MAJOR LUNAR STANDSTILL
Most people are familiar with the Moon’s cycle and how it changes its shape from crescent to full, as well as changing its rising position along the horizon. But, unknown to many, the Moon has a much longer cycle called the Major Lunar Standstill (MLS). Every 18-19 years, the Moon’s tilted orbit aligns with the Earth’s axis, bringing it to its farthest Northern or Southern rising position. At Chimney Rock National Monument, during this Major Lunar Standstill alignment, the Moon dramatically rises between the impressive rock pinnacles — Companion Rock and Chimney Rock. It is a timely, but very short-lived event when this amazing alignment happens. A thousand years ago, when the Ancient Puebloan people built the Great House and ceremonial spaces at Chimney Rock, they did so with a purpose – as many of today’s scholars believe – to view this rare and spectacular event.
Learn more HERE.
Who is Chimney Rock Interpretive Association?
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 including our Lecture Series, Life at Chimney Rock, and School Week.
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.
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.
VIEW OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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.
An activity pass is required for all vehicles and motorcycles. The fee is $20.00/$10.00 respectively. The activity pass provides 5 days of access to Chimney Rock National Monument. Self-guided tours are available and are included in the activity pass. Guided tours are availalbe for a fee at various times during the day at Recreation.gov.
The America the Beautiful pass (Interagency Pass), Access, Military, Senior, and 4th Grade Park Passes are accepted for National Monument access. The Chimney Rock National Monument Activity Pass can be purchased on site with a credit card. Cash is no longer accepted – debit or credit cards only!!