Chimney Rock National Monument Tours
Chimney Rock National Monument lies within the San Juan National Forest, between Durango and Pagosa Springs in southwestern Colorado. The Monument encompasses 4,726 acres, preserving hundreds of prehistoric sites that dot the landscape around the twin spires known as Chimney Rock and Companion Rock. Home to the ancestors of the modern Pueblo Indians, the site represents spiritual significance to many tribes; the ancestral Puebloans built more than 200 homes and ceremonial buildings high above the valley floor, probably to be near the twin rock pinnacles. Some ancient structures have been excavated and stabilized for viewing including: Great Kiva, Pit House, Multi-Family Dwelling, and a Chacoan style Great House Pueblo. Many unexcavated structures stimulate the imagination. This northeastern-most Chacoan outlier is also one of the highest in elevation. The mountain peaks to the north and east made it an ideal spot for tracking the movement of the sun and moon. The people of Chimney Rock may have used signal towers at various locations to transmit calendric information to Chaco Canyon.
Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which offers interpretive programs and cultural activities and operates the Gift Shop during the season from May 15 through October 15. CRIA's mission is "to provide the community, youth, visitors and volunteers a meaningful connection with the National Monument by creating enjoyable, educational, interpretive programs that connect our modern lives to those of the ancestral Puebloans" under a partnership agreement with the Pagosa Ranger District, USDA Forest Service. CRIA's programs range in price from $5 to $25 depending on participant’s age and chosen event.
The Gift Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, May 15 – October 15.
Chimney Rock National Monument lies within the San Juan National Forest, between Durango and Pagosa Springs in southwestern Colorado. The Monument encompasses 4,726 acres, preserving hundreds of prehistoric sites that dot the landscape around the twin spires known as Chimney Rock and Companion Rock. Home to the ancestors of the modern Pueblo Indians, the site represents spiritual significance to many tribes; the ancestral Puebloans built more than 200 homes and ceremonial buildings high above the valley floor, probably to be near the twin rock pinnacles. Some ancient structures have been excavated and stabilized for viewing including: Great Kiva, Pit House, Multi-Family Dwelling, and a Chacoan style Great House Pueblo. Many unexcavated structures stimulate the imagination. This northeastern-most Chacoan outlier is also one of the highest in elevation. The mountain peaks to the north and east made it an ideal spot for tracking the movement of the sun and moon. The people of Chimney Rock may have used signal towers at various locations to transmit calendric information to Chaco Canyon.
Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which offers interpretive programs and cultural activities and operates the Gift Shop during the season from May 15 through October 15. CRIA's mission is "to provide the community, youth, visitors and volunteers a meaningful connection with the National Monument by creating enjoyable, educational, interpretive programs that connect our modern lives to those of the ancestral Puebloans" under a partnership agreement with the Pagosa Ranger District, USDA Forest Service. CRIA's programs range in price from $5 to $25 depending on participant’s age and chosen event.
The Gift Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, May 15 – October 15.
Need to Know
- Reservations:
Visitors may book reservations in advance beginning in early March.
- Seasons and Tour Availability:
Programs and Tours offered by advanced reservation are date-specific (available between May 15 and October 15). Other daily programs and guided tours are offered from May 15 through Ocober 15 (tickets sold on-site at the Monument).
- Other Information:
None of the ancient structures are visible from the parking lot.
Special Programs may be canceled due to threatening weather. If so, a refund may be available if requested by the ticket holder through Recreation.gov.
There is no water at the site. Bottled water can be purchased at the Gift Shop.
All fees are considered as donations and are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Safety is our top priority. Please wear sturdy shoes, sun protection, and proper clothing for high desert elevation with potential weather changes.
Pets (except for service animals) are not permitted on the interpretive trails. Please do not leave pets in your vehicle or tied outside as there is no shade.
There is limited power and phone service available.
Booking Windows
Ticket and booking opportunities can be found on the individual ticket pages.
Reservations are generally available starting in March for the upcoming season.
Changes and Cancellations
Special Program fees are considered as donations and refunds are normally not available. See Facility Rates for fees.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
PO Box 1662 Pagosa Springs CO 81147
Phone Number
970-731-7133 (CHIMNEY ROCK INTERPRETIVE ASSOC.)
Available Tours and Tickets
- Guided Great House Walking Tours
- Full Moon
- Early Tour & Full Moon Package
- Stars and Galaxies
- Life at Chimney Rock
- Our Solar System
- Perseids Meteor Shower Viewing
- Geology Tour
- Plein Air Workshop
- Autumnal Equinox Tour
- Flora of Chimney Rock
- Birding at Chimney Rock
- Summer Solstice Tour
- Major Lunar Standstill Celebration
- Mysteries of Chimney Rock Tour
- Flute Music at Twilight
- Art at the Pinnacles
