Chimney Rock is now open for the 2023 season.
Archaeological structures and artifacts, abundant wildlife and its setting in the breathtaking San Juan National Forest make Chimney Rock a must-see.
Guided Great House Tour
The Guided Great House Tour takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This guided tour takes visitors one-third of a mile up the Great Pueblo Trail and makes several stops along the way to enjoy the ancient Puebloan structures built over 1,000 years ago. Hear the archaeological details that connect this civilization to the Chaco culture located 90 miles southwest of this spot. At the end of the trail, visitors will enjoy the 360-degree view from atop the mountain ridge and have the closest view of the two pinnacles: Chimney Rock and Companion Rock. The tour is available by reservation for up to 10 people and walk-ins are allowed if room allows. It is recommended for ages 5 and above.
Attendees must arrive at the plaza kiosk by 10am; the tour begins at 10:30am. Tickets are $12 (ages 13 and up) and $5 (ages 5-12), plus a booking fee and are nonrefundable. Walk-ins do not pay a booking fee, but the tour may be canceled for insufficient attendees. The USFS Daily Use fee must be paid (or applicable federal pass used) since this program occurs during the monument’s regular daily open hours.
Mysteries of Chimney Rock Tour
The Mysteries of Chimney Rock Tour takes place on Monday and Friday mornings from 8 to 10:15am and on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 7:15pm. This engaging two-hour 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 walk both the Mesa Village and Great House Pueblo Trails, learning about the structures along each trail, including their significance and uses. You will be treated to the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Guests must arrive 15 minutes before the program starts. Tickets are $16 (ages 13 and up), $8 (ages 5-12), under 5 free, and are considered a nonrefundable, nontransferable donation.
Geology tours
This month’s geology tours will take place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 8 to 10:30am and on Thursday evenings from 5 to 7:30pm. This program includes a 2.5-hour guided tour that explores local geology and its relationship to the daily lives of the ancestral Puebloans who lived at Chimney Rock. Tour participants will hear the events in the ancient geology of the area and learn how to identify a common trace fossil in the area.
Guests must arrive for check-in 15 minutes before the program begins. Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for children (ages 5-12).
Birding at Chimney Rock
Join us tomorrow, May 20 for the Birding at Chimney Rock program. This program includes a casual two-hour bird walk led by a knowledgeable birding guide from the Weminuche Audubon Society. These outings are designed to introduce you to the diverse community of birds that spend their summer at Chimney Rock.
Birders of all skill levels are welcome to participate. Your guide will help you identify various species and explain the unique adaptations that allow these birds to survive here. Good walking shoes are advised, along with plenty of water and sun protection. Bring binoculars if you have them. This is not recommended for young children. Guests must enter through the Colo. 151 entry gate between 7:45 and 8am. The program ends at 10am. This is a reservations-only program. Tickets are $16 (ages 13 and up), $8 (ages 5-12), under 5 free, and are considered a nonrefundable, nontransferable donation.
CRIA is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that offers interpretive programs at Chimney Rock National Monument in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the San Juan National Forest. For more information, see the CRIA website at www.chimneyrockco.org or call (970) 731-7133.
The Pagosa Daily Post welcomes submissions, photos, letters and videos from people who love Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Call 970-903-2673 or email pagosadailypost@gmail.com