Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) invites the public to a free lecture given by Dr. John Kappelman tomorrow, Tuesday, October 6 at 6pm.
Join us as Dr. Kappelman demonstrates how archaeologists determine the age of ancient objects and events, and why these approaches are critically important for understanding and interpreting the past. John will highlight key dating methods—such as radiometric dating and dendrochronology — with a focus on Ancestral Puebloan sites like Chimney Rock National Monument, explaining their strengths and limitations. The lecture is free to attend; however, donations are welcome. Additionally, canned goods for the church’s food pantry are greatly appreciated.
October 6, 2026
6:00-7:30pm
Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 434 Lewis St, Pagosa Springs
Additionally, Chimney Rock Interpretive Association is pleased to announce the following upcoming events at Chimney Rock National Monument, 30841 State Highway 151, Pagosa Springs.
Information and Tickets: www.chimneyrockco.org / 1-877-444-6777
A Day in the Life of the Ancients is a family-oriented tour along the accessible Mesa Village Trail to visit an ancient agricultural village and learn about daily life 1,000 years ago.
Dates: Tuesdays: October 6, 13
Dates: Wednesdays: October 7, 14
Dates: Thursdays: October 8, 15
Time: 9:30am
Cost: $10 Kids / $20 Adults (Online or In-Person if space is available)
A Tour of Two Trails provides an in-depth discussion along the Great House Trail about the connection of Chimney Rock to the greater Chacon culture, the significance of the mesa-top Great House, and the day-to-day lives of the ancestral inhabitants of Chimney Rock.
Dates: Wednesday Late Afternoon: October 7, 14
Time: 5:00pm
Date: Friday Morning: October 9
Time: 7:15 am
Cost: $10 Kids / $20 Adults (Online or In-Person if space is available)
Chimney Rock Through the Ages Tour explores both the natural and cultural history of the area through geologic time and incorporates the anthropology and archeology of the Puebloan people.
Dates: Saturday Mornings: October 3, 10
Time: 8:00 am
Cost: $10 Kids / $20 Adults (Online or In-Person if space is available)
Great House Tour (daily and family friendly) goes to the top of the mesa ridge for a 360-degree panoramic view of the landscape and a close-up of the two pinnacles with stops along the way to learn about the ancient Puebloan structures.
Dates: October 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Time: 10:30 am
Cost: $10 Kids / $20 Adults (Online or In-Person if space is available)
Sunrise at Chimney Rock is a unique two-hour tour of the archaeological sites with a special emphasis on the spectacular view of the sun rising atop the mesa.
Date: October 12
Time: 6:45am
Cost: $10 Kids / $20 Adults (Online or In-Person if space is available)
Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) and the San Juan National Forest of the US Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, are working in partnership to preserve and develop educational opportunities about the significant archaeological, cultural, geological and biological resources at Chimney Rock National Monument.