Chimney Rock National Monument Tours
Drive to Chimney Rock National Monument’s upper-mesa parking lot to designated areas for optimum viewing of the annual Perseids 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 Highway 151 entrance gate at the time stated below. 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 $5.00 per car. Make a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center (877-444-6777). Recreation.gov charges a $1.00 reservation fee that is non-refundable. 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.
Dates:
Monday, August 12
Tuesday, August 13
Check-in: 6:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Viewing: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Select a date to see a list of times
You are responsible for the safety of yourself and your family. This is a high desert location. Proper hydration and sun protection are vital to your comfort and safety. Bring plenty of water. Bottled water is available for sale at the Gift Shop. There is no other potable water on site.
Dress for outdoor weather: cool or hot temperatures, wind, insects, etc. should be considered. There is no shade on the trails. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Sunblock and a hat are recommended. A walking stick is advisable for those who feel more comfortable hiking with one.
No late arrivals. The gate will be locked at the end of check-in time.
Pit-style restrooms are available at the Visitor Center, the picnic area, and the upper parking lot.
Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere in the National Monument.
Pets (other than service animals) are not permitted on the trails. There are 3 kennels available at the cabin area. It is not safe to leave pets in vehicles or tied to vehicles. Parking areas do not provide shade.
Make sure to use the trash receptacles at the Visitor Center, the picnic area, and/or the upper parking lot. Rodents are attracted to food scraps and can damage archaeological sites. Food scraps are also not healthy for the animals who live at the Monument.
Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to start of program.
For your safety, stay for the entire program.