Chimney Rock National Monument will open for the 2026 season on May 15, welcoming visitors back to one of the most culturally rich and scenic destinations in the American Southwest.
Perched high above the Piedra River Valley, Chimney Rock offers a unique opportunity to explore the history, heritage and astronomy of the ancestral Puebloan people.
The 2026 season promises a full lineup of guided tours, educational programs, special events and interpretive experiences designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Guests are encouraged to take part in a variety of guided walking tours, including the popular family-friendly programs along the Mesa Village Trail, as well as more in-depth explorations of the Great House Pueblo. Each experience offers insight into the daily life, architecture and celestial knowledge of the ancient inhabitants who once called this sacred landscape home.
The 2026 Lecture Series will kick off on May 19 with a presentation by David Bouquet titled “Southwestern Native Rock Art.”
This engaging talk will explore the diverse forms and meanings of rock art throughout the region, featuring stunning imagery and insights into preservation efforts across the Southwest.
Visitors will also want to mark their calendars for Life at Chimney Rock, taking place June 6 and 7 — a free two-day immersive event that brings the past to life. This interactive festival features hands-on demonstrations including pottery, weaving, flint knapping, atlatl throwing and more. It’s a unique opportunity for families and visitors to experience ancestral Puebloan lifeways through engaging, educational activities.
“The opening of each season is an exciting time for us,” said a representative of the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA). “We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to connect with this incredible place through stories, learning and shared experiences.”
CRIA proudly supports programming, preservation and educational outreach at the monument. Proceeds from tours, programs and donations help sustain these efforts and ensure that Chimney Rock National Monument remains accessible for future generations.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or returning to experience something new, the 2026 season at Chimney Rock National Monument offers meaningful opportunities to explore, learn and connect.
For more information on tours, programs and event schedules, or to plan your visit, please go to www.ChimneyRockCo.org. Reservations are required for many of the tours.
CRIA and the San Juan National Forest of the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, are working in partnership to preserve and develop educational opportunities about the significant archaeological, cultural, geological and biological resources at Chimney Rock National Monument.
CRIA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer association and receives no funding from the U.S. government. For more information, see the CRIA website at www.chimneyrockco.org or call (970) 731-7133.
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