Frequently Asked Questions
The fee is for the tour service. The tour program at Chimney Rock is managed by the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, a 501 (c)(3)non-profit organization. The Association’s mission includes education of the public and preservation of the site. Fees from the former help support the latter. Since the program is operated by volunteers, fees stay in the local community and the Monument. Vehicle access to the mesa top is restricted to tour participants.
Per federal regulations governing America the Beautiful passes, only the Senior and Access Passes are accepted at Chimney Rock, which entitle the pass holder to a 50% tour fee discount. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which offers discounts for entrance fees at many sites nationwide, does not apply to “Expanded Amenities”, such as the interpretive tours offered here. Active Military personnel are provided a 15% discount on tour fees with proper I.D.
Chimney Rock is a rarity within the USDA Forest Service. Recently designated a National Monument by the President, it remains under the domain of the Forest Service. As such, it is open to all visitors. However, there are seasonal closures and restrictions on entry into the Monument via motorized vehicle.
- Access to the Visitor Cabin is by gravel road about one-half mile from the entrance gate. The gate is open from 9:00am to 4:30pm between May 15 and September 30. From October 1 through May 14, the entrance is locked but guests may hike on the Monument. During tour season, if you pay for a tour or event or have a special permit from the Forest Service, you may drive the 2 1/2 mile winding gravel road to the upper parking lot.
- Visitors may hike into the Monument, ride horses, bicycle (only on the road) or snowshoe. If you decide to join a tour, you will be subject to the rules for that tour and asked to pay the fee.
- Public access to the Great House Pueblo Trail is seasonally restricted beyond the falcon closure fence (between March 1-September 30.) During this seasonal closure, only guided tours operated by the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association may use the trail, under authority of the USDA Forest Service special use permit.
- Horses and dogs are not permitted on the interpretive trails.