Join Our Volunteer Team
Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) volunteers support the mission to preserve and protect Chimney Rock National Monument (CRNM) while educating the public. Our volunteers learn and become familiar with what archaeologists and astronomers know about the ancient people of Chimney Rock. CRIA provides material on the ancient Puebloan culture, history, lifestyle and the site itself. In addition to a 2-day training session each Spring, volunteers receive a comprehensive training manual and on-the-job continuous training. Volunteers can choose to join one or more of our teams!
For more information on how to join our volunteer team, please email us officemgr@chimneyrockco.org.
Volunteer Information Sessions
To help potential volunteers learn about interesting and inspiring opportunities at Chimney Rock National Monument, CRIA will host open houses prior to our Training and Orientation days. There will be a host of CRIA volunteers on hand to welcome you and talk about the various positions available; answer questions, concerns; and point you in the right direction to ensure a fun and enjoyable experience at Chimney Rock National Monument.Volunteer Orientation
CRIA provides a two day volunteer orientation program yearly to both new and returning volunteers.Day 1: Friday, April 17th, from 9:15 am –3:00 pm at the Methodist Church located at 434 Lewis Street in Pagosa Springs, CO.
Day 2: Saturday, April 18th, from 10:00 am –12:00 pm at Chimney Rock National Monument for a familiarization tour of the site.
WHY VOLUNTEER AT CHIMNEY ROCK?
2026 Volunteer Positions
Tour Guide
Options are varied to match your knowledge of subject matter.Lead visitors on a variety of tours to explore in depth the many facets of Chimney Rock–archaeology, birding, flora, geology, night sky.
Gift Shop Position
Welcome visitors, be familiar with inventory, ring up sales.One Day a Week
Commit to working the Gift Shop on a dedicated day of
the week. Substitutes for regulars who are out of town,
unavailable, etc. are also needed.
Mesa Host
Manage the Mesa Top Parking Area.Monitor the Two Trail Heads.
Provide information and directions to visitors. Assist
Forest Service with visitor safety. Communicate with check-in
station and gift shop via radio.
Night Programs
Be part of our popular special programs.BE A PART OF THE TEAM!
Light the trail for the full moon. Guide visitors to the top of
the mesa. Enjoy a unique, star studded experience while
being a team member.
Special Programs
Assist in a number of interpretive/educational activities.Provide support to program leaders in implementing events such as Life at Chimney Rock, fundraisers, movie night, lectures, other.
Plaza Host
Be familiar with Forest Service policies and operations, and CRIA’s programmingGREET VISITORS & EXPLAIN THE SITE
Work closely with the Forest Service to explain options/tours for exploring Chimney Rock. Promote responsible visitor protocol. Direct visitors to the Interpretive Area and the Gift Shop.