Autumnal Equinox Tour

Chimney Rock National Monument Tours

The Autumnal Equinox Tour is offered only once a season at Chimney Rock National Monument. The 2024 event will occur on Sunday, September 22. Come to this special place and watch the sun rise over the San Juan Mountains this first morning of fall. With a 360-degree vantage point and the hush of early morning in the wilderness, the rising sun witnessed from the Great House Pueblo is a most unique experience. Such celestial events were of utmost importance to the Ancient Ones, and we will discuss the significance the equinox played in the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. 

It is a 3-mile drive to the trailhead and a 30 to 45-minute uphill hike to the Great House Pueblo in pre-dawn darkness. The hike 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). At the end of the trail, visitors will be rewarded with a panoramic view from atop the mesa ridge. They will also enjoy the closest view possible from the two pinnacles: Chimney Rock and Companion Rock. Bring a good flashlight and dress appropriately. Sunrise is at 7:00 am, with the return hike down the trail taking place in daylight. 

Check-in is at the Highway 151 entrance gate from 5 am to 5:30 am. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be promptly locked at the end of that time. Tickets are $20.00 for ages 13 and up, $10.00 for ages 5-12, and under 5 are free. Making a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or its 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. Tour tickets can be purchased directly from the guide with cash only. Note: if no one has signed up for the tour by online reservation within the allotted time frame, the tour will not run. Refunds will be issued only for cancelled - not modified - programs. No refunds will be issued for no-shows. 

Date: 

Sunday, September 22 

Check-in: 5:15 a.m. – 5:30 a.m.

Tour: 5:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. 

Capacity: 25

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.

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