At Chimney Rock National Monument, you can view the stars, the full moon or take a tour of this majestic place where the ancient Puebloans used to live.
Chimney Rock offers monthly programs, annual events and guided tours that are fun and educational for the whole family.
August special events
• Art at the Pinnacles: Aug. 8, 20 and 28.
• Art at the Pinnacles: Plein Air Workshop: Aug. 17.
• Birding at Chimney Rock: Aug. 10 and 23.
• Flute Music at Twilight: Aug. 17.
• Full Moon Program: Aug. 19.
• Geology Tour:
Mornings: Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.
Afternoons: Aug. 6, 13 and 20.
• Guided Great House Walking Tour: Aug. 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30 and 31.
• Mysteries of Chimney Rock Tours:
Mornings: Aug. 2, 5, 9 12, 16, 19, 23, 26 and 30.
Evenings: Aug. 7, 14 and 21.
• Our Solar System: Aug. 9.
• Perseid meteor shower viewing: Aug. 12 and 13.
• Stars and Galaxies: Aug. 2 and 30.
Registration is required 12 hours in advance at www.chimneyrockco.org for all programs.
Art at the Pinnacles
Art at the Pinnacles is a weekly class offered at various locations within the monument.
Each week a different class will be taught. Choices will be beginning watercolor, beginning pastels or pencil drawing basics. Most classes will be held at 8 a.m. Drawing classes will be held at 5 p.m.
Our teachers are Lise Neer and Kathie Disner, professional local artists, and Denise Fisk, former school art teacher.
Check-in is at the Colo. 151 entrance gate. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be promptly locked at the end of that time.
Tickets are $25 for ages 10 and up. Making a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center, (877) 444-6777, is the only way to guarantee a spot for this class. Recreation.gov charges a $1 reservation fee that is nonrefundable.
To ensure this class is scheduled, reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the class.
Walk-ins cannot be accommodated unless prior permission is obtained from the teacher. Note: If no one has signed up for the class by online reservation within the allotted time frame, the class will not run. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Plein Air Workshop
The Plein Air Workshop is offered once a month on a Saturday. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the process of “plein air” painting — the act of painting outdoors to capture the spirit and essence of a landscape by incorporating natural light, color and movement — in essence, learning to capture the outdoors while outdoors — and, of course, featuring the scenic vistas at Chimney Rock National Monument.
The first session will begin with a demonstration covering the use of materials, either watercolor or pastel, or both, and tips for composition and technique in the outdoors. This initial study/painting will be used as a reference for a more complete painting later in the day, which will be held indoors at a location in downtown Pagosa Springs.
All materials are provided. No experience is necessary. All levels of ability are welcome. Bring a lunch/snacks/drink as appropriate.
Check-in is at the Colo. 151 entrance gate. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be promptly locked at the end of that time.
Tickets are $75 for ages 10 and up. Making a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center is the only way to guarantee a spot for this class. Recreation.gov charges a $1 reservation fee that is nonrefundable.
To ensure this class is scheduled, reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the class.
Walk-ins cannot be accommodated unless prior permission is obtained from the teacher. Note: If no one has signed up for the class by online reservation within the allotted time frame, the class will not run. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Birding at Chimney Rock
This tour is offered on select Friday and Saturday mornings from 8 to 10 a.m. in the quiet off-hours of the monument. This fun and casual two-hour bird walk is led by a knowledgeable birding guide from the Weminuche Audubon Society. These outings will introduce you to the diverse community of birds that spend their summer at Chimney Rock National Monument. Your guide will help you identify various species and explain the unique adaptations that allow these birds to survive here. Birders of all skill levels are welcome to participate. This tour is not recommended for young children.
Participants will be walking slowly on uneven terrain in the lower area of Chimney Rock; thus, no archaeological sites will be included on this tour. Good walking shoes are advised, along with plenty of water and sun protection. Also, bring those binoculars.
Check-in is at the Colo. 151 entrance gate. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be promptly locked at the end of that time.
Tickets are $20 for ages 13 and up, and $10 for ages 5-12. Making a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center is the only way to guarantee a spot for this class. Recreation.gov charges a $1 reservation fee that is nonrefundable.
To ensure this tour is scheduled, reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the tour.
Most tours are at full capacity prior to the event, but walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. They will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and must arrive during the specified check-in time frame. Tour tickets can be purchased directly from the guide with cash only. Note: If no one has signed up for the tour by online reservation within the allotted time frame, the tour will not run. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Flute Music at Twilight
The Flute Music at Twilight program is offered on select Saturday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. during quiet off-hours of the monument.
It begins from the amphitheater with a relaxing 1/4-mile walk up the nature trail, providing visitors with an experience of the natural environment along with beautiful views of the two pinnacles. Upon returning to the amphitheater, the program resumes with an informative lecture on topics specific to Chimney Rock such as the Ancestral Puebloan culture, archaeoastronomy theories, the major lunar standstill, geology, etc.
As dusk progresses and stars begin to appear, you will be treated to the haunting melodies of a Native American flute played by our own Charles Martinez. Visitors will gaze in wonder at the heavenly skies and ponder what significance they had for the Ancestral Puebloans when they looked up at the same night skies 1,000 years ago.
This is recommended for ages 4 and up.
Check-in is at the Colo. 151 entrance gate. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be promptly locked at the end of that time.
Tickets are $20 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 5-12, and under 5 are free. Making a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center is the only way to guarantee a spot for this program. Recreation.gov charges a $1 reservation fee that is nonrefundable.
To ensure this tour is scheduled, reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the programs.
Most programs are at full capacity prior to the event, but walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. They will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and must arrive during the specified check-in time frame. Tickets can be purchased directly from the gift shop. Note: If no one has signed up for the tour by online reservation within the allotted time frame, the program will not run. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Early Tour/Full Moon Package
This guided tour is offered in conjunction with the Full Moon Program for a more comprehensive study of Chimney Rock National Monument. It starts late afternoon before the Full Moon Program to merge with that wondrous night sky experience later in the evening. The entire program lasts approximately four hours versus the shorter, three-hour Full Moon Program.
This tour takes the visitor on the 1/3-mile paved Mesa Village Trail, then proceeds up the Great House Trail to join the Full Moon Program. At the end of the trail, visitors will enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from atop the mesa ridge. They will also be afforded the closest view possible of the two pinnacles: Chimney Rock and Companion Rock.
Please keep in mind that the lecture before the moonrise is approximately 30 minutes in length, and the hike back down the high mesa occurs after dark.
The hike up to the Chacoan Great House Pueblo may be difficult for some due to the steep gradient, uneven footing, and elevation ending at 7,600 feet. The elevation gain is 200 feet. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition and willing to hike mostly uphill for 1/3 mile (and return steeply downhill).
This program is not suitable for children under 8, and parents are asked to closely supervise their children for the safety of all attendees. Water, flashlights and a blanket or mat for ground seating (no chairs) are recommended.
Check-in is at the Colo. 151 entrance gate. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be promptly locked at the end of that time.
Tickets are $30 for ages 10 and up. Making a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center is the only way to guarantee a spot for this class. Recreation.gov charges a $1 reservation fee that is nonrefundable.
To ensure this tour is scheduled, reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the tour.
Most tours are at full capacity prior to the event, but walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. They will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and must arrive during the specified check-in time frame. Walk-in tickets, if available, can be purchased at the gift shop. Note: If no one has signed up for the tour by online reservation within the allotted time frame, the tour will not run. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Full Moon Program
The Full Moon Program is offered once a month to coincide with the full moon and provide a unique backdrop in a sky unhindered by the lights of modern-day civilization.
About an hour before moonrise, visitors will be treated to an informative lecture on topics specific to the Chimney Rock site — Ancestral Puebloan culture, archaeoastronomy theories, area geology, etc.
Then, as the full moon begins to rise, a single flute note follows another and another as you become slowly embraced by the music of Martinez. You’ll be torn between looking west to see the spectacular sunset or focusing on the eastern mountain range to see the first sliver of moon.
The entire program lasts approximately three hours including check-in, driving to the mesa top and hiking the Great House Trail. At the end of the trail, visitors will enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from atop the mesa ridge. They will also be afforded the closest view possible of the two pinnacles: Chimney Rock and Companion Rock.
Please keep in mind that the lecture before the moonrise is approximately 30 minutes in length, and the hike back down the high mesa occurs after dark.
The hike up to the Chacoan Great House Pueblo may be difficult for some due to the steep gradient, uneven footing, and elevation ending at 7,600 feet. The elevation gain is 200 feet.
Participants should be in reasonable physical condition and willing to hike mostly uphill for 1/3 mile (and return steeply downhill). This program is not suitable for children under 8, and parents are asked to closely supervise their attending children for the safety of all attendees. Water, flashlights and a blanket or mat for ground seating (no chairs) are recommended.
Check-in is at the Colo. 151 entrance gate. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be promptly locked at the end of that time.
Tickets are $25 per person. Making a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center is the only way to guarantee a spot for this program. This program often sells out; reservations are strongly recommended. Recreation.gov charges a $1 reservation fee that is nonrefundable. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the program.
Walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. They will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and must arrive during the specified check-in time frame. Program tickets can be purchased directly from the gift shop. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Geology Tour
The Geology Tour is offered weekly on Tuesday late afternoons and Saturday mornings.
This 2.5-hour guided tour explores the local geology and its relationship to the daily lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived at Chimney Rock more than 1,000 years ago.
Tour participants will be taken on a journey through geologic time to learn what the rocks present at Chimney Rock today tell us about the geography of southwestern Colorado over time.
Participants will also learn how to identify common rocks and fossils in the area. Rock types impact structures, pottery, tools and soil productivity. Geologic processes determine the landscape at Chimney Rock and play a central role in climate. The relationship between the two pillars (Chimney Rock and Companion Rock) and the South San Juan Mountains in terms of astronomical observations will be discussed. The tour also covers the key points discussed in the archaeological-focused tours like the Great House Tour. No prior knowledge of geology is required.
The hike up to the Chacoan Great House Pueblo offers great views and photo opportunities, but may be difficult for some due to the steep gradient, uneven footing, and elevation ending at 7,600 feet. The elevation gain is 200 feet. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition and willing to hike mostly uphill for 1/3 mile (and return steeply downhill). The tour length includes 30 minutes for the hike to and from the Great House Pueblo.
Check-in is at the Colo. 151 entrance gate. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be promptly locked at the end of that time.
Tickets are $20 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 5-12, and under 5 are free.
Making a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center is the only way to guarantee a spot for this tour. Recreation.gov charges a $1 reservation fee that is nonrefundable.
To ensure this tour is scheduled, reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the tour.
Most tours are at full capacity prior to the event, but walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. They will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and must arrive during the specified check-in time frame. Tour tickets can be purchased directly from the guide with cash only. Note: If no one has signed up for the tour by online reservation within the allotted time frame, the tour will not run. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Guided Great House Tour
The Guided Great House Tour is offered on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings.
This guided tour takes visitors 1/3 mile up the Great Pueblo Trail, making several stops along the way to learn about the ancient Puebloan structures built more than 1,000 years ago and their connection to the Chaco culture located 90 miles southwest of this spot. At the end of the trail, visitors will enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from atop the mesa ridge. They will also be afforded the closest view possible of the two pinnacles: Chimney Rock and Companion Rock.
Peregrine falcons are often sighted on the left side of Companion Rock, so cameras are a must.
The hike up to the Chacoan Great House Pueblo may be difficult for some due to the steep gradient, uneven footing, and elevation ending at 7,600 feet. The elevation gain is 200 feet. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition and willing to hike mostly uphill for 1/3 mile (and return steeply downhill).
Check-in is at the plaza kiosk at 10 a.m. The tour begins at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $12 for ages 13 and up and $6 for ages 5-12. It is recommended for ages 5 and above due to uneven, rocky steps and steep drop-offs.
Making a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center is the only way to guarantee a spot for this class. Recreation.gov charges a $1 reservation fee that is nonrefundable.
To ensure this tour is scheduled, reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the tour.
Most tours are at full capacity prior to the event, but walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. They will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and must arrive during the specified check-in time frame. Tickets can be purchased at the gift shop. Note: If no one has signed up for the tour by online reservation within the allotted time frame, the tour will not run. The tour may be canceled because of insufficient attendees.
No refunds will be issued for no-shows. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Activity Pass fee must be paid (or applicable federal pass used) since this program occurs during the monument’s regular daily opening hours.
Mysteries of Chimney Rock Tour
The Mysteries of Chimney Rock Tour is offered on Monday and Friday mornings from 8 to 10:15 a.m., and on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 7:15 p.m.
This engaging two-hour tour will spotlight several topics aimed specifically at interpreting the history and significance of Chimney Rock and the Ancestral Puebloans who inhabited the area more than 1,000 years ago. The tour delves into the connection of Chimney Rock to the greater Chaco Culture, the significance of the mesa top Great House Pueblo and the day-to-day lives of the inhabitants of Chimney Rock.
The tour takes visitors along both the Mesa Village Trail and the Great House Trail to learn specifics about the structures along the way — their significance and uses. At the end of the trail, visitors will enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from atop the mesa ridge.
They will also be afforded the closest view possible of the two pinnacles: Chimney Rock and Companion Rock. Peregrine falcons are often sighted on the left side of Companion Rock, so cameras are a must. The tour will be conducted in the quiet off-hours of the monument.
The hike up to the Chacoan Great House Pueblo may be difficult for some due to the steep gradient, uneven footing, and elevation ending at 7,600 feet. The elevation gain is 200 feet. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition and willing to hike mostly uphill for 1/3 mile (and return steeply downhill).
Check-in is at the Colo. 151 entrance gate. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be promptly locked at the end of that time.
Tickets are $20 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 5-12, and under 5 are free.
Making a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center is the only way to guarantee a spot for this class. Recreation.gov charges a $1 reservation fee that is nonrefundable.
To ensure this tour is scheduled, reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the tour.
Most tours are at full capacity prior to the event, but walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. They will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and must arrive during the specified check-in time frame.
Tour tickets can be purchased directly from the guide with cash only. Note: If no one has signed up for the tour by online reservation within the allotted time frame, the tour will not run. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Our Solar System
Our Solar System program is offered on a Friday each month which affords the best viewing of the moon’s surface using a telescope. Although the focus will be on the moon and its diverse qualities, other night sky objects will be identified and studied, as well as a presentation explaining the significance of the night sky to the Ancestral Puebloans.
This special sky opportunity affords an exclusive view of heavenly bodies from a place where the Ancestral Puebloans lived, observed and studied the celestial skies daily more than 1,000 years ago.
At this altitude, nights begin to cool rapidly after sunset, so an appropriate jacket and other gear will enable you to remain comfortable. Also suggested are lawn chairs; a regular flashlight, a flashlight with a red lens (available for $4); and blankets, pillows and cushions. Note: The program will be adjusted according to current weather conditions and take place as scheduled.
Check-in is at the Colo. 151 entrance gate. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be promptly locked at the end of that time.
Tickets are $20 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 5-12, and under 5 are free.
Making a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center is the only way to guarantee a spot for this program. Recreation.gov charges a $1 reservation fee that is nonrefundable. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the program.
Walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and must arrive during the specified check-in time frame. Those tickets can be purchased directly at the gift shop. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Perseid meteor shower viewing
Drive to Chimney Rock National Monument’s upper-mesa parking lot to designated areas for optimum viewing of the annual Perseid meteor showers — a family-friendly way to experience nature’s night-time wonders in serenity and silence.
Bring a chair, cushion or blanket to sit or lie down outside your car. A coat is a good idea, too, since the temperature can drop 20-30 degrees after sundown.
Members of the local San Juan Stargazers astronomy club, as well as volunteers of Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, will be on hand to coordinate and enhance this event.
Check-in is at the Colo. 151 entrance gate. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be promptly locked at the end of that time.
One ticket will be issued per car. The ticket cost is $5 per car. Make a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center. Recreation.gov charges a $1 reservation fee that is nonrefundable.
Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the tour. Last-minute arrivals will be accommodated if space is available. They will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and must arrive during the specified check-in time frame. Tickets can be purchased directly from the guide with cash only. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Stars and Galaxies
The Stars and Galaxies Program is offered on a select Friday each month when the earth is closest to the new moon. When a new moon occurs, the night sky is at its darkest, highlighting thousands of stars against the vast blackness of space — a unique experience at Chimney Rock, isolated from the artificial lights of modern-day civilization.
This special sky opportunity affords an exclusive view of heavenly bodies from a place where the Ancestral Puebloans lived and observed and studied the celestial skies daily more than 1,000 years ago.
Featured will be a presentation explaining the significance of the night sky to the Ancestral Puebloans. Telescopes will be utilized to observe several different sky objects in our Milky Way galaxy, which looks to the naked eye like a dense, low cloud. In actuality, it is millions of light years away and contains billions of stars.
At this altitude, nights begin to cool rapidly after sunset, so an appropriate jacket and other gear will enable you to remain comfortable. Also suggested are lawn chairs; a regular flashlight, a flashlight with a red lens (available for $4); and blankets, pillows and cushions.
Note: The program will be adjusted according to current weather conditions and take place as scheduled.
Check-in is at the Colo. 151 entrance gate. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be promptly locked at the end of that time.
Tickets are $20 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 5-12, and under 5 are free.
Making a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center is the only way to guarantee a spot for this program. Recreation.gov charges a $1 reservation fee that is nonrefundable. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the program.
Walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and must arrive during the specified check-in time frame. Those tickets can be purchased directly at the gift shop. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Purchasing tickets
For tickets for any of these special programs, please visit www.chimneyrockco.org or call (877) 444-6777. A booking fee applies to each ticket purchased online or through the call center.
Purchasing your tickets in advance is the only way to guarantee a spot for the monthly and annual programs. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the tour. Most tours/programs fill up, but walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available.
Chimney Rock uses a fee system. All vehicles and motorcycles are subject to an activity pass fee of $20. The activity pass fee provides five days of access to Chimney Rock National Monument.
To purchase your required activity pass, you can:
• Purchase your activity pass in advance at Recreation.gov.
• Download the Recreation.gov mobile app to purchase your pass in advance or arrive on-site and use the app to provide payment (Android or iOS) by scanning the on-site QR code.
• Arrive on-site and pay cash.
Interagency, Access, Senior, Military and fourth-grader park passes are accepted for national monument access.
Include Chimney Rock in your plans this summer. This Ancestral Puebloan cultural site is located 17 miles west of Pagosa and 3 miles south on Colo. 151.
To view the Chimney Rock National Monument calendar of events, go to www.chimneyrockco.org.
CRIA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that runs the gift shop and interpretive programs/tours at Chimney Rock National Monument in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the San Juan National Forest.
