Nearby Pagosa Springs lies Chimney Rock National Monument, an archeaological site located in the southern San Juan National Forest. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Rising 315ft, it is hard to miss the rock formation from US 160 just west of Pagosa Springs. The second rock formation,known as Companion Rock, is home to nesting Peregrine Falcons.
About 1,000 years ago Ancestral Puebloans of Chaco Canyon built the site where approximately 2,000 Pueblo Indians resided between AD 925 and 1125. 200 homes and ceremonial structures have been preserved, and some have been excavated for visitors to view. The largest of these structures is the Great House Pueblo which contained several round ceremonial rooms, known as kivas. Visit Chimney Rock today and learn about the ancient culture that once lived there.
Visiting the Chimney Rock Monument
The visitor center is open between May 15 and September 30 and offers daily tours. The monument is also accessible by foot, bike or horseback from October 1 through May 14.
Both guided and self-guided tours are available and begin at the small visitor center at the base of the monument. Only those on a tour are able to drive to the top of the mesa. Both tours include the Great House Pueblo Trail and the Mesa Village Trail. On the one-third mile paved Mesa Village Trail you will see an excavated Great Kiva, a pit house and several other structures. The Great House Pueblo Trail is an unimproved gravel trail and has amazing views of the twin rock formations. A Chacoan Great House Pueblo, a multi-family dwelling, and several unexcavated structures are all visible along this trail.
Please note that pets are not allowed on tours. However, a shaded kennel is available on a first come, first served basis.
