NEWS ALERT
Volunteer Training Days
CRIA offers a great, in-depth training program to anyone interested in joining our amazing team of volunteers. This year volunteer training will take place on April 26 from 9:00am-2:00pm at the Methodist Church located at 434 Lewis Street in Pagosa Springs, CO. A second day of training on April 27th, will take place at the Monument from 9:00am-12:00pm. In addition to the training, volunteers receive a comprehensive training manual and on-the-job continuous training.
Who is Chimney Rock Interpretive Association?
The Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer association with headquarters in Pagosa Springs, CO. CRIA runs the interpretive program at Chimney Rock National Monument under a Participating Agreement with the USDA Forest Service/San Juan National Forest.
CRIA promotes public education, interpretation, and stewardship of culture and history through guided tours and special events of the Chimney Rock National historic site. CRIA receives no government funding and depends on tour fees, donations and grants to fund the interpretive program. Volunteers reach out to the community through free programs for school children and the CRIA Lecture Series.
Chimney Rock Interpretive Association Mission & Vision
Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, a non-profit organization, is devoted to providing our community, youth, visitors and volunteers a meaningful connection with the National Monument by creating enjoyable, educational, interpretative programs that connect our modern lives to those of the ancestral Puebloans.
CRIA’s Vision is to inspire people to experience Chimney Rock’s unique beauty, history and cultural importance.
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Explore Chimney Rock National Monument
What is Chimney Rock?
This undiscovered gem is an intimate, off-the-beaten-path archaeological site located at the southern edge of the San Juan Mountains in Southwestern Colorado. You’ll walk in the footsteps of the fascinating and enigmatic Ancestral Puebloans of the Chaco Canyon, following primitive pathways that haven’t changed for 1,000 years. Archaeological structures and artifacts, abundant wildlife, and its setting in the breathtaking San Juan National Forest make Chimney Rock a must-see.
Chimney Rock covers seven square miles and preserves 200 ancient homes and ceremonial buildings, some of which have been excavated for viewing and exploration: a Great Kiva, a Pit House, a Multi-Family Dwelling, and a Chacoan-style Great House Pueblo. Chimney Rock is the highest in elevation of all the Chacoan sites, at about 7,000 feet above sea level. From the base, the hike to the top is just a half mile and it’s rewarded with dramatic 360-degree views of Colorado and New Mexico.
Beginning on May 15th, 2023, Chimney Rock will use a fee system. All vehicles and motorcycles will be subject to an activity pass fee – $20.00. The activity pass fee provides 5 days of access to the Chimney Rock National Monument. Self-guided tours are available during open hours and are included in the activity pass.
To purchase your required activity pass you can:
- Purchase your activity pass in advance at Recreation.gov
- Download the Recreation.gov Mobile APP – purchase your pass in advance OR arrive on site and use the app to provide payment (Android or iOS) by scanning on site QR code.
- Arrive on site and pay cash
- Interagency, Access, Senior, Military, and 4th grader park passes are accepted for National Monument access.