970-264-2287
call 970-883-5359 between May 15th and Septmeber 30th
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In the shadow of the awe-inspiring twin pinnacles, experience a unique part of America's heritage at one of the most unusual and intriguing archaeological sites of the Ancestral Puebloan people in the Four Corners area of SW Colorado. Located between Durango and Pagosa Springs, Chimney Rock is a 4,100 acre site within the San Juan National Forest and is surrounded by the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. It was designated an Archaeological Area and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
One thousand years ago, the site was home to the ancestors of modern Pueblo Indians and is of great spiritual importance to these tribes. Their ancestors built homes and ceremonial buildings high above the valley floor near the sacred twin rock pinnacles. Of the hundreds of individual sites dotting the landscape, archaeologists have found 217 permanent structures and 27 work camps located near farming areas. Researchers now believe Chimney Rock may have played an important role in Chacoan history as a key locale for sky watching.
Chimney Rock is managed in partnership with the Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest, by the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, Inc. (CRIA), a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to protecting the site and providing visitors with an enjoyable and educational experience that is sensitive to native cultures. CRIA offers daily guided walking tours, interpretative programs, workshops, traditional native dance and music and operates a Visitor Center from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm daily, from May 15th to September 30th
Come experience this ancient world amidst breathtaking panoramic scenery. Lodging is available in Pagosa Springs and camping is available at the Ute Campground just 4 miles from Chimney Rock.
--SPECIAL EVENTS--
Night-Sky Archaoastronomy Programs: Learn about naked-eye astronomy of the Ancestral Puebloans, the solar system and universe and view visible celestial objects through telescopes plus get a taste of Native American flute playing and storytelling on Navajo constellations. $10 for adults; $5 for children 11 and under. Space is limited-reservations suggested.
Full-Moon Programs: Watch full a moon rise accompanied by the haunting melody of a Native American flute. "Early Tours" of the site are offered before the program. Recommended for teens and adults. Tickets are $15. Call ahead for reservations.
Autumnal Equinox Sunrise Programs: Stand in the same spot that the Ancestral Puebloans stood a thousand years ago as they watched the sun begin its new season and learn about the unique archaeoastronomy of Chimney Rock. Reservation required. Tickets are $15.
Life at Chimney Rock: Enjoy a full cultural experience including interactive demonstrations of the tools and skills utilized by the Ancestral Puebloans and shop for beautiful Native American crafts!
2009 Calendar of Events at Chimney Rock
Open May 15th - Sept. 30th for daily tours at 9:30am, 10:30am, 1:00pm, & 2:00 pm. Self-guided tours available from 9:00am - 4:30pm.
We will be offering our Full Moon Program on the following dates:
June 7, July 7, Aug. 6. & Sept. 4 2009
Full Moon Program: Watch the full moon rise at the Great House Pueblo site, learn about the Ancestral Puebloans, archaeoastronomy theories, area geology, and enjoy Native American flute melodies by Charles Martinez.
We will be offer our Summer Soltice Sunrise Program on June 20th, 2009 and our Autumnal Equinox Sunrise Program on Sept 22, 2009.
Summer Soltice Sunrise Program: Watch the sunrise over the San Juans this first day of summer and discuss how the ancients may have lived while they celebrated the soltise. Summer soltice is the longest day of the year with the sun rise occuring the farthest north of the horizon in the entire year. This unique 2-3 hour event begins at the Sun Tower, a place not visited on our regular tours, and concludes at the Stone Basin, providing two viewing locations.
Autumnal Equinox Sunrise Program: Watch the sunrise over the San Juans this first day of autumn and discuss how the ancients may have lived while they celebrated the equinox. Autumanl equinox marks the first day of autumn and is a day with equal amounts of daylight and nighttime. This unique 2-3 hour event begins at the Sun Tower, a place not visited on our regular tours, and concludes at the Stone Basin, providing two viewing locations.
FUN FACTS TO KNOW AND TELL
1) Chimney Rock is the most isolated and remote of the outlying communities related to Chaco Canyon and the highest in elevation.
2) Chimney Rock may be the only venue on earth where you can view a major lunar standstill framed by a natural observatory.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT
1) San Juan Pioneer Museum in Pagosa Springs
2) Great Pagosa Hot Springs
BEST TIMES TO VISIT
May through September
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