PROGRAM DETAILS

This fascinating 2.5 hour guided tour explores both the natural and cultural history of the Chimney Rock area. The tour takes you on a journey through geologic time and incorporates the anthropology and archeology of the Puebloan people who occupied this site more than 1,000 years ago. Participants will learn how to identify the common rocks and fossils in the area. Rock types impact structures, pottery, tools, and soil productivity; geologic processes determine the landscape; and, at Chimney Rock, play a central role in climate. The relationship between the pillars and the South San Juan Mountains in terms of astronomical observations will be discussed. The tour also covers the key points discussed in the archaeological focused tours like the Great House Tour.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

The hike up to the Chacoan Great House Pueblo offers great views and photo opportunities but may be difficult for some due to the steep gradient, uneven footing, and elevation ending at 7600 feet. The elevation gain is 200 feet. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition and willing to hike mostly uphill for 1/3 mile (and return steeply downhill). The tour length includes 30 minutes for hiking to and from the Great House. 

TICKETS

Check-in is at the Highway 151 entrance gate at the time stated below for each tour. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be locked at the end of that time. Please note that the tour will begin promptly at the end of the check-in period, so it will not be possible to accommodate late arrivals. The fee is $20.00 for ages 13 and up, $10.00 for ages 5-12, and under 5 are free, and is considered a non-refundable and non-transferable donation.  Making a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center (877-444-6777) is the only way to guarantee a spot for this tour. Recreation.gov charges a $1.00 reservation fee that is non-refundable. To ensure this tour is scheduled, reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the tour.

This program is rarely at full capacity prior to the event, and we will accommodate walk-ins if space is available. They will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and must arrive during the specified check-in time frame. Tour tickets can be purchased directly from the guide with cash only. Note: if no one has signed up for the tour by online reservation within the allotted time frame, the tour will not run. In such a case, walk-ins will not be possible. Refunds will be issued only for cancelled – not modified – tours/programs. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.