CHIMNEY ROCK
-- PRESERVATION --
Value of Preservation
 Archaeological sites are a nonrenewable resource, each containing unique information about the human past. It is appropriate to preserve in place as large a range of these sites as possible, even if we cannot define precisely how we would use the information they contain. The Chimney Rock Archaeological Area is rich in cultural and natural resources and holds a unique place in the Ancestral Puebloan world with its distinctive mesas and spires and surrounding terrain. Any resource loss here would represent the loss of a part of our national heritage that could never be recovered. In 2008, Colorado Preservation, Inc. designated the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area as one of Colorado's endangered places.
Responsibility
The Chimney Rock Archaeological Area site is managed for resource preservation and protection by the USDA Forest Service, Pagosa Ranger District. Under USDA Forest Service supervision, the volunteer Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) operates the Chimney Rock Interpretive Program through a special-use permit. In-season, CRIA is responsible for site integrity, sharing overall responsibility for site preservation with the USDA Forest Service and the public.
The foundation for these responsibilities derives from the authorities and protections provided by the Antiquities Act of 1906, and the public policy of progressive archaeological resource management that it initiated. The basic policies of the Antiquities Act are enhanced and expanded by subsequent laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines that describe and define activities to preserve, properly treat, and protect archaeological sites and objects. Most important among the laws related to public archaeological activities at the present time are the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), especially Sections 106 and 110.
Stabilization
 Site stabilization is an integral part of archaeological site preservation and protection. Factors that effect the stabilization of sites, such as erosion, foot traffic, and looting, can lead to extensive site damage. Structures and every part of the ground surface (especially the upper six inches) are always changing due to disturbances caused by vegetative growth and decay, animal activity, and environmental forces, such as wind and rain. Stabilization preserves the site by supporting or strengthening it to reduce the possibility of deterioration.
$1.00 of each Chimney Rock Archaeological Area (CRAA) tour fee is deposited in the CRAA Stabilization Fund, which is administered and directed by the Pagosa Ranger District Archaeologist for the preservation of the excavated sites. In addition, the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association receives grants for stabilization work, such as the 2007 grants for archaeological stabilization from Tourism Cares and Save America's Treasures administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Site Stewardship
The Chimney Rock Archaeological Area is part of the Southwest Colorado Cultural Site Stewardship Program (CSSP), administered by the volunteer San Juan Mountains Association in support of the USDA Forest Service, San Juan National Forest and BLM, San Juan Public lands. Site stewards keep an eye on archaeological sites in danger of vandalism or natural deterioration. Their mission is to monitor conditions of sites and report these on a CSSP Monitoring Report. Site stewards use monthly observations, field notes, drawings, and/or photography to record changes over time. By detecting changes early on, problems can be addressed more efficiently in terms of site preservation.
Public Awareness
Please respect Ancestral Puebloan homes.... leave no trace of your visit.
The Chimney Rock Archaeological Area site--and especially the remnants of Ancestral Puebloan homes--are a legacy and a link to the past. Impacts from human visitation pose the biggest threat to the cultural and natural resources of CRAA. To preserve the historic legacy of CRAA for future generations, please:
- Stay on existing roads and trails. Scars on the landscape heal slowly and increase soil erosion.
- Walk carefully in archaeological sites to avoid stepping on walls and trash mounds. Do not stand or sit on walls, move rocks, or climb through doorways. All cause damage to archaeological structures.
- Never touch painted or plastered walls, petroglyphs, or pictographs. Skin oils damage them.
- Avoid picnicking in archaeological sites. Crumbs attract rodents that tunnel and nest in the site. Make sure that you pick up and carry out all of your trash.
- Do not camp in archaeological sites. It's easy to accidentally destroy walls and artifacts in the dark. Campfire smoke stains walls and cliffs, and charcoal leaves a mess. Leaving human waste in archaeological sites is unsightly and unsanitary. Never burn wood from archaeological sites.
- Never dig in archaeological sites. If you pick up a piece of pottery, put it back where you found it. Leave all artifacts exactly where found for others to enjoy. Artifacts in their original context tell stories about the past. Out of context, artifacts mean little to an archaeologist.
- Treat sites with respect as they are spiritually significant for Native Americans. Do not leave "offerings" as they only confuse the site's original story.
- Do not disturb archaeological sites or remove artifacts on federal public lands without written permission from the Department of the Interior. The sites are protected by Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 and the Antiquities Act of 1906.
- Do your part to preserve this rich heritage.
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Hours of Operation: In-Season May 15 - September 30, Daily 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Guided Walking Tour Schedule: 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.
Location: 3 miles South of Hwy 160 on Hwy 151 (map)
Mailing Address: Chimney Rock Interpretive Program, P.O. Box 1662, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone: (970)883-5359 Visitor's Cabin In-season, (970)264-2287 Leave Message Off-season
E-mail: chimneyrock@chimneyrockco.org
Download Chimney Rock Brochure
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