Chimney Rock National Monument Tours
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 wonderfully 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 Highway 151 entrance gate at the time stated below for each individual workshop. 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 (877-444-6777) is the only way to guarantee a spot for this workshop. 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 workshop. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated unless prior permission is obtained from the teacher. Note: if no one has signed up for the workshop by online reservation within the allotted time frame, the workshop will not be held. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Dates:
June 22
July 20
August 24
September 21
Check-in: 7:45 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Workshop: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Capacity: 10
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.
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.
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.