Chimney Rock National Monument Interpretive Association

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Chimney Rock National Monument Interpretive Association

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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 Rock 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.

10/28/2026

This season, 93-year-old Betsy Norton came over from Durango with a friend for the Guided Great House Tour. 🧡

The climb to the top wasn't in the cards that day. So our guide Jill did what great guides do: she brought the story to Betsy.

Jill led them along the Mesa Village Trail instead, and the three of them spent about an hour and a half among the homes of the Ancestral Puebloans, on pathways people have walked for 1,000 years.

Betsy was thrilled. So was Danny, who treated her to an ice cream to celebrate. 🍦

In Jill's words, "I had a delightful time."

Chimney Rock isn't only the view from the top. It's the trail, the stories and the people you share them with.

Thank you, Betsy, for spending your day with us, and thank you, Jill, for showing what this place is all about.

Do you have a favorite Chimney Rock memory? Share it in the comments.

10/26/2026

Mark your calendar: the CRIA Annual Meeting is now Saturday, October 31st. 🍂

Our October 24 meeting was canceled because of area road closures. Thank you for your patience, and thank you to every volunteer, guide and supporter who made this season possible.

We look forward to seeing you Saturday!

10/26/2026

A big thank-you to Chef's Quisine in Pagosa Springs! 🧡

When we teamed up with the Pagosa Springs Community Band for our fundraiser, Chef's Quisine graciously let us use their tent.

It's businesses like this that remind us how special Pagosa Springs is.

Thank you for supporting CRIA and helping keep the story of Chimney Rock alive for the next generation of visitors and young explorers.

10/25/2026

⚠️ LECTURE CANCELLED ⚠️

Due to the current weather situation, Chimney Rock Interpretive Association's lecture with Dr. John Kappelman, "The Dating Game: Archaeological Dating Methods," scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, has been cancelled.

We will reschedule Dr. Kappelman's lecture in 2027 and will share the new date as soon as it's set.

Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe out there. 🧡

10/23/2026

⚠️ EVENT CANCELLED ⚠️

Due to the current weather situation, Chimney Rock Interpretive Association’s Annual End of Season Meeting and Volunteer Recognition event, scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, October 24, has been cancelled.

We’re so grateful for every volunteer who made this season at Chimney Rock possible, and we still want to celebrate you properly. A new date will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

Please be safe out there. 💙

10/21/2026

How old is old? 🔍

Next Tuesday, Dr. John Kappelman takes on one of archaeology's big questions in "The Dating Game: Archaeological Dating Methods."

From tree rings to radiometric dating, he'll walk through how scientists work out the age of ancient objects, structures and events, and how those methods help piece together the story of places like Chimney Rock.

FREE Lecture
Tuesday, October 27
6:00–7:30 PM (includes Q&A)
Community Methodist Fellowship Hall (434 Lewis St., Pagosa Springs)

Come curious. Questions are welcome.

10/19/2026

What a beautiful day for a sidewalk sale! ☀️

Clear blue skies, crisp fall air and tables full of treasures: books, kitchenware, lamps, bikes and plenty of surprises waiting to be discovered.

Thank you to everyone who came out Saturday to shop, browse and visit with us at the CRIA Sidewalk Sale. 🧡 And a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who donated items and to the volunteers who made the day possible.

Every purchase supports our Junior Archaeologist Program at Chimney Rock National Monument, helping us give young explorers an upgraded activity booklet and their very own Junior Archaeologist badge in 2027.

A good day of treasure hunting, for a cause that helps the next generation dig into 1,000 years of history.

10/17/2026

Today's the day! 🧡

The CRIA Sidewalk Sale is today in Pagosa Springs, and there are treasures waiting to be found.

Every purchase supports our Junior Archaeologist Program, helping the next generation of young explorers discover the story of Chimney Rock and the Ancestral Puebloans.

CRIA Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, October 17
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Community Methodist Church parking lot, 434 Lewis St., Pagosa Springs

Come early for the best finds, and bring a friend!

10/16/2026

And just like that, the gates have closed on another season at Chimney Rock.

To every visitor who walked the trails, every family who learned something new, and every volunteer who led a tour, greeted a guest or told the story one more time—thank you.

CRIA receives no government funding, so your tour fees, donations and time are what keep this place's story alive. 🧡

And we're not done yet!

Tomorrow, come find a treasure at the CRIA Sidewalk Sale. Every purchase supports our Junior Archaeologist Program and next year's young explorers.

CRIA Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, October 17
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Community Methodist Church parking lot, 434 Lewis St., Pagosa Springs

10/14/2026

As the evening light settles over the Mesa Village and Great House Trails, your guide will share the story of the Ancestral Puebloans who called Chimney Rock home—and their connection to the greater Chacoan world.

Then tomorrow, we close the gates on the 2026 season.

Last Chances at Chimney Rock:

Today – Wednesday, October 14
• A Tour of Two Trails | 4:45 – 7:15 PM

Tomorrow – Thursday, October 15 – FINAL DAY
• A Day in the Life of the Ancient Ones Tour | 9:00 – 10:30 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Reserve your spot on our website.

Address

Highway 151
Chimney Rock, CO
81121

Telephone

+19708832496

Website

http://www.chimneyrockco.org/

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