School Week such a success. We look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation through education, exploration, and connection to this remarkable landscape.

www.ChimneyRockCo.org

Step into history on the Guided Great House Tour at Chimney Rock National Monument!Offered daily at 10:30 a.m., this per...
05/20/2026

Step into history on the Guided Great House Tour at Chimney Rock National Monument!

Offered daily at 10:30 a.m., this personalized guided experience takes visitors along the Great Pueblo Trail to explore the fascinating story of the Ancient Puebloans and their connection to the Chaco culture over 1,000 years ago.

Along the 1/3-mile trail, your guide will share insights about the remarkable structures built on this sacred landscape before leading you to the top of the mesa ridge for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views.

At the summit, you’ll enjoy the closest possible view of Chimney Rock and Companion Rock — and if you’re lucky, you may even spot peregrine falcons soaring near Companion Rock. Don’t forget your camera!

Book your tour today and experience this incredible ancestral place for yourself.

www.ChimneyRockCo.org

Happening Today! Join Us for the First FREE Lecture of the 2026 Season! The Chimney Rock Interpretive Association is exc...
05/19/2026

Happening Today! Join Us for the First FREE Lecture of the 2026 Season!

The Chimney Rock Interpretive Association is excited to welcome David Bouquet tonight for an inspiring presentation: “Southwestern Native Rock Art”

Tuesday, May 19, 2026
6:00–7:30 PM
Community United Methodist Church (434 Lewis St., Pagosa Springs, CO)

David will explore incredible rock art traditions from across the American Southwest, featuring stunning imagery and stories from places like Hovenweep, Bears Ears, Canyon de Chelly, Chaco Culture, Navajo Lake, and Mesa Verde.

The presentation will also highlight the importance of preserving these irreplaceable cultural treasures through the Northwest New Mexico Site Steward Program.

Unable to attend in person? Join us via Zoom! The link is available on our website:
www.ChimneyRockCo.org

We look forward to seeing you tonight for this fascinating start to the 2026 lecture season!

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar for the Life at Chimney Rock Festival! Join us June 6th & 7th, from 10:00am-4:00pm, for this speci...
05/18/2026

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar for the Life at Chimney Rock Festival!

Join us June 6th & 7th, from 10:00am-4:00pm, for this special fee-free event at Chimney Rock National Monument! This family-oriented festival brings history to life with interactive demonstrations of the crafts and skills of the Ancestral Puebloan people.

Enjoy:
✨ Hands-on cultural demonstrations
🛍️ Native American arts & crafts market
🌮 Food vendors
👨‍👩‍👧 Fun for the whole family

No reservations are required — just come ready to explore, learn, and experience this incredible ancestral place.

Learn more at www.ChimneyRockCO.org

The Chimney Rock Interpretive Association is proud to kick off our FREE 2026 Lecture Series with an inspiring presentati...
05/15/2026

The Chimney Rock Interpretive Association is proud to kick off our FREE 2026 Lecture Series with an inspiring presentation by David Bouquet.

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Title: “Southwestern Native Rock Art”
Location: Community United Methodist Church, Pagosa Springs (434 Lewist St. Pagosa Springs, CO)

To join via Zoom, please go to our website at www.ChimneyRockCo.org for the link.

David will explore the diverse forms of rock art — from some of the world’s oldest examples to remarkable Puebloan sites across the American Southwest. Through stunning imagery from places like Hovenweep National Monument, Bears Ears, Canyon de Chelly, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Navajo Lake, and Mesa Verde National Park, he will bring ancient stories carved in stone to life.

The presentation will also highlight preservation efforts through the Northwest New Mexico Site Steward Program — reminding us why protecting these irreplaceable cultural treasures matters today.

Make plans now to join us for this fascinating start to the season.

www.ChimneyRockCo.org

Address

Highway 151
Chimney Rock, CO
81121

Telephone

+19708832496

Website

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