What is Chimney Rock?
Chimney Rock is a place of mystery, a sacred place, a celestial observatory and seasonal calendar for the Ancestral Puebloans over 1,000 years ago. It is a place of unparalleled natural beauty sitting on a high mesa at the southern edge of the San Juan Mountains. Chimney Rock lies within the San Juan National Forest - between Durango and Pagosa Springs in southwestern Colorado. The Monument encompasses 4,726 acres, preserving hundreds of prehistoric sites that dot the landscape around the twin spires known as Chimney Rock and Companion Rock.
Embrace the Heritage 
Chimney Rock is the most isolated and remote community tied to Chaco as well as the highest in elevation, but what Chimney Rock is most know for is the Major Lunar Standstill that occurs every 18.6 years where the moon rises between the twin spires.
Plan your trip to Chimney Rock!
Chimney Rock is open May 15th to September 30th. Visitors can choose to take a Daily Archaeological Tour or make reservations for a Monthly Program or Special Event.
(Click map for larger image)
 Directions to Chimney Rock National Monument
From Pagosa Springs, Colorado: Drive 16 miles west on Hwy 160 from Pagosa Springs to the Hwy 151 turnoff to Chimney Rock National Monument. Turn left onto Hwy 151 and drive 3 miles south to the entrance of Chimney Rock National Monument. Turn right and drive through the entrance gate 1/2 mile to the Visitor Cabin.
From Durango, Colorado: Drive 44 miles east on Hwy 160 from Durango to the Hwy 151 turnoff to Chimney Rock National Monument. Turn right onto Hwy 151 and drive 3 miles south to the entrance of Chimney Rock National Monument. Turn right and drive through the entrance gate 1/2 mile to the Visitor Cabin.
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Visit The Site 