There’s much to learn and experience at Chimney Rock National Monument this summer.
You’ll walk in the footsteps of the fascinating and enigmatic Ancestral Puebloans of the Chaco Canyon, following primitive pathways that haven’t changed for 1,000 years. Archaeological structures and artifacts, abundant wildlife and its setting in the breathtaking San Juan National Forest make Chimney Rock a must-see.
- July special events kick off tomorrow, July 1.Night Sky: Our Solar System: July 1, 7:15-10 p.m.
- Night Sky: Stars and Galaxies: June 15, 7:15-10 p.m.
- Sketching at the Pinnacles: July 5, 5-7:30 p.m.
- Mysteries of Chimney Rock Tour: July 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 and 28 (Mondays 5-7:30 p.m. and Thurs- days 7-9:30 a.m.).
- Flora of Chimney Rock: July 5, 12, 14, 19, 22, 26 and 29 (Tuesdays: 8-9:30 a.m. and Thursdays/Fridays: 5-6:30 p.m.).
- Geology Tour: July 6, 11 and 20, 7-8:30 a.m.
- Moonlight Melody: July 10, 6:45-9:30 p.m.
- Full Moon Program: July 12, 6:30-9 p.m. with an early tour at 5:30 p.m.
- Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) Kids’ Workshops: July 1 and 22 (grades K-3), 13 and 27 (grades 4-6). Please call the CRIA office, (970)731-7133, to make reservations for workshops.
Night sky archaeoastronomy
CRIA offers two different night sky archaeoastronomy programs: Our Solar System on Friday, July 1, and Stars and Galaxies on July 15. The Night Sky Programs at Chimney Rock National Monument of- fer two different opportunities to observe the stars where the ancient Puebloans did 1,000 years ago.
The Stars and Galaxies Program is timed for when the moon is absent from the sky; we can enjoy the night sky in a truly dark environment. A presentation gives understanding of deep-sky objects such as binary stars, globular star clusters, open clusters, various nebulae and other galaxies.
The Our Solar System Program is timed for when the moon is visible, but not fully illuminated; we can enjoy the night sky unimpeded by artificial lighting or the brightness of a full moon and see many of the brighter objects that are visible. Tickets are $16 (adults) and $8 (children 5-12) plus booking fee and are nonrefundable. Check our website for program times and bring your questions.
Sketching at the Pinnacles
The Sketching at the Pinnacles class will take place on July 5. This class is part art, part reflection, part nature study and a little visit to Chimney Rock National Monument, all rolled into one. Guests start at the herradura (“horseshoe”) at the head of the Mesa Village Trail. After becoming oriented, everyone will walk down to the Great Kiva to sit on blankets or chairs we bring. The goal is to become centered with the site and focus in on a specific item of nature.
Using sketchbooks and drawing materials provided, guests will examine the item of nature selected and watch how it magically appears on a page in our sketchbook. Afterward, there will be a sharing with each other of what we have learned. Our leader is Denise Fisk, former art teacher with Iowa public schools. No art talent is required, just a desire to be open to suggestions and willing to try a hand at self-expression. These are reservations-only programs, not suitable for children under 10. The fee of $20 (age 10 and up) includes all materials is considered a nonrefundable donation.
Mysteries of Chimney Rock tour
The Mysteries of Chimney Rock tour occurs most Mondays and Thursdays. The Monday tour is from 5-7:30 p.m. and the Thursday tour is from 7-9:30 a.m. This engaging two-hour tour is led by a trained CRIA tour guide. The tour will spotlight a number of general topics aimed at interpreting the history and significance of Chimney Rock and the Ancestral Puebloans who inhabited the area over a thousand years ago.
You will learn about the connection of Chimney Rock to the greater Chaco Culture, the significance of the mesa-top Great House and the day-to-day lives of the inhabitants of Chimney Rock. You will walk both the Mesa Village and Great House Pueblo trails, learning about the structures along each trail, including their significance and uses. The tours are conducted in the quiet off-hours of the monument. Bring your curiosity, camera, sturdy shoes and water. Check our website for tour times. Tickets are $16/adult and $8/child (ages 5-12).
Flora of Chimney Rock
The Flora of Chimney Rock tour will take place on July 5, 12, 14, 19, 22, 26 and 29. On Tuesdays, the tour takes place from 8-9:30 a.m., and on Thursdays from 5-6:30 p.m.
A thousand years ago, the people who lived at Chimney Rock depended on the plants around them for food, fuel, tools, housing, clothing, medicine and art. The breadth and depth of their knowledge is almost unimaginable today. At this special program, visitors will receive an introduction to some of the plant species that grow at Chimney Rock and their uses by Ancestral Puebloan people. The 1.5-hour guided tour will include the Great House and requires ne- gotiation of a steep, rough trail with exposure to heights and drop-offs. Tickets are $16/adult and $8/child (5-12).
Nadia Werby is the Marketing Coordinator for the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association.