Perseids Meteor Shower Viewing
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 for your comfort to sit or lie down, and be prepared for cool nighttime temperatures. 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 locked at the end of that time. One ticket will be issued per vehicle. The fee is $10.00 for each vehicle 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 event. Recreation.gov charges a $1.00 reservation fee that is non-refundable. To ensure this program is scheduled, reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the event.
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. The vehicle fee can be purchased directly from the guide with cash only. Note: if no one has signed up for the program by online reservation within the allotted time frame, the event will not run. In such a case, walk-ins will not be possible. Refunds will be issued only for cancelled – not modified – tours/programs. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Dates:
Monday, August 11
Tuesday, August 12
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
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.
