Chimney Rock National Monument Tours

San Juan National Forest

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

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

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