Chimney Rock National Monument in Colorado is an archaeological site that preserves the remains of an ancient Ancestral Puebloan settlement. In the summer months, you can drive to the top of the mesa. In the winter months, you can hike the road up to the archaeological site and have it all to yourself. We’ve visited Chimney Rock both ways and provide details below.
There is also a state park in North Carolina called Chimney Rock, but this National Monument in Colorado is a completely different place.
We took all of the photos below during the off-season when we were the only ones there.
Background on Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock is located in southwestern Colorado, about 15 minutes west of Pagosa Springs on the way to Durango. The archaeological site is up on a mesa at an elevation of about 7,500 feet.
The site contains over 200 ancient homes and ceremonial buildings, including a Great Kiva, Pit House, Multi-Family Dwelling, and a large Chacoan-style Great House Pueblo.
The Ancestral Puebloans occupied Chimney Rock between around 1,000-1,125 AD, during the Pueblo II period. They were influenced by the Chacoan culture and likely used the site as a celestial observatory and seasonal calendar.
Chimney Rock is considered a sacred place with spiritual significance to over two dozen modern Native American tribes.
Things to See
Great House Trail
With an elevation gain of 200 feet, the Great House Trail is a moderately challenging, unpaved trail that is 2/3 of a mile round trip. This is the path to the top of the mesa where the main archaeological site is.
Pets are not allowed past this point near the upper parking lot. It is for hikers only.
There is a sign with details about the 1/3 mile hike, including warnings for those who may not be physically able to handle the terrain.
The path includes segments along steep drop-offs without handrails, so be sure you are ok with heights before you go.
The first part of the trail is fairly rocky up some steps made with rocks.
It levels out in areas, which are just a moderate uphill climb.
But then it becomes rocky again.
We’ve done this hike with people of all levels of physical abilities, and it’s not too strenuous. However, the elevation might get to some people as it’s over 7,000 feet high.
Once you near the top of the mesa, you will start to see some amazing views of the surrounding area.
Great House Pueblo
Once you get to the top, you will see the archaeological site.
One thing I think is really interesting is how the visitor center is designed to mimic the style of the structures on top of the mesa. Compare the rock walls below to the visitor center construction details.
Chimney Rock
You can’t actually hike all the way to the rock formations, but you will have some pretty good views from this vantage point.
When we’ve hiked this in the off-season, the mountains covered with snow in the background are a nice contrast. There will likely still be snow in May and June, but in the later summer months, it will have mostly melted.
View From the Top of the Mesa
There are some fabulous views of the surrounding southwestern Colorado area from the top.
We took the video below from the top in the off season when we had it all to ourselves.
Mesa Village Trail
For anyone who doesn’t want to to the Great House Trail to the top of the mesa, there is also an easier paved trail with some interesting sites along the way.
The Mesa Village trail features a fairly level, paved loop that covers about 1/3 of a mile. Along this trail, you can see a reconstructed pit house and a Great Kiva, which have been excavated and restored.
This trail is a good option for anyone who may not want to hike the more difficult Great House Trail.
You start the trail from the upper parking lot area.
Visitor Center
The Chimney Rock Visitor Center was recently constructed.
We find that its unique design blends in well with the local terrain. In fact, the stone design is very similar to what you will see when you go to the top and see how the kivas were built.
You’ll have a good view of the rock formations from the visitor center area.
There are some informational displays outside the Visitor Center, including in a shaded area. (It can get really hot here, so you’ll probably appreciate the shade!)
You can read about the archaeological site when the Visitor Center is closed for the off-season.
Visiting Chimney Rock
Dates Open
There are two options for visiting Chimney Rock, depending on the time of year.
- Between May 15th and October 15th each year: Chimney Rock is open for visitors in vehicles. You can drive to the top to the archaeological site in your own vehicle.
- Between October 16th and May 14th each year: Chimney Rock is closed to vehicles. However, you can park outside the gate and hike to the top on the gravel road. This is what we do frequently, as it’s quiet and you can have it almost all to yourselves.
The National Monument closes during October and May due to elk migrations in the area.
Layout of the National Monument
When you enter the Chimney Rock National Monument area, you will first go past the visitor center.
Then you will either drive (when it’s open) or hike to the top of the site where the archaeological site is located. It’s about a 2 1/2 mile drive or hike to the top.
Tours
You are able to choose to give yourself a self-guided tour of Chimney Rock, or go on a guided tour.
To reserve a guided tour, see the schedule here.
Day Use Pass
During the off-season, you can hike to the top without a pass. However, during the summer months, you will need a pass which you can purchase at the visitor center.
National Park passes are also valid for entry. (If you have a 4th grader, you can get a free National Park pass for one year.)
Lower Parking Area
There is a large gravel parking area with a turnaround for vehicles near the visitor center.
From there, you can drive to the mesa to see the kivas at the archeological site.
If you are visiting in a larger vehicle, you will need to park at the lower level and take a shuttle to the top of the mesa. Regular passenger cars can drive to the top.
Parking on Top of the Mesa
The top of the mesa has parking available for regular cars. When we’ve visited in the busy summer months, it can get full, so it’s a good idea to check with the visitor center about its status.
There are also bathrooms available at the top, but they were locked in the off-season when we visited.
There are some nice views as well as information signs to tell you more about what you’re seeing.
Pets
Pets are not allowed at the top on the archaeological site. However, in the off-season, you can hike with your dog on the road, but you still can’t bring your dog onto the top archaeological site on the mesa.
We’ve hiked on the road with our dogs in the off-season and have never had any issues.
In the summer months, there is a dog kennel available in the shade so that you do not need to leave your dog in your car in the hot sun.
Daily Closing Time
Between May and October when the road is open, you need to be sure to be out of the monument area by 4:30. The gates are closed at 4:30 every day.
Hiking the Road in the Off-Season
Chimney Rock National Monument is closed to vehicles from May 15th to October 16th each year. However, you can park outside the gates and hike up to to the top.
We love having this option, as it’s a good place to hike when all of the trails in the area are still closed or muddy from snowmelt. We’ve done this hike several times in the off-season.
Parking in the Off-Season
There is a parking area immediately outside of the gate to the main road for Chimney Rock (Forest Road 617).
There is a turnaround area for larger vehicles, including trailers.
From here, you will hike the gravel road to the visitor center area.
Gravel Road to the Top
It is a 2 1/2 mile hike (or drive in the open season) to the top of the mesa with a slow, but steady elevation gain on a gravel road. We’ve never found it to be challenging, but for those not used to the elevation, it may be a bit difficult.
It’s a good option for hiking when trails are still closed in the spring due to snowmelt.
Chimney Rock will start coming into view the further on the road you go.
Camping
Camping is not allowed anywhere within the Chimney Rock National Monument area.
This includes camping in your car or RV at the entrance gate.
Final Thoughts on Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock National Monument is a fascinating and beautiful place.
It’s a nice hike to the top if you go in the off-season. If you are sore after hiking uphill for several miles, check out the natural Piedra River hot springs that are free and close by. But you will have to hike a short distance to get to them!
The monument holds numerous special events throughout the year. These include full moon programs, night sky programs, birding programs, geology tours, and walking tours. Check out their website for more details.
