Chimney Rock National Monument Tours
The Guided Great House Tour is offered on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings. This guided tour takes visitors 1/3 mile up the Great Pueblo Trail, making several stops along the way to learn about the ancient Puebloan structures built over 1,000 years ago and their connection to the Chaco culture located 90 miles southwest of this spot. At the end of the trail, visitors will enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from atop the mesa ridge. They will also be afforded the closest view possible of the two pinnacles: Chimney Rock and Companion Rock. Peregrine falcons are often sighted on the left side of Companion Rock, so cameras are a must!
The hike up to the Chacoan Great House Pueblo may be difficult for some due to the steep gradient, uneven footing, and elevation ending at 7600 feet. The elevation gain is 200 feet. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition and willing to hike mostly uphill for 1/3 mile (and return steeply downhill).
Check-in is at the plaza kiosk at 10:00 a.m. The tour begins at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $12.00 for ages 13 and up and $6.00 for ages 5-12. Recommended for ages 5 and above due to uneven, rocky steps and steep drop offs.
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. Most tours are at full capacity prior to the event, but walk-ins 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 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. The tour may be cancelled because of insufficient attendees. No refunds will be issued for no-shows. The USFS Activity Pass fee must be paid (or applicable federal pass used) since this program occurs during the Monument’s regular daily opening hours.
Dates:
May 16, 17, 18, 21, 23, 24, 25, 28, 30, 31
June 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 29
July 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, 20, 23, 25, 26, 27, 30
August 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, 31
September 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28
October 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 19
Check-in: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Tour: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 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.
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.