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.

There’s a full week of discovery, adventure, and unforgettable experiences waiting for you at Chimney Rock National Monu...
06/08/2026

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, cultural programs, birding adventures, scenic hikes, and a magical evening of flute music beneath the pinnacles.

This Week at Chimney Rock:

Monday, June 8
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Tuesday, June 9
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Chimney Rock Through the Ages | 4:45 PM - 7:30 PM

Wednesday, June 10
• 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 11
• 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 12
• A Tour of Two Trails | 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Saturday, June 13
• Birding at Chimney Rock Tour | 7:45 AM - 10:00 AM
• Chimney Rock Through the Ages | 7:45 AM - 10:30 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Flute Music at Twilight Under the Pinnacles | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Sunday, June 14
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

✨ Don't miss Flute Music at Twilight Under the Pinnacles on Saturday evening—a truly unforgettable experience featuring the beauty of Native flute music beneath the iconic Chimney Rock and Companion Rock.

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

The celebration continues at Chimney Rock National Monument!Join us for the FREE Life at Chimney Rock Festival and exper...
06/06/2026

The celebration continues at Chimney Rock National Monument!

Join us for the FREE Life at Chimney Rock Festival and experience Native American music and dance, artisan demonstrations, hands-on activities, traditional skills, cultural exhibits, shopping, and breathtaking views.

📅 June 6 & 7, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
💲 FREE Admission

Bring the family and spend the day exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Ancient Puebloans and the living traditions of Native American communities.

Where Culture is the Adventure

🌐 www.ChimneyRockCo.org

Join Us This Weekend for the Life at Chimney Rock Festival!Step back in time and experience the rich culture, history, a...
06/05/2026

Join Us This Weekend for the Life at Chimney Rock Festival!

Step back in time and experience the rich culture, history, and traditions of the Ancestral Puebloans at the Life at Chimney Rock Festival!

🌄 Explore interactive demonstrations
🎨 Enjoy hands-on activities
🏺 Learn about archaeology, Native American culture, and the people who once called Chimney Rock home
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun for all ages!

Best of all—admission to the festival is FREE!

Bring your family, friends, and sense of adventure for a memorable weekend at one of Colorado's most remarkable archaeological sites.

We can't wait to welcome you to Chimney Rock National Monument and share the stories, culture, and history that make this place so special.

Join us and discover where culture is the adventure!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first 2026 Lecture Series presentation, Southwestern Native Rock Art, presen...
06/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first 2026 Lecture Series presentation, Southwestern Native Rock Art, presented by David Bouquet!

We were pleased to welcome a great crowd both in person and via Zoom for this fascinating exploration of rock art from around the world and throughout the American Southwest. David shared stunning images and insights into Puebloan rock art sites at locations including Hovenweep, Bears Ears, Canyon de Chelly, Chaco Culture, and Mesa Verde, while also highlighting the important preservation efforts of the Northwest New Mexico Site Steward Program.

We appreciate everyone's patience with the audio issues experienced during the Zoom broadcast. The good news is that we've identified the problem and have it resolved for future lectures. If you are unable to attend our upcoming presentations in person, we hope you'll join us online with confidence.

For those who missed the presentation—or would like to watch it again—we've included a link to the recorded lecture below.

Thank you again to David Bouquet for sharing his knowledge and passion, and to everyone who helped make our first lecture of the season a success. We look forward to seeing you at our next program!

https://youtu.be/YfRwM2pUKZY

www.ChimneyRockCo.org

In this fascinating presentation, viewers will learn about the many...

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

Address

Highway 151
Chimney Rock, CO
81121

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