Chimney Rock Interpretive Association August 2026 Newsletter

Message from the President of the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association Board

Inarecentinterview,StevenSpielbergsharedthathislifelong fascinationwithouterspacebeganwhenhewasjustfiveorsixyears oldlivinginNewJersey.Herecalledhisfatherwakinghimupinthe middleofthenighttodriveouttothecountrysidetowatchthe Perseidsmeteorshower,describingtheexperienceasonethatleft himbothterrifiedandamazed.Itisestimatedthat80%ofourfellow AmericanscannotseetheMilkyWayfromwheretheyliveandwould havetomakeadriveawayfromartificiallightstoexperiencethe sensoryjourneyofayoungStevenSpielberg.ThisiswhyInternational DarkSkyParks,likeChimneyRockNationalMonument,areso

importanttomaintainandpreserve.

OurcurrentunderstandingofChimneyRockanditsrelationshiptothecosmosreliesheavilyonthe researchofDr.J.McKimMalville.In1988,Dr.Malvilleandhisstudentsbecamethefirstpeoplein nearlyninecenturiestowitnessthemoonrisingbetweentheChimneyRockandCompanionRock.To honorthisimportantresearch,ChimneyRockInterpretiveAssociationhasplacedacommemorative plaqueinsidetheMonument’sinterpretivecenteralongwithaphotographtakenonthatday.

AlongwiththeNightSkyProgramsofferedeachmonthattheMonument,ChimneyRockInterpretive AssociationcontinuestoexpandthisscienceoutreachbysupportinginitiativeslikethePagosaSidewalk Astronomers'proposalforasecurestorageshedinTownPark.Thisprojectaimstobringastronomical learningdirectlytothecommunity.

Thehighmesacontinuestobeatopdestinationfortravelersseekingasensoryjourneythatblends architecture,history,andastronomy. Moreover,asPagosaSpringspursuesan officialInternationalDarkSkyCommunity designation,thegroundworklaidby researcherslikeDr.Malvilleensuresthat ChimneyRock'scosmiclegacywillinspire generationstocome.

Jill Sutton, CRIA Board President

JonGhahate

Tuesday,August11,2026

6:00-7:30PM

CommunityMethodistChurch-PagosaSprings|434LewisStreet

ThelecturewillbeofferedbothinpersonandviaZoom. Zoomlink:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5210476574?omn=83592279580

Thiscompellinglectureexploresthe1680PuebloRevolt —anorganizeduprisingthattookplacenearlyacentury beforetheAmericanRevolution—whenPueblo communitiesunitedtoreclaimtheirautonomyand removeSpanishcolonialforcesfromtheirhomelands. Jonwillexaminehowtherevoltrepresentedapowerful assertionofsovereigntyandself-determination, challengingtheSpanishencomiendasystemand religiousoppression.Thoughtheconflictlastedless thanamonth,itsimpactwasprofound—solidifying Pueblohistory,culturalidentity,language,and resilienceforgenerationstocome.

Thispresentationoffersmeaningfulhistoricalcontext andinvitesattendeestoreconsiderthestoryof revolutionandindependenceinNorthAmericathrough theenduringlegacyofPueblocommunities.

Education & Interpretation in Action

A classroom without walls

Astronomical alignments and lunar cycles

Engineering of the Great House Pueblo

Trade routes and regional networks

Cultural continuity and ancestral traditions

Our Impact

Last season over 19,000 visitors experienced guided interpretation. Educational programs were delivered, volunteers contributed hundreds of service hours, and preservation initiatives continued through collaborative partnerships.

Every ticket purchased, every donation made, and every volunteer hour strengthens our ability to steward this sacred place.

Did You Know?

Life at Chimney Rock

Full Moon Program Spotlight

Youth Workshop

July Calendar of Events

A Special Moment at Chimney Rock

Trail Tip of the Month

What Our Visitors are Saying Board Member Spotlight: Rhonda Julian

Making a Difference at Chimney RocK

Chimney Rock Program Supporter Levels

AtChimneyRockNationalMonument,theworkofChimneyRockInterpretiveAssociation(CRIA)extends farbeyondasingleprogram.ThroughSchoolweek,LifeatChimneyRock,guidedtours,lectures,and specialevents,CRIAcreatesmeaningfulconnectionstohistory,culture,andtheland—manyofferedfree oratlowcosttoensureaccessforall.

Eachseason,theseprogramsreachhundredsofvisitorsofallages.Fromstudentsexploringhands-on activitieslikerockartandatlatldemonstrationstoadultsattendinglecturesandculturalevents,these experiencessparkcuriosityanddeepenappreciationforthisremarkableplace.

Withthehelpofdedicatedvolunteersandgeneroussupporters,theseeffortscontinuetoinspireand connectvisitorsyearafteryear.

Yoursupporthelpsensuretheseprogramsremainaccessibleandimpactfulforfuturegenerations.

Recognitions

Supporter of Chimney Rock

Friend of Chimney Rock

Steward of Chimney Rock

$50-$99 Listed in one CRIA Newsletter

Name listed on CRIA website

$100–$249

Listed in CRIA Newsletter

Listed in group social media post

Name listed on CRIA website

Listed in CRIA Newsletter

$250–$499

Community Partner

$500–$999

Heritage Sponsor

$1,000+

1 individual shoutout on Social Media

Digital “Proud Supporter” badge for your website

Business name + website link listed on CRIA website

Listed in CRIA newsletter + logo included with link

2 business shoutouts on Social Media

Digital “Proud Supporter” badge for your website

Prominent logo placement + link on CRIA website

Listed in CRIA Newsletter for 6 months with link to business website

2 business shoutouts on social media

Feature ad in upcoming newsletter (1/2 page)

Digital “Proud Supporter” badge for your website

* Currently 2+K subscribers to CRIA Newsletter / ** Currently 15+K followers on Facebook Contact us at (970) 731-7133 OfficeMgr@ChimneyRockCo.org Scan the QR Code to show your support!

Did You Know?

Threeleaf sumac (Rhus trilobata), also known as Squawbrush and Lemonade-bush, was one of the most useful wild plants for the Ancestral Puebloans. This rounded shrub grows up to eight feet high and is common throughout the Southwest. Although the old growth is branched and hard, the new growth is straight and supple. The leaves are in threes, hence the Latin name ‘trilobata’. The sticky berries are small, orange to red in color, with short glandular hairs. This plant is often called the ‘Lemonade-bush’ due to the acidic lemon flavor of the berries. Some people also say it tastes like pepper. This sumac is thought to have been a managed plant, i.e., encouraged and manipulated. It may have been deliberately burned, which stimulated shoot formation. The new shoots are straight and long and were used for several different purposes. When the straight young shoots dry, they become hard and rigid, making them ideal for use as arrow shafts. Baskets made from sumac have been found as far back as 2,000 years ago and are still made at the Jemez Pueblo. Sumac wood was also used for making snowshoes, loom rods and anchors, digging sticks and ceremonial objects such as prayer sticks and fetishes. There are several threeleaf sumac along the Village trail and trail to the Great House at Chimney Rock; it is always interesting to see how visitors react to tasting the berries!

Rainbows at Chimney Rock

Music, History, and Community Come Together

for a Special Fundraising Evening

MarkyourcalendarforSaturday,August22,and jointwoofPagosaSprings'belovednonprofit organizationsforaneveningofhistory,music, andcommunityspiritinoneofdowntown's mostbeautifulsettings.

TheChimneyRockInterpretiveAssociation (CRIA)andthePagosaSpringsCommunityBand arepartneringforaspecialfundraisingevent beginningat5:30p.m.atthegazebointhe TennysonSculptureGarden.

Theeveningwillopenwithafascinating presentationbySueFischer,whowillshare "Surprises,MysteriesandOdditiesatChimney Rock,"anengaginglookatsomeofthelesserknownstories,intriguingdiscoveries,and enduringmysteriessurroundingChimneyRock NationalMonument.Suewillalsohavecopiesof herrecentlypublishedbook,ChacoCultureat ChimneyRock,availableforpurchase.

Followingabriefintermission,attendeescan enjoyrefreshmentsavailablefromChef'sCuisine beforesettlinginforamemorablemusical performancebymembersofthePagosaSprings CommunityBand.Theprogramwillfeature performancesbytheband'sbrasstrio,brass quintet,anditsnewlyformedwoodwind ensemble,showcasingavarietyoftimeless favoritesandspeciallyselectedpieces.

Amongtheevening'shighlightsaretwomusical selectionsinspiredbythespiritofChimney Rock:"IntheHalloftheMountainKing"and "CloudDances,"creatingafittingtributetoone ofColorado'smosttreasuredcultural landscapes.

Whileadmissionisfree,thisisafundraising eventbenefitingbothorganizations.Donations willbegratefullyacceptedandwillhelpsupport theeducationalprograms,performances,and communityoutreachprovidedbytheChimney RockInterpretiveAssociationandthePagosa SpringsCommunityBand.

Guestsareencouragedtobringalawnchair,as seatingisnotprovidedinthesculpturegarden.

Thisuniquecollaborationoffersawonderful opportunitytoenjoyaneveningoutdoorswhile supportingtwoorganizationsdedicatedto enrichingourcommunitythroughhistory, culture,education,andthearts.Watchforflyers aroundtown,inviteyourfamilyandfriends,and plantojoinusforanunforgettableevening celebratingtheheritageandcreativitythatmake PagosaSpringssuchaspecialplace.

Night Sky Program

By: Aaron McCracken

storiesallacrosstheskyandtheMilkyWaywillbe clearforalltoseeingrandcontrasttoanywhere elsebecauseChimneyRockisacertifiedDarkSky locationmeaningthereisverylittlelightpollution. Thestarsbecomesoclearandamazing!

PleasecometoournightskyprogramatChimney Rock.Itisafantasticnightfullofwonderand excitement!Aswegatheratthetopoftheupper parkinglotinnearproximitytothemagnificent pillarsthatstandoutinsuchpeculiarcontrastin thelandscape,you’llnoticetheopensky,relaxing atmosphereandthebeautifulsoundofthecicadas andeveningsummermusicofnaturethatreminds ushowimportantitistogetoutsideand experiencethesimplerthingsinlife.

Thereisamagicaboutthisplaceastheevening twilightsetsinandthenightgetsdarkandour speciallecturesandtourcometoaclose.Thelast portionofourprogramwejourneyuptothe telescopeobservationareawherewetakeonelast gazeatthenightskyinsilenceforjustamoment.

ThisisthepartIliketosay“aftertonightthenight skywillneverlookthesame.Andyouwill rememberthisfortherestofyourlife.”Westart thiswithlaserpointerinhand,we’lltourthe constellationsofstarsandlearntheirshapesand

Tothosenewtostargazingthestarsand constellationsappearasrandomandscattered, buttotheskilledobservertheseconstellations becomealotmore.Youseetheconstellationsare atreasuremap!Andthetreasure?Thetreasureis thedeepspaceobjects!Thenebulae,globular clustersandthegalaxies!Wewillusethe constellationstofindthesedeepskytreasures.the toolfordiggingupthesetreasuresisourtelescope. Trainedtelescopeoperatorswillbethereforallthe gueststolearnandlookthroughthetelescopesto thesewonderfulmysteriesscatteredacrossthe nightskythatarethereeveryclearnighttoenjoy andbeamazedathowtrulyawesomeouruniverse is.

Ihopeyou’lljoinusonthisepicjourneythrough thestars.

DARK SKY INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION

Designation 2025

nd

The2 anniversaryofChimneyRockNational Monument’s(CRNM)certificationasan InternationalDarkSkyParkisapproaching.How didwegetthere?Avision,commitment, determination,support,meetingsandalotof workoccurred.Theleadforthecertification projectwasKenarHoughton,Environmental Coordinator,whoworksoutoftheColumbine RangerDistrictOfficeontheSanJuanNational Forest.Theapplicationrequirementsfor certificationarenumerousandKenarwaswith theprojectfrombeginningtoend.Withthe supportofhermentors,colleaguesandafew CRIAvolunteers,theapplicationwascompleted in18months.

TheDarkSky-certificationprocessbeganwitha pre-applicationwheretheeligibilityofthesite seekingcertificationisreviewedbyDarkSkystaff. Theapplicantsubmitsdocumentationoutlining thecurrentdarkskyconditionsatthesite,their generalgoalsandthetypeofcertificationthey areseeking.Aftercompletingthepre-application reviewtheapplicantpaysanapplicationfee, whichgoestosupportaDarkSkyrepresentative whoassiststheapplicantinunderstanding DarkSkyrequirements,andincompletingtheir application.

Theapplicationincludedadetaileddescriptionof

themonument’shistoryandlocation,darksky qualitymeter(SQM)readings,photographsofthe nightskyandsurroundinglightdomefromthe monument,aLightingManagementPlan,an inventoryandphotographsofalloftheoutdoor lights,descriptionofdark-skyinitiativesand education-basedprogramming,lettersofsupport fromcommunitymembersandclubs,anda restorationproject.Therewerelatenight rendezvouswithKenartomeasurelightonthe naturetrail,theupperparkinglot,visitorcenter, westroadandlowerroad.Didyouknowthat thereare103outdoorfixturesatthemonument?

AllbuttwocompliedwiththeLightManagement Plan.SincethevisitorcenteralreadymetDark Skylightingstandards,thecertificationprocess movedforwardquicklybecauseitdidnotinvolve extensiveretrofitsorredesignsofthecenter. Arestorationprojectisintendedtodemonstrate theapplicant’scontributiontodarksky preservationandmessaging.Sincethe monumentdidn’trequiremajormodificationsto lighting,therestorationprojectwasdetermined tobeupdatingthekioskoutsideofthe monument.Thenewkioskincludedmessaging abouttheDarkSkycertificationforthe monument,thehistoryofdarkskyeffortsthere andtheimportanceofdarkskiestoboththe culturesrepresentedatthesiteandthe surroundingenvironment.

Certificationdoesn’tmeanwesitbackandenjoy thebeautyandwonderoftheCRNMdarksky. TheDarkSkycertificationmustbemaintained, whichrequiresyearlySQMreadingsandongoing outreachefforts.Ongoingdarkskymessagingand

DARK SKY INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION

outreachisanelementofthemanagementplan forthesite,draftedbytheUSForestServicein collaborationwithtribalpartnersandtheCRIA.

Foundedin2001,theInternationalDarkSky PlacesProgramisanon-regulatoryandvoluntary programencouragingcommunities,parks,and protectedareasworldwidetopreserveand protectdarksitesthrougheffectivelighting policies,environmentallyresponsibleoutdoor lighting,andpubliceducation.Whenused indiscriminately,artificiallightcandisrupt ecosystems,impacthumanhealth,wastemoney andenergy,contributetoclimatechange,and blockourviewandconnectiontotheuniverse. ChimneyRockNationalMonumentnowjoins morethan250placesintheworldthathave demonstratedrobustcommunitysupportfordark skyadvocacyandstrivetoprotectthenightfrom lightpollution.Thereare11otherDarkSkyParks inColorado.Learnmorebyvisiting https://darksky.org

Ifyou“MadeittotheTop”atChimneyRockNational Monument,don’tleavewithoutoneofourbrand-new commemorativestickers!

Thesefunnewstickersaretheperfectwaytocelebrate youraccomplishmentandshareyourChimneyRock adventurewithfriendsandfamily Whetheryouplaceit onyourwaterbottle,hikinggear,laptop,orvehicle,it’s agreatreminderoftheincrediblejourneytothemesa topandtheunforgettableviewswaitingatthesummit Aftermakingtheclimbandexperiencingthe breathtakingpanoramicviewsfromtheGreatHouse Pueblo,you’vedefinitelyearnedbraggingrights! BesuretostopbytheGiftShopandgrabyoursticker afteryourtourandleteveryoneknow IMadeitto theTop!

Upcoming Special Events

FREE Lecture with Jon Ghahate

“The Pueblo Revolt: America’s First Revolution” First Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 6:00-7:30pm 11, from

Special Fundraising Evening Collaboration with the Pagosa Springs Instrumental Music Society Saturday, August 22, 2026 2026

Join our mailing list to receive the link to watch from link from home via Zoom! via Click HERE to join our mailing list!

Support the Mission

The Chimney Rock Interpretive Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the preservation, interpretation, and education efforts at Chimney Rock National Monument.

Educational programming

Volunteer training

Site preservation initiatives

Community outreach

Special events and lectures

The Coyote and the Ravens who Raced Their Eyes

Long,longago,inthedaysoftheancients,therelivedin theCañonoftheCedarsaCoyote.ThisCoyotewasout walkingoneday.Onleavinghishousehehadsaidhewas goinghunting;butwhoeverknewaCoyotetocatch anything,unlessitwereaprairiedog,woodratoralocusor somethingofthatkind.So,hewasoutwalking,wandering aroundtoseewhathecouldsee. Hecrossedoverthevalley,withhistaildraggingalonginan indifferentsortofway,untilhecametoaplaceonThunder Mountainwheretherewasastandingrock.Ontopofthis rockweretwooldRavens,racingtheireyes.Oneofthem wouldsettlehimselfdownandpointwithhisbeakstraight acrossthevalleytoapinnacleontheotherside.Thenhe wouldsaytohiscompanion“Youseethatrockyonder–go yemyeyesandcomeback”.Thenhewouldlowerhishead, stiffenhisneck,squeezehiseyelidsand“Pop”hewouldsay ashiseyesflewoutofhissockets.Theysailedawaytoward therockliketwostreaksoflightening,wentarounditand camebacktowardtheRaven.Astheywerecomingback, hewouldswellhisthroatandsay“Whu-u-u-u”whereupon hiseyeswouldslidewithathumpbackintotheirsockets. Thenheturnedtohiscompanionandlaughedinordinately; theotherwouldlaughwithhim.Thentheotheronewould settlehimselfandsay“Ah,I’llbetteryou!Youseethat otherrockyonder?”Thenhewouldbegintosqueezehis eyelidssohiseyeswouldflyoutoftheirsockets.Theyflew acrossthemesaandaroundtherockhehadnamed;as theyflewback,hewouldsay“Whu-u-u-u”andtheeyes wouldslideintotheirsockets.Then,asamusedasever,the Ravenswouldlaughatoneanother.

TheCoyoteheardtheRavenshummingtheireyesbackinto theirsockets,aswellasheardthewaytheylaughedso heartily.Hestuckhistailupstraightandlaughedmerrily fromseeingtheRavenslaugh.“Whatisityouaredoing?” heasked.“Why,weareracingoureyes”saidtheolderof thetwoRavens.

“Howintheworlddoyourraceyoureyes?”askedthe Coyote.“Why,thisway”saidoneoftheRavensandhe settleddown,squeezedhiseyelidsandsenthiseyesflying. Forthereturnoftheeyes,hecroucheddownand exclaimed“Whu-u-u-u”;theeyesflewintotheirsockets andtheRavenshowedCoyotehistwoblackeyes.

A Zuni Folklore as Told to Frank H. Cushing in 1901 Z U N I F O L K L O R E

“Bythedaylightofthegods!IwishIcoulddothat,”saidthe Coyote.“SupposeItrymyeyes?”.“Why,yes,tobesure,” saidtheRavens.“Wellthen,settlerighthereonthisrock andholdyourheadouttowardthatrockandsay“Yonder rock,thesemyeyesgorounditandreturntome”.Coyote squeezedandgroanedbuthiseyeswouldnotgo.“Howcan Igetmyeyestogooutoftheirsockets?”askedCoyote. “Well,justkeepstillandwewillhelpyou;we’lltakethem outforyou”.“Allright,”criedtheCoyote;“Quick,Iam ready”.AndcrouchingdownCoyotestrainedwithevery muscletoforcehiseyesoutofhishead.TheRavensthen pickedthemoutwithadexteroustwistoftheirbeaks,inno time,andsentthemflyingoverthevalley.Coyoteyelpeda little,cringedandwaitedforhiseyestocomeback. “Letthefoolgowithouthiseyes,”saidtheRavens.“Hewas soveryanxioustogetridofthem,anddosomethinghe hadnobusinessdoing;lethimgowithoutthem”, whereupontheyflewoffandcaughtuphiseyesandate them.Theyflewon,laughingatthepredicamentinwhich theyleftCoyote.

Coyotesatthereforalengthoftime,thenopenedhis mouthandsaid“Whu-u-u-u”,buttonouse–hiseyesdid notcomeback.“HowintheworldshallIhunt?”he groaned.Thenhebegantofeelverycautiouslywithhis pawstofindthewaydown.Heslippedandfell,picked himselfup,untilhegotintothevalley.Infeelinghisway,his foothappenedtostrikearipeyellowcranberry.“Ha”he said,“luckyfellow–hereisoneofmyeyes!”Sohepickedit upandclappeditintooneofhisemptysockets;thenhe peereduptotheskyandthelightshownthroughit.Then hefeltarounduntilhefoundanothercranberry.Andhe clappedthatintotheotheremptysocket.Hedidn’tsee quiteaswellashehadseenbefore,butstillthecranberries answeredthepurposeofeyesexceedinglywell.Thepoor Coyoteneverknewthedifference;onlyitwasobserved thatwhenhereturnedtohiscompanionsintheCañonof theCedarsthathehadyelloweyesinsteadofblackones. Thus,itwasinthedaysoftheancients,andhencetothis day,coyoteshaveyelloweyesandarenotalwaysquickto seethings.

A Rare Celestial Alignment

Continuing Education Article

The CRIA Education Committee (formally the Certification Committee) has decided to contribute Continuing Education Articles and Tips to the Newsletter monthly to keep our Guides, Volunteers, and Guests up to date on new findings, corrections to the current narratives, etc. The articles below are the first in this series.

Severalofushavenoticedovertheyearsthatsomeofour volunteersandespeciallytourguidesdonothaveagood ideaofwhatisreallygoingonduringtheMLSperiod We haveneverbeenformallyinstructedinourtrainingasto whatishappeningandwhatwetellourguestsrangesall overtheplace.Wehaveheardeverythingfromthe“Full moonrisesbetweenthepinnaclesonceevery18.6years andthenwehavetowaitanother18.6years”,to“the moononlyrisesbetweenthepinnacleseveryDecember forthreeyears”andsoon Iknowformyselfthat,even afterreadingMoonTracks,Ididnotfullyunderstandwhat theAncestralPuebloanswouldhaveseenwhentheywere atChimneyRock.Itwasnotuntilthreeyearsagowhena bunchofuswentuptotheGreatHousetoviewthe SouthernMajorLunarStandstillandPatHasenbhuler explaineditintermstheaveragepersonwould understand.ThefollowingisadescriptionoftheMLSthat wehaveputtogetherinordertoclarifywhatactually happens,andwhattheAncestralPuebloanswouldhave seenandunderstood

Every18.6yearsthemoonbeginstoriseinits northernmostpositionabout53N.Latitude.Itiscalled theNorthernMajorLunaStandstill. Thisnorthernmost pointofthemoon’srisingiscapturedbetweenthetwo pinnaclesasviewedfromtheGreatHouse.Overthe next14daysitrisesfurtherandfurthersouthwarduntil itreachesthesouthernmostpoint(127N.Latitude)it willeverrise,whichislocatedbythatlargehumpon theridgetotheeast. ThisiscalledtheSouthernMajor LunarStandstill. Overthenext14daysitrisesfurther andfurthernorthtillitrisesbetweenthepinnacles again Thiscyclewillcontinueforoverfourfullyears So,eachmonthduringthis4-yearperiodthemooncan beseenrisingbetweenthepinnacles Thetimeofday andtheportionofthemoonvisible(full,half,crescent, newmoon,etc.)isvariabledependingonthetimeof year. Forinstance,duringthespringandearlysummer months(MarchintoJuly)theportionofthemoonseen risingbetweenthepinnaclesissmall,anewmoon, daytimerisings,etc.andthereforemaynothavebeen ofmuchimportancetothe

folks at Chimney Rock. Starting in August, the time of the moon rising between the pinnacles is in darkness so that the brightness and visibility of the moon is more spectacular. Over the months of August, September, October, November and December, the portion of the rising moon gets larger and larger till a full moon rises between the pinnacles around the winter solstice, December 21 . The period around the Winter Solstice is the only time each year during the 4-year duration of the MLS when a full moon can be seen rising between the pinnacles This makes sense, as the moon is at its northernmost point and the sun is at its southernmost point When the MLS is happening, the moon is rising further north than the sun ever rises In many cultures the lunar standstill is spiritually significant as a rare, generational event that may have inspired large celebrations, rites of passage, and the creation of sacred sites. It represents a period of significant celestial power, where the moon's extreme northern and southern movements are more pronounced than the sun at the solstices, possibly suggesting a time when the lunar deity was seen as stronger than the sun. It must have been a very special and significant event for the Ancestral Puebloans for them to have built the Great House to observe it.

Inspiring Young Minds at Chimney Rock

Thissummer'sYouthWorkshopsprovidedyoung explorerswiththeopportunitytoconnectwiththe history,culture,andtraditionsofChimneyRock NationalMonumentthroughhands-onlearningand creativeactivities.

Onememorableworkshopintroducedparticipants tothetraditionofthe"talkingfeather,"a meaningfultoolusedtoencouragerespectful listeningandthoughtfulconversation.Asthe childrenlearned,thepersonholdingthefeatherhas theopportunitytospeakwhileeveryoneelselistens —asimpleyetpowerfulreminderoftheimportance ofrespectandcommunication.

Participantsalsoenjoyedenhancingdecorative gourds,creatinguniquekeepsakeswhileexploring theculturalsignificanceofnaturalmaterialsusedby IndigenouspeoplesthroughouttheSouthwest.

Theseinteractiveactivitiesallowedchildrentolearn bydoing,encouragingcuriosity,creativity,anda deeperappreciationfortherichculturalheritage preservedatChimneyRock.Wethankallofthe familieswhojoinedusthissummerandlook forwardtowelcomingmoreyoungadventurersto futureYouthWorkshops.

Trail Tip of the Month

The Adventure Doesn't End When the

YourexperienceatChimneyRockNational Monumentdoesn'thavetoendwhenyoustepoff thetrail.Afterenjoyingoneofourguidedtours, educationalprograms,oraself-guidedhike,we inviteyoutospendalittleextratimeexploringthe ChimneyRockVisitorCenter.

Inside,you'lldiscoverexhibitsthatprovide additionalinsightintotheAncientPuebloanpeople, thearchaeologyofthemonument,andthenatural wondersthatmakeChimneyRocksuchaspecial place.Ourknowledgeablevolunteersarealways happytoanswerquestions,sharestories,andpoint outdetailsyoumayhavemissedduringyourvisit.

Taketimetobrowseourcarefullyselectedcollection ofbooks,locallycraftedgifts,educationalmaterials, anduniquesouvenirsthatcelebratetherichcultural heritageoftheregion.Manyvisitorsfindthatastop intheVisitorCenterhelpsconnecteverything they'veexperiencedonthetrails,offeringadeeper appreciationforthisextraordinarylandscape.

Whetheryou'revisitingforthefirsttimeor returningforanotheradventure,theVisitorCenter istheperfectplacetoreflect,learnalittlemore,and takehomealastingmemoryofyourtimeat ChimneyRock.

Hike is Over!

What Our Visitors Are Saying

A Day in the Life of the Ancient Ones

“Top notch tour guide. very informative and personable. Great experience!” ~ David K.

Flute Music at Twilight

“Informative tour guide, beautiful setting, talented musician.” ~ Lorraine L.

“Our guide was excellent. A truly unique and memorable way to experience Chimney Rock.”

~ Aubrey S.

“Our tour guide Laura led us on an early morning flora tour. She was very knowledgeable and told us how the ancient Puebloans used the plants we viewed. We also received a lesson on the relation to the Chaco Culture in New Mexico. We appreciated the "pace" of the tour. Beautiful place. We highly recommend this tour.” ~ Diana H.

“The evening discussion by the docent of the history of the people was terrific. The flutest was amazing!” ~ Linda B.

“This was a lovely tour! We appreciated learning about the flora of Chimney Rock and our guides were very knowledgeable and friendly!” ~ Megan T.

“We had a very memorable experience that will remain an amazing memory for a lifetime. All the rangers and tour guides were very knowledgeable but most importantly very down-to-earth and genuinely caring people. The flora tour was a surprise and I enjoyed learning about native plants. Mr. Martinez's native flute playing was transcending and actually brought me to tears. Mixed with the gorgeous backdrops....I will never forget this. Thank you!” ~ Justin S.

Ignacio

International Observe the Moon Night

Markyourcalendarsforaneveningof discovery,creativity,andfamilyfun!The IgnacioCommunityLibrarywillonceagainhost InternationalObservetheMoonNighton Friday,September18,2026,beginningat5:00 p.m.

Thisfreecommunityeventofferssomething forallages,fromhands-onactivitiesand excitingrocketlaunchestotelescopeviewing undertheeveningsky.Guestscanalsoenjoy livemusic,participateinfunactivities,and celebratethewonderofspaceexplorationwith friendsandneighbors.

Inconjunctionwiththeevent,thelibraryisalso hostingtwospecialcontests.Creativebuilders areinvitedtoentertheIdeaLabRocketBuild Contest,designingandconstructinganoriginal rocketfrommaterialsoftheirchoice.Entries areduebySeptember16,withwinners announcedduringInternationalObservethe MoonNight.

Writersofallagesareencouragedto participateintheMoonPoetryContest,where poemsofanystyleandlengtharewelcome. EntriesareduebySeptember15at5:00p.m., givingaspiringpoetstheopportunitytoshare theircreativityandloveofthenightsky.

Whetheryou'regazingthroughatelescopefor thefirsttime,cheeringonarocketlaunch,or enjoyinganeveningofmusicandcommunity, InternationalObservetheMoonNightpromises tobeanunforgettablecelebrationofscience, imagination,andexploration.

Foradditionalinformation,visit www.ignaciolibrary.org.

CHIMNEY ROCK INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

We look forward to your visit and to sharing in the experience of this truly remarkable place. Chimney Rock is more than a destination—it is a landscape rich with history, culture, and connection. As stewards and advocates, we are honored to help preserve and share the stories of the Ancestral Puebloans and the significance of this sacred site.

Our passion for Chimney Rock National Monument is what brings us together, and it is our privilege to help create meaningful experiences for each visitor who walks these trails and takes in these views.

We hope your time here inspires curiosity, reflection, and a deeper appreciation for the history and beauty that make Chimney Rock so special.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Tribal Partnerships

Since Chimney Rock was designated a National Monument by Presidential Proclamation 2012, the San Juan National Forest consults and partners with many Native American Tribes and Pueblos to manage the monument, including restoration. In August 2024, the Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps (a corps program that partners with tribal communities and land managers to accomplish projects based in historical preservation and traditional knowledge) conducted a structural stabilization project at Chimney Rock National Monument.

The Chimney Rock area holds deep spiritual significance for modern pueblo and tribal communities. Today, descendants of the Ancestral Puebloans, Navajo, Jicarilla Apache and Ute return to this important place of cultural continuity for ceremonial and traditional purposes. The area is also an important source of traditional cultural materials that are collected by tribal members for food and medicine Chimney Rock National Monument is managed to protect and preserve access by tribal members for traditional cultural, spiritual, food and medicine gathering purposes, consistent with the purposes of the monument, to the maximum extent permitted by law

The San Juan National Forest ensures that the hunting rights of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe within the exterior boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, including lands within the Monument, are upheld The San Juan National Forest also ensures that the hunting and fishing rights of the 1873 Brunot Agreement are upheld on public lands under its management jurisdiction, including those lands within the Monument Tribes with ancestral and cultural ties to the Chimney Rock National Monument landscape: Kewa Pueblo Pueblo of Santa Ana Pueblo de Cochiti Pueblo of Santa Clara Pueblo of Acoma Pueblo of Taos Pueblo of Isleta Pueblo of Tesuque Pueblo of Jemez Pueblo of Zia Pueblo of Laguna Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation Pueblo of Nambé Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo of Picuris Hopi Tribe Pueblo of Pojoaque Jicarilla Apache Nation Pueblo of San Felipe Navajo Nation Pueblo of San Ildefonso Pueblo of Sandia Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Southern Ute Indian Tribe Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah & Ouray Reservation

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/sanjuan/recreation/chimney-rock-national-monument

Designation 2025

In Partnership with