Night Sky Program
Chimney Rock National Monument Tours
This program highlights the night sky at Chimney Rock with select evenings on Fridays each month and one Saturday in August. It features discussions about the Ancient Puebloans’ connection to the night sky; telescope viewings when conditions are suitable; easy hikes for better viewing of specific ancient sites and dark sky features; and brief interactive talks about the life cycle of a star, the various categories of galaxies, and updates about the discoveries of the James Webb Space Telescope.
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 chairs/blankets/pillows, binoculars, a regular flashlight, or a flashlight with a red lens (available for $4). Note: All programs will be adjusted according to current weather conditions and take place as scheduled. Not recommended for children.
Check-in is at the Highway 151 entrance gate at the time stated below for each tour. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be locked at the end of that time. Please note that the tour will begin promptly at the end of the check-in period, so it will not be possible to accommodate late arrivals. The fee is $20.00 for ages 13 and up, $10.00 for ages 5-12, and under 5 are free, and is considered a non-refundable and non-transferable donation. 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 tour. Recreation.gov charges a $1.00 reservation fee that is non-refundable. To ensure this tour is scheduled, reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the tour.
This program is rarely at full capacity prior to the event, and we will accommodate walk-ins 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 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. In such a case, walk-ins will not be possible. No refunds will be issued for no-shows. Refunds will be issued only for cancelled – not modified – tours/programs.
Dates:
Friday, May 30
Check-in: 7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Program: 8:15 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
Friday, June 20
Check-in: 7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Program: 8:15 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
Friday, June 27
Check-in: 7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Program: 8:15 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
Friday, July 18
Check-in: 7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Program: 8:15 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
Friday, July 25
Check-in: 7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Program: 8:15 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.
Saturday, August 30
Check-in: 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Program: 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Friday, September 19
Check-in: 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Program: 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Capacity: 60
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- Safety
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 Appropriately
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.
- Gate is open only for check-in
No late arrivals. The gate will be locked at the end of check-in time.
- Restrooms
Pit-style restrooms are available at the Visitor Center, the picnic area, and the upper parking lot.
- Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere in the National Monument.
- Pets
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.
- Trash
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
Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to start of program.
- Entire Program
For your safety, stay for the entire program.
