Night Sky: Stars and Galaxies

Chimney Rock National Monument Tours

This program is timed for when the moon is not visible in the early night sky. That makes it so we can enjoy the darkest sky possible with the greatest number of stars visible (all from the Milky Way Galaxy) and then some deep sky objects that are beyond our galaxy that we can see with the telescopes. We hope you will appreciate how rare this opportunity is and how fortunate you are to experience it. Treasure it, along with experiencing an area where the ancient people actually lived and daily and nightly walked around. 

There are three parts to our program starting with a live brief history of Chimney Rock, followed by a video presentation about the ancient people and explaining why astronomy was such an important part of their lives. The third part of the program is a recorded power point presentation that gives understanding of deep-sky objects such as binary stars, globular star clusters, open cluster, various nebulae, and other galaxies. The program includes basic astronomy that will prepare you for what we will be seeing through our telescopes. Everyone bring your questions, fold up chairs, a flashlight, blankets or pillows to the Hura Dura, or paved viewing and seating area. Visitors bringing their own telescope need to inform the Parking Attendant so you can be directed to the telescope area

For your comfort and the comfort of others, please feel free to move about during the program if needed. Remember that at this altitude the nights begin to cool rapidly after sunset, so an appropriate jacket or sweater will enable you to remain comfortable while you enjoy the majesty of the night sky at Chimney Rock.  

Guests must enter through the Hwy 151 entry gate during the check-in period stated below; the gate will be locked at the end of that time.  

Tickets are $16 for ages 13 and up, $8 for ages 5-12, under 5 free, and are considered a non-refundable, non-transferable donation. A booking fee applies to each ticket purchased online or through the call center. 

Making a reservation through the call center or website is the only way to guarantee a spot on this tour. 

Most programs are at full capacity prior to the event, but we will accommodate walk-ins if space is available. Booking fees do not apply to walk-ins. 

Program Dates/Times:  

• May 19: Arrive for check-in 7:15 - 7:30 PM. Program begins at 8:45 PM.
• June 16, July 14: Arrive for check in 7:30 - 7:45 PM. Program begins at 9:00 PM.
• August 18: Arrive for check-in 7:00 - 7:15pm. Program begins at 8:30 PM.
• September 15: Arrive for check in 6:15 - 6:30 PM. Program begins at 7:45 PM.         

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

• • No late arrivals, entry gate closes 15 minutes before tour time.
    
  • Visitors should check in at the Visitor Center located one-half mile inside the entrance gate.
    
  • Dress for outdoor weather: wind, insects, cool temperatures, etc., should be considered.
    
  • Each person attending should have water and a flashlight.
    
  • Attendees may bring a cushion or blanket to sit on.    
  • Ancient structures are not visible from a vehicle.
    
  • Special interpretive programs are offered by Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA), a not-for-profit volunteer organization, under agreement with the Forest Service. Program fees are used to support the interpretive programs and activities presented by CRIA. All fees are non-refundable.
    
  • You are responsible for the safety of yourself and family.
    
  • Pit toilet-style restrooms are available at the Visitor Center and the upper parking lot.
    
  • Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere in the National Monument.  
  • We encourage guests to stay hydrated in this dry climate, but please be sure to use the trash receptacles at the upper restroom and/or Cabin areas; rodents are attracted to food scraps and can damage the archaeological sites.
    

• Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to start of program.

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