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 Open House

February 27th @ Ruby Sisson Library 1:00-2:00pm

To help potential volunteers learn about interesting and inspiring opportunities at Chimney Rock National Monument, CRIA will host an open house at the Ruby Sisson Library on Thursday, February 27th, from 1:00pm-2:00pm. 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

May 2nd @ Methodist Church 9:00am-2:30pm & May 3rd @Chimney Rock National Monument 9:00am-12:00pm

CRIA offers its orientation program yearly to both new and returning volunteers. This year our volunteer workshop will take place on Friday, May 2nd, from 9:00 am –2:30 pm at the Methodist Church located at 434 Lewis Street in Pagosa Springs, CO. The following day on Saturday, May 3rd, we will gather at Chimney Rock from 9:00 am –12:00 pm for a familiarization tour of the Monument.

WHY VOLUNTEER AT CHIMNEY ROCK?

Click HERE to view details for all 2025 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 programming

GREET 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.