Visit Pagosa Springs - The Official Visitor's Guide to Pagosa Springs, Colorado | VisitPagosaSprings.com: Mysteries of Chimney Rock Tour

Friday, October 13 2023

Mysteries of Chimney Rock Morning Tour @ Chimney Rock National Monument

Chimney Rock National Monument

Archaeological site
3179 CO-151
Chimney Rock, Colorado


Mysteries of Chimney Rock@ Chimney Rock National Monument

This engaging two-hour tour is led by a trained Chimney Rock Interpretive Association tour guide. The tour will spotlight general topics aimed at interpreting the history and significance of Chimney Rock and the ancestral Puebloans who inhabited the area over a thousand years ago. You will learn about the connection of Chimney Rock to the greater Chaco Culture, the significance of the mesa-top Great House, and the day-to-day lives of the inhabitants of Chimney Rock. You will walk both the Mesa Village and Great House Pueblo Trails, learning about the structures along each trail, including their significance and uses. You will be treated to the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and asked to imagine what it must have been like for the people who once called Chimney Rock their home. The tours will be conducted in the quiet off-hours of the Monument. Bring your curiosity, camera, sturdy shoes, and water.

Guests must enter through the Hwy 151 entry gate during the check-in period stated below; the gate will be locked at the end of that time.

Tickets are $16 (ages 13 and up), $8 (ages 5-12), under 5 free, and are considered a non-refundable, non-transferable donation. A booking fee applies to each ticket purchased online or through the call center.

Making a reservation through the call center or website is the only way to guarantee a spot on this tour.

Most programs are at full capacity prior to the event, but we will accommodate walk-ins if space is available. Booking fees do not apply to walk-ins. 

Monday & Friday Mornings:

Check-in 7:45-8am; Program begins 8-10:15am

Wednesday Evenings: Check-in 4:45-5pm; Program begins 5-7:15pm

Standard Amenity Fee:

There is a $20/car or $10/motorcycle standard amenity fee for day use that is good for 5 days from the date of purchase.

– Pay the standard amenity fee in advance here: Recreation.gov
– Download the Recreation.gov Mobile APP - to purchase your pass in advance
– Pay with cash or credit card when you arrive
– Interagency, Access, Senior, Military, and 4th grader park passes will be accepted
   for National Monument access.

There is a separate fee for programs/tours. Reserve in advance. 

Chimney Rock National Monument is day use only. Due to parking limitations at the upper parking lot, customers may occasionally need to wait at the visitor center.

None of the ancient structures are visible from the parking lot.

Special Programs and/or tours may be canceled due to threatening weather. If so, Rain Checks will be available.

There is no water at the site. Bottled water can be purchased at the Gift Shop.

All fees are considered as donations and are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please wear sturdy shoes, sun protection, and proper clothing for high desert elevation with potential weather changes.

Pets (except for service animals) are not permitted on the interpretive trails. Please do not leave pets in your vehicle or tied outside as there is no shade.  A shaded, unmonitored, kennel is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Kennel locks are available to borrow from the Visitor Center. Dog owners must provide dog water.

There is limited power and phone service available.

Picnic tables and restrooms are available near the Visitor Center.

A handicapped-accessible, self-guided tour features the Great Kiva and a reconstructed pit house.

More information at https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234787. 8am.


You may also be interested in...
Sunday 12.14.2025

Simple Wire Angel Workshop @ Wire Art Academy at Pagosa Springs Visitor Center

Beginner friendly. All tools & materials included. Most students complete their angels in about two hours. Extra studio time is built in for anyone who would like to make more or work at a relaxed pace. Price: $45. 1:30-4:30pm.

Sunday 12.14.2025

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER @ Liberty Theatre

Re-release. Rated PG. Based on the beloved book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever centers on the Herdmans -- absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. But this Christmas, they're taking over their local church Pageant -- and they just might unwittingly teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas. Doors and Caldwell's Liberty Bar open at 1pm. Movie at 2pm.

Sunday 12.14.2025

Live Theatre @ Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts

The timeless holiday story, reborn for a new generation. This vibrant reimagining of Charles Dickens' classic tale captures the magic, heart, and redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge's journey. With stirring music, atmospheric storytelling, and a fresh take that honors tradition while feeling contemporary, Barlow's A Christmas Carol invites audiences of all ages to celebrate the spirit of compassion, generosity, and community. A moving and festive centerpiece for the holiday season. 3pm. $27-$48.

Sunday 12.14.2025

Pagosa Springs Community Choir Presents: We Need A Little Christmas @ Pagosa Springs High School

Pagosa Springs Community Choir Presents: We Need A Little Christmas with Director Dan Burch and Accompanist Venita Burch. 4pm. Free Admission. Donations gratefully accepted.

Sunday 12.14.2025

Live Music @ Coyote Moon Lounge

Food, Beverages, and Live Music with High Altitude Blues. 5pm.

Sunday 12.14.2025

Holiday Lights Tour & Contest

Once again, the Pagosa Springs area will be bright with holiday cheer this season. The Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board and The Pagosa Springs SUN are sponsoring a lighting contest this holiday season. The lighting contest will make the holiday season shine. It includes enhanced lighting in downtown Pagosa as well as many other festive events taking place in and around the Pagosa Springs area November 28th through the end of December. Lights will be on every evening from 6-8pm.

Monday 12.15.2025

Live Music @ Coyote Moon Lounge

Food, Beverages, and Live Music Christmas Special with Max Miller. 5-7pm.

Monday 12.15.2025

Meet Santa @ Kip's Grill & Cantina

Meet Santa, Free Hot chocolate and candy canes for kiddos. 5-7pm.

Monday 12.15.2025

Backcountry Film Festival @ Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts

Presented by Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Backcountry Film Festival celebrates the spirit of human-powered adventure through stories that connect us to wild places, to each other, and to the movement to keep winter wild. Join Winter Wildlands Alliance for the 21st Annual Backcountry Film Festival at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, featuring human-powered winter films, giveaways, drinks, and more. Grab your friends and your tickets, and get ready to celebrate winter! 5:30pm.

Monday 12.15.2025

Holiday Lights Tour & Contest

Once again, the Pagosa Springs area will be bright with holiday cheer this season. The Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board and The Pagosa Springs SUN are sponsoring a lighting contest this holiday season. The lighting contest will make the holiday season shine. It includes enhanced lighting in downtown Pagosa as well as many other festive events taking place in and around the Pagosa Springs area November 28th through the end of December. Lights will be on every evening from 6-8pm.

Tuesday 12.16.2025
Tuesday 12.16.2025

Holiday Lights Tour & Contest

Once again, the Pagosa Springs area will be bright with holiday cheer this season. The Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board and The Pagosa Springs SUN are sponsoring a lighting contest this holiday season. The lighting contest will make the holiday season shine. It includes enhanced lighting in downtown Pagosa as well as many other festive events taking place in and around the Pagosa Springs area November 28th through the end of December. Lights will be on every evening from 6-8pm.

Tuesday 12.16.2025
Tuesday 12.16.2025

Painting Party @ Picasso & Vino Studio

"WINTER WONDERLAND." Follow along step by step to create your own masterpiece! Beverages and light snacks available for purchase. 6:30-8:30pm. $38.

Tuesday 12.16.2025

Open Mic Night @ Hidden Track Pagosa

Open mic featuring local talent every Tuesday. Hosted by Carl Mori, owner of The Music Shoppe. 7-10pm.

Tuesday 12.16.2025
Wednesday 12.17.2025

Holiday Lights Tour & Contest

Once again, the Pagosa Springs area will be bright with holiday cheer this season. The Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board and The Pagosa Springs SUN are sponsoring a lighting contest this holiday season. The lighting contest will make the holiday season shine. It includes enhanced lighting in downtown Pagosa as well as many other festive events taking place in and around the Pagosa Springs area November 28th through the end of December. Lights will be on every evening from 6-8pm.

Wednesday 12.17.2025

A Merry Little Christmas Concert @ Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts

A concert for the holiday season featuring the talented vocalist in Thingamajig's Winter Season with guest appearances by the ThingamaWho teen cast of Beetlejuice will warm the hearts of family members of all ages. Audiences will jump at the chance to spend another evening at the beautiful Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts - it is always the perfect way to ring in the season. 7pm. $37 Adults, $22 Kids under 12.

Thursday 12.18.2025

Wine With Bob and Live Music @ Higher Grounds Coffee Co

You know him, you love him-Bob the Wine Guy is back! Join us every Thursday from 4-8pm as Bob serves up specialty wines and tasty small bites. Live music with Santana 5-7pm.

Thursday 12.18.2025

Holiday Lights Tour & Contest

Once again, the Pagosa Springs area will be bright with holiday cheer this season. The Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board and The Pagosa Springs SUN are sponsoring a lighting contest this holiday season. The lighting contest will make the holiday season shine. It includes enhanced lighting in downtown Pagosa as well as many other festive events taking place in and around the Pagosa Springs area November 28th through the end of December. Lights will be on every evening from 6-8pm.

Sunday 12.14.2025

Simple Wire Angel Workshop @ Wire Art Academy at Pagosa Springs Visitor Center

Beginner friendly. All tools & materials included. Most students complete their angels in about two hours. Extra studio time is built in for anyone who would like to make more or work at a relaxed pace. Price: $45. 1:30-4:30pm.

Sunday 12.14.2025

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER @ Liberty Theatre

Re-release. Rated PG. Based on the beloved book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever centers on the Herdmans -- absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. But this Christmas, they're taking over their local church Pageant -- and they just might unwittingly teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas. Doors and Caldwell's Liberty Bar open at 1pm. Movie at 2pm.

Sunday 12.14.2025

Live Theatre @ Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts

The timeless holiday story, reborn for a new generation. This vibrant reimagining of Charles Dickens' classic tale captures the magic, heart, and redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge's journey. With stirring music, atmospheric storytelling, and a fresh take that honors tradition while feeling contemporary, Barlow's A Christmas Carol invites audiences of all ages to celebrate the spirit of compassion, generosity, and community. A moving and festive centerpiece for the holiday season. 3pm. $27-$48.

Sunday 12.14.2025

Pagosa Springs Community Choir Presents: We Need A Little Christmas @ Pagosa Springs High School

Pagosa Springs Community Choir Presents: We Need A Little Christmas with Director Dan Burch and Accompanist Venita Burch. 4pm. Free Admission. Donations gratefully accepted.

Sunday 12.14.2025

Live Music @ Coyote Moon Lounge

Food, Beverages, and Live Music with High Altitude Blues. 5pm.

Sunday 12.14.2025

Holiday Lights Tour & Contest

Once again, the Pagosa Springs area will be bright with holiday cheer this season. The Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board and The Pagosa Springs SUN are sponsoring a lighting contest this holiday season. The lighting contest will make the holiday season shine. It includes enhanced lighting in downtown Pagosa as well as many other festive events taking place in and around the Pagosa Springs area November 28th through the end of December. Lights will be on every evening from 6-8pm.

Monday 12.15.2025

Live Music @ Coyote Moon Lounge

Food, Beverages, and Live Music Christmas Special with Max Miller. 5-7pm.

Monday 12.15.2025

Meet Santa @ Kip's Grill & Cantina

Meet Santa, Free Hot chocolate and candy canes for kiddos. 5-7pm.

Monday 12.15.2025

Backcountry Film Festival @ Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts

Presented by Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Backcountry Film Festival celebrates the spirit of human-powered adventure through stories that connect us to wild places, to each other, and to the movement to keep winter wild. Join Winter Wildlands Alliance for the 21st Annual Backcountry Film Festival at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, featuring human-powered winter films, giveaways, drinks, and more. Grab your friends and your tickets, and get ready to celebrate winter! 5:30pm.

Monday 12.15.2025

Holiday Lights Tour & Contest

Once again, the Pagosa Springs area will be bright with holiday cheer this season. The Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board and The Pagosa Springs SUN are sponsoring a lighting contest this holiday season. The lighting contest will make the holiday season shine. It includes enhanced lighting in downtown Pagosa as well as many other festive events taking place in and around the Pagosa Springs area November 28th through the end of December. Lights will be on every evening from 6-8pm.

Tuesday 12.16.2025
Tuesday 12.16.2025

Holiday Lights Tour & Contest

Once again, the Pagosa Springs area will be bright with holiday cheer this season. The Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board and The Pagosa Springs SUN are sponsoring a lighting contest this holiday season. The lighting contest will make the holiday season shine. It includes enhanced lighting in downtown Pagosa as well as many other festive events taking place in and around the Pagosa Springs area November 28th through the end of December. Lights will be on every evening from 6-8pm.

Tuesday 12.16.2025
Tuesday 12.16.2025

Painting Party @ Picasso & Vino Studio

"WINTER WONDERLAND." Follow along step by step to create your own masterpiece! Beverages and light snacks available for purchase. 6:30-8:30pm. $38.

Tuesday 12.16.2025

Open Mic Night @ Hidden Track Pagosa

Open mic featuring local talent every Tuesday. Hosted by Carl Mori, owner of The Music Shoppe. 7-10pm.

Tuesday 12.16.2025
Wednesday 12.17.2025

Holiday Lights Tour & Contest

Once again, the Pagosa Springs area will be bright with holiday cheer this season. The Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board and The Pagosa Springs SUN are sponsoring a lighting contest this holiday season. The lighting contest will make the holiday season shine. It includes enhanced lighting in downtown Pagosa as well as many other festive events taking place in and around the Pagosa Springs area November 28th through the end of December. Lights will be on every evening from 6-8pm.

Wednesday 12.17.2025

A Merry Little Christmas Concert @ Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts

A concert for the holiday season featuring the talented vocalist in Thingamajig's Winter Season with guest appearances by the ThingamaWho teen cast of Beetlejuice will warm the hearts of family members of all ages. Audiences will jump at the chance to spend another evening at the beautiful Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts - it is always the perfect way to ring in the season. 7pm. $37 Adults, $22 Kids under 12.

Thursday 12.18.2025

Wine With Bob and Live Music @ Higher Grounds Coffee Co

You know him, you love him-Bob the Wine Guy is back! Join us every Thursday from 4-8pm as Bob serves up specialty wines and tasty small bites. Live music with Santana 5-7pm.

Thursday 12.18.2025

Holiday Lights Tour & Contest

Once again, the Pagosa Springs area will be bright with holiday cheer this season. The Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board and The Pagosa Springs SUN are sponsoring a lighting contest this holiday season. The lighting contest will make the holiday season shine. It includes enhanced lighting in downtown Pagosa as well as many other festive events taking place in and around the Pagosa Springs area November 28th through the end of December. Lights will be on every evening from 6-8pm.

Sunday 12.14.2025

Simple Wire Angel Workshop @ Wire Art Academy at Pagosa Springs Visitor Center

Beginner friendly. All tools & materials included. Most students complete their angels in about two hours. Extra studio time is built in for anyone who would like to make more or work at a relaxed pace. Price: $45. 1:30-4:30pm.

Sunday 12.14.2025

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER @ Liberty Theatre

Re-release. Rated PG. Based on the beloved book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever centers on the Herdmans -- absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. But this Christmas, they're taking over their local church Pageant -- and they just might unwittingly teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas. Doors and Caldwell's Liberty Bar open at 1pm. Movie at 2pm.

Sunday 12.14.2025

Live Theatre @ Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts

The timeless holiday story, reborn for a new generation. This vibrant reimagining of Charles Dickens' classic tale captures the magic, heart, and redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge's journey. With stirring music, atmospheric storytelling, and a fresh take that honors tradition while feeling contemporary, Barlow's A Christmas Carol invites audiences of all ages to celebrate the spirit of compassion, generosity, and community. A moving and festive centerpiece for the holiday season. 3pm. $27-$48.

Sunday 12.14.2025

Pagosa Springs Community Choir Presents: We Need A Little Christmas @ Pagosa Springs High School

Pagosa Springs Community Choir Presents: We Need A Little Christmas with Director Dan Burch and Accompanist Venita Burch. 4pm. Free Admission. Donations gratefully accepted.

Sunday 12.14.2025

Live Music @ Coyote Moon Lounge

Food, Beverages, and Live Music with High Altitude Blues. 5pm.

Sunday 12.14.2025

Holiday Lights Tour & Contest

Once again, the Pagosa Springs area will be bright with holiday cheer this season. The Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board and The Pagosa Springs SUN are sponsoring a lighting contest this holiday season. The lighting contest will make the holiday season shine. It includes enhanced lighting in downtown Pagosa as well as many other festive events taking place in and around the Pagosa Springs area November 28th through the end of December. Lights will be on every evening from 6-8pm.

Monday 12.15.2025

Live Music @ Coyote Moon Lounge

Food, Beverages, and Live Music Christmas Special with Max Miller. 5-7pm.

Monday 12.15.2025

Meet Santa @ Kip's Grill & Cantina

Meet Santa, Free Hot chocolate and candy canes for kiddos. 5-7pm.

Monday 12.15.2025

Backcountry Film Festival @ Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts

Presented by Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Backcountry Film Festival celebrates the spirit of human-powered adventure through stories that connect us to wild places, to each other, and to the movement to keep winter wild. Join Winter Wildlands Alliance for the 21st Annual Backcountry Film Festival at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, featuring human-powered winter films, giveaways, drinks, and more. Grab your friends and your tickets, and get ready to celebrate winter! 5:30pm.

Monday 12.15.2025

Holiday Lights Tour & Contest

Once again, the Pagosa Springs area will be bright with holiday cheer this season. The Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board and The Pagosa Springs SUN are sponsoring a lighting contest this holiday season. The lighting contest will make the holiday season shine. It includes enhanced lighting in downtown Pagosa as well as many other festive events taking place in and around the Pagosa Springs area November 28th through the end of December. Lights will be on every evening from 6-8pm.