Chimney Rock National Monument

Guided Great House Tour
2025-08-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-03 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-01 10:00 - 12:00 UTC and 2 more dates | Chimney Rock National Monument, 3179 CO-151, Chimney Rock, CO, 811212, United States
PROGRAM DETAILS
The Guided Great House Tour is a personalized tour that really brings the Monument to life. It is offered daily at 10:30 a.m. each morning. This guided tour takes visitors 1/3 mile up the Great Pueblo Trail, making several stops along the way to learn about the ancient Puebloan structures built over 1,000 years ago and their connection to the Chaco culture located 90 miles southwest of this spot. At the end of the trail, visitors will enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from atop the mesa ridge. They will also be afforded the closest view possible of the two pinnacles: Chimney Rock and Companion Rock. Peregrine falcons are often sighted on the left side of Companion Rock, so cameras are a must!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The hike up to the Chacoan Great House Pueblo 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).
Check-in is at the Gift Shop at 10:00 a.m. The tour begins at 10:30 a.m. The fee is $12.00 for ages 13 and up and $6.00 for ages 5-12 and is considered a non-refundable and non-transferable donation. Recommended for ages 5 and above due to uneven, rocky steps and steep drop offs.
TICKETS
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. Walk-ins will be accommodated 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. Tickets can be purchased at the Gift Shop. Note: if no one has signed up for the tour by online reservation within the allotted time frame, the tour will not run. No refunds will be issued for no-shows. Refunds will be issued only for cancelled – not modified – tours/programs.
The USFS Activity Pass fee must be paid (or applicable federal pass used) since this program occurs during the Monument’s regular daily opening hours.
Dates:
May 15 through 31
June 1 to 6, and June 9 to 30
July 1 through 31
August 1 through 31
September 1 through 30
October 1 through 15
Check-in: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Tour: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 20
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A Mystery Tour of Chimney Rock
2025-08-08 08:00 - 10:15, 2025-08-06 17:00 - 19:15, 2025-08-04 08:00 - 10:15, 2025-08-01 08:00 - 10:15, 2025-07-30 17:00 - 19:15
PROGRAM DETAILS
A Mystery Tour of Chimney Rock is offered on Monday and Friday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., and on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. This engaging two-hour tour will spotlight several topics aimed specifically at interpreting the history and significance of Chimney Rock and the ancestral Puebloans who inhabited the area over 1,000 years ago. The tour delves into the connection of Chimney Rock to the greater Chaco Culture, the significance of the mesa top Great House Pueblo, and the day-to-day lives of the inhabitants of Chimney Rock.
The tour takes visitors along both the Mesa Village Trail and the Great House Trail to learn specifics about the structures along the way – their significance and uses. At the end of the trail, visitors will enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from atop the mesa ridge. They will also be afforded the closest view possible of the two pinnacles: Chimney Rock and Companion Rock. Peregrine falcons are often sighted on the left side of Companion Rock, so cameras are a must! Of special note, the tour will be conducted in the quiet off-hours of the Monument. The hike up to the Chacoan Great House Pueblo 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).
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
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.
TICKETS
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.
PROGRAM DATES
Monday and Friday mornings:
May 26, 30
June 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
July 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
August 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
September 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
October 3, 6, 10, 13
Check-in: 7:45 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Tour: 8:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Wednesdays late afternoons:
May 28
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15
Check in 4:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tour: 5:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Capacity: 25
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Chimney Rock Through the Ages Tour
2025-08-05 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-08-02 08:00 - 10:30, 2025-07-29 17:00 - 19:30
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.
Tuesday Late Afternoon/Evening:
May 20, 27
June 3, 10, 17, 24
July 1, 8, 15, 29
August 5, 12, 19, 26
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Check-in: 4:45 – 5:00 PM
Program: 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Capacity: 25
Saturday Mornings:
May 17, 24, 31
June 14, 21, 28
July 5, 12, 19, 26
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
September 6, 13, 20, 27
October 4, 11
Check-in: 7:45 – 8:00 AM
Program: 8:00 – 10:30 AM
Capacity: 25
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Stroll of the Three Sisters Tour
2025-08-04 13:15 - 14:30, 2025-08-01 13:15 - 14:30
PROGRAM DETAILS
The Stroll of the Three Sisters Tour is offered on Monday and Friday afternoons. This guided tour takes visitors along the Mesa Village Trail for a 1⁄4 mile stroll along an easy, paved path with a gradual descent and then ascent. Highlights of the tour will be a discussion about an Ancient Puebloan agricultural village, including crops grown (the “Three Sisters”) and other foods gathered from the environment, and the day-to-day lives of the ancient people who lived at Chimney Rock over 1,000 years ago. Along the way, stops will include a Pit House, a traditional agricultural home, and a Great Kiva, a community gathering location, among other excavated structures. Visitors will also learn how these small villages interacted with Chaco Canyon, the epicenter of the Chacoan culture. This tour is rated Easy and suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The hike up to the Chacoan Great House Pueblo 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).
Check-in is at the Gift Shop from 1:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. The tour begins at 1:30 p.m. The fee is $12.00 for ages 13 and up and $6.00 for ages 5-12 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. Walk-ins will be accommodated 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. Tickets can be purchased at the Gift Shop. Note: if no one has signed up for the tour by online reservation within the allotted time frame, the tour will not run. No refunds will be issued for no-shows. Refunds will be issued only for cancelled – not modified – tours/programs.
The USFS Activity Pass fee must be paid (or applicable federal pass used) since this program occurs during the Monument’s regular daily opening hours.
TICKETS
Check-in is at the Gift Shop from 1:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. The tour begins at 1:30 p.m. The fee is $15.00 for ages 13 and up and $8.00 for ages 5-12 and is considered a non-refundable and non-transferable donation.
Monday and Friday afternoons:
May 19, 23, 26, 30
June 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
July 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
August 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
September 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
October 3,6,10,13
Check-in: 1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Tour: 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Capacity: 20

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