At the heart of Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA), operating the interpretive program at Chimney Rock National Monument, are more than 80 friendly volunteers. While there are paid staff members, it’s the volunteers who do most of the tasks that make the program work.

Since CRIA is primarily staffed by volunteers, it is essential to the program’s success that the volunteer corps remain strong in skills and numbers. Without the volunteers’ skills and valuable time, it would be impossible to keep this local, non-profit, interpretive program viable and the gates to Chimney Rock open.

Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) invites community members to come to the annual Chimney Rock National Monument Open House at the EcoLuxe Building at The Springs Resort and Spa (165 Hot Springs Blvd.) from 6:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, March 17th.

Experienced volunteers will be on hand to introduce guests to the variety of roles that support this unique program and the flexibility in level of commitment.  Some of the volunteer positions include: Visitor Cabin Host, Mesa Host, Tour Guide and Maintenance Crew. CRIA also needs volunteers to help with the monthly and annual special programs, lighting the path up to the Great House for the Full Moon Viewing or manning telescopes at the Night Sky Archaeoastronomy program.  At the two-day Life at Chimney Festival, volunteers are needed to help families with hands-on Cultural Activities.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Chimney Rock National Monument, please stop by the Chimney Rock Open House and enjoy desserts with our enthusiastic volunteers.

CRIA’s Volunteer Training Days will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 21st and 22nd at the PLPOA Clubhouse located at 230 Port Avenue in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.  CRIA offers a great, in-depth training and mentoring program in a fun environment to anyone interested in joining our amazing team of volunteers.  We are very excited for the upcoming season starting May 15th and want to encourage the community to join us!

CRIA is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that runs the daily operations and interpretive program at Chimney Rock National monument in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the San Juan National Forest.  For more information and to view the 2016 Chimney Rock Calendar of events, see the CRIA website at www.chimneyrockco.org  or call (970) 731-7133.