Chimney Rock National Monument Interpretive Association

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Chimney Rock National Monument Interpretive Association Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to interpret and protect the Chimney Rock National Monument.

Chimney Rock is a San Juan National Forest National Monument located in Colorado between Durango and Pagosa Springs and managed for archaeological protection, public interpretation, and education. Its care, protection, and preservation are shared by the Pagosa Ranger District, USDA Forest Service and the public, who contribute through tour fees, donations, and purchase of items from the Chimney Rock Visitor's Center. The Chimney Rock Interpretive Program, managed and staffed by the National Forest Service and volunteers of the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, conducts daily guided walking tours and operates the Visitor Center during in-season, May 15 to September 30.

What a beautiful day for a sidewalk sale! ☀️Clear blue skies, crisp fall air and tables full of treasures: books, kitche...
10/19/2026

What a beautiful day for a sidewalk sale! ☀️

Clear blue skies, crisp fall air and tables full of treasures: books, kitchenware, lamps, bikes and plenty of surprises waiting to be discovered.

Thank you to everyone who came out Saturday to shop, browse and visit with us at the CRIA Sidewalk Sale. 🧡 And a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who donated items and to the volunteers who made the day possible.

Every purchase supports our Junior Archaeologist Program at Chimney Rock National Monument, helping us give young explorers an upgraded activity booklet and their very own Junior Archaeologist badge in 2027.

A good day of treasure hunting, for a cause that helps the next generation dig into 1,000 years of history.

Today's the day! 🧡The CRIA Sidewalk Sale is today in Pagosa Springs, and there are treasures waiting to be found.Every p...
10/17/2026

Today's the day! 🧡

The CRIA Sidewalk Sale is today in Pagosa Springs, and there are treasures waiting to be found.

Every purchase supports our Junior Archaeologist Program, helping the next generation of young explorers discover the story of Chimney Rock and the Ancestral Puebloans.

CRIA Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, October 17
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Community Methodist Church parking lot, 434 Lewis St., Pagosa Springs

Come early for the best finds, and bring a friend!

And just like that, the gates have closed on another season at Chimney Rock.To every visitor who walked the trails, ever...
10/16/2026

And just like that, the gates have closed on another season at Chimney Rock.

To every visitor who walked the trails, every family who learned something new, and every volunteer who led a tour, greeted a guest or told the story one more time—thank you.

CRIA receives no government funding, so your tour fees, donations and time are what keep this place's story alive. 🧡

And we're not done yet!

Tomorrow, come find a treasure at the CRIA Sidewalk Sale. Every purchase supports our Junior Archaeologist Program and next year's young explorers.

CRIA Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, October 17
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Community Methodist Church parking lot, 434 Lewis St., Pagosa Springs

As the evening light settles over the Mesa Village and Great House Trails, your guide will share the story of the Ancest...
10/14/2026

As the evening light settles over the Mesa Village and Great House Trails, your guide will share the story of the Ancestral Puebloans who called Chimney Rock home—and their connection to the greater Chacoan world.

Then tomorrow, we close the gates on the 2026 season.

Last Chances at Chimney Rock:

Today – Wednesday, October 14
• A Tour of Two Trails | 4:45 – 7:15 PM

Tomorrow – Thursday, October 15 – FINAL DAY
• A Day in the Life of the Ancient Ones Tour | 9:00 – 10:30 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Reserve your spot on our website.

Four days.That's how much of the 2026 season is left at Chimney Rock National Monument.Four more mornings for the light ...
10/12/2026

Four days.

That's how much of the 2026 season is left at Chimney Rock National Monument.

Four more mornings for the light to move across the Great House.
Four more chances to stand on the mesa ridge and look out over Colorado and New Mexico.
Four more days to walk paths that haven't changed in 1,000 years.

The Guided Great House Tour runs every day through Thursday, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, with a few special tours still left this week.

Thursday, October 15 is our final day. If Chimney Rock has been on your list, this is the week.

Plan your visit and reserve your tour on our website.

As another remarkable season draws to a close, we invite you to experience Chimney Rock one last time before we close fo...
10/11/2026

As another remarkable season draws to a close, we invite you to experience Chimney Rock one last time before we close for the winter.

Thursday, October 15, is the final day we'll be open this year. If you've been planning a visit—or would like one more opportunity to explore this remarkable place—don't wait! Join us this week and help us wrap up another wonderful season.

This Week at Chimney Rock:
Monday, October 12
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, October 13
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, October 14
• A Day in the Life of the Ancient Ones Tour | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• A Tour of Two Trails | 4:45 PM – 7:15 PM

Thursday, October 15 – FINAL DAY OF THE 2026 SEASON
• A Day in the Life of the Ancient Ones Tour | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Saturday, October 17
• 🛍️ CRIA Sidewalk Sale | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

🍁 If you haven't made it to Chimney Rock yet—or if you'd like one last walk among the ancient structures and breathtaking views—this is your week.

We'll close the gates for the season after Thursday, October 15, but the memories you make here will last long after.

Plan your final visit of the season at www.ChimneyRockCo.org

Make plans to shop the CRIA Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, October 17th. Come see what treasures are waiting to be discover...
10/09/2026

Make plans to shop the CRIA Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, October 17th. Come see what treasures are waiting to be discovered.

Every purchase from the CRIA sale will benefit our Junior Archaeologist Program at Chimney Rock National Monument. Funds raised will help us make the program even better in 2027, with plans for an upgraded full-color activity booklet and a custom Junior Archaeologist badge for our young explorers.

CRIA Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, October 17
10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Community Methodist Church Parking Lot (434 Lewis St., Pagosa Springs)

And there will be even more to explore! Our sale is being held alongside the Community Methodist Church Thrift Store Sale, with each organization operating its own sale and benefiting its own programs.

Come hunt for a bargain, uncover a treasure, and help us give kids another reason to get excited about the history and archaeology of Chimney Rock.

How do we know just how old the past really is?Join Dr. John Kappelman on Tuesday, October 27 for The Dating Game: Archa...
10/07/2026

How do we know just how old the past really is?

Join Dr. John Kappelman on Tuesday, October 27 for The Dating Game: Archaeological Dating Methods—a fascinating look at the science archaeologists use to determine the age of ancient objects, structures, and events.

From carbon dating and tree rings to paleomagnetism and cultural clues, discover how these methods help piece together the story of places like Chimney Rock National Monument.

The one-hour presentation will be followed by a brief Q&A.

Date: October 27, 2026
Time: 6:00-7:00 PM
Location: Community Methodist Fellowship Hall
Address: 434 Lewis Street, Pagosa Springs, CO

Think about how many footsteps have traveled these trails since we opened the season in May.Visitors from across the cou...
10/05/2026

Think about how many footsteps have traveled these trails since we opened the season in May.

Visitors from across the country. Families. School groups. Volunteers. First-time visitors. People who return year after year.

Now there are only two weeks left to add your footsteps to the 2026 season.

Chimney Rock National Monument closes for the season October 15th.

Only two weeks left in the 2026 season! 🍂If you've been thinking about visiting Chimney Rock National Monument, now is t...
10/05/2026

Only two weeks left in the 2026 season! 🍂

If you've been thinking about visiting Chimney Rock National Monument, now is the time! With just two weeks remaining before the season comes to a close, don't miss your chance to experience the history, breathtaking views, and unforgettable guided programs that make Chimney Rock such a special place.

This Week at Chimney Rock:

Monday, October 5
• Sunrise at Chimney Rock Tour | 6:30 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM

Tuesday, October 6
• A Day in the Life of the Ancient Ones Tour | 9:00 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM
• Chimney Rock Through the Ages | 5:00 PM

Wednesday, October 7
• A Day in the Life of the Ancient Ones Tour | 9:00 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM
• A Tour of Two Trails | 5:00 PM

Thursday, October 8
• A Day in the Life of the Ancient Ones Tour | 9:00 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM

Friday, October 9
• A Tour of Two Trails | 7:15 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM

Saturday, October 10
• Chimney Rock Through the Ages | 8:00 AM
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM

Sunday, October 11
• Guided Great House Tour | 10:00 AM

🍁 Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to explore Chimney Rock. Crisp mornings, golden landscapes, incredible views, and fascinating stories of the Ancient Puebloans await. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, there's always something new to discover.

Plan your visit and reserve your tour today on our website.

Address

Highway 151
Chimney Rock, CO
81121

Telephone

+19708832496

Website

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