Chimney Rock Interpretive Association July 2026 Newsletter

Message from the President of the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association Board

ChimneyRockNationalMonumentembodies"learningthrough place,"wherethelandscapeechoesstoriesfromamillenniumago.I ammovedbythediversevoiceshere,fromancientancestral Puebloanstotoday'sinquisitiveyouth.

Everyday,ourvolunteersactasthebridgebetweenthepastandthe presentbysharingarchitecturalandastronomicalinsights.CRIA volunteersarepassionateaboutensuringvisitorsleavewithadeeper understandingofthissite.Ourupcomingeffortstoresumethe ChimneyRockvideotourproject,ledbyvolunteersGloriaBissmeyer

andHowardRowe,aimtocapturethisnarrativethroughvisualstorytelling.Our2026LectureSerieshas furtheramplifiedthesevoices.

WerecentlyheardfromDavidBouquetontheregion'spetroglyphsandpictographs,andwecontinue ourexplorationwithDr.AndrewGulliford’sinsightsintotheprehistoricandhistoricNativeAmerican peoplesoftheFourCornersregion.

PerhapsthemostinspiringsoundsattheMonumentarethoseofthenextgeneration.During"School Week,"wewelcomeover400studentsfromregionalschools.Watchingayoungexplorerproudly returntheircompletedJuniorArchaeologybooktothegiftshopandreceivethebadgetheyhave earnedremindsmewhyCRIA’smissionissoimportant.

Throughprogramslikethe"LifeatChimneyRockFestival,"weensurethatthetraditionalcrafts pottery,weaving,andtooldemonstrations—arenotjustrememberedbutexperienced.

ThestoryofChimneyRockisstillbeingwritten, anditrequiresmanyvoicestosustainit.We arealwaysseekingenthusiasticindividualsto joinoneofourcommittees,theBoardof Trustees,orsupportourmissionthrough volunteerismanddonations.

WeinviteyoutocometotheMonument, listentothewindthroughthetrees,andadd yourownvoicetotheenduringlegacyof ChimneyRock.

Jill Sutton, CRIA Board President

JonGhahate

Tuesday,August11,2026 6:00-7:30PM

CommunityMethodistChurch-PagosaSprings|434LewisStreet

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.

July Calendar of Events

A Special Moment at Chimney

Trail Tip of the Month What Our Visitors are Saying

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?

Indian ricegrass (Orzyopsis hymenoides) is a perennial bunchgrass that is native to North America. It requires well-drained soil and can be found in many locations at Chimney Rock; the seeds ripen in mid-June. The distinctive seeds and seed cases have been identified in coprolites of Ancestral Puebloans and known to have been harvested in Archaic times. The seed is nutritious and was one of their staple foods; it continued to be harvested and eaten well after corn was the main subsistence food. Ricegrass has a high protein content and relatively low starch content; an ounce of seed provides about 120 calories. Seeds were gathered by brushing them into large conical baskets carried on the back. It would take 2 to 3 hours to fill a basket. Seeds were parched in a tray in which hot coals and seeds were tossed back and forth. This popped the sheaths leaving a clean white grain.

Life at Chimney Rock

ThepicnicareaatChimneyRockwastransformedintoavillage forvisitorstoexploreonJune6thand7th.Therewereactivities totrylikethrowingaspearwithanatlatl,makingacoiledclaypot andgrindingcorn.Attheoldvisitorcabin,guestscouldtryataste ofAnasazibeans.TherewerePueblo,SouthernUte,Jicarilla ApacheandNavajoartiststochatwithandmaybemakea purchase.JemezPueblofoodvendorsofferedfrybreadand Indiantacos.APagosaSpringsvendorsoldhotdogsandgyros.

Attheamphitheater,theRoachfamilyfromGallup,NMshared DinéandLakotamusicanddance.OldermembersoftheFragua familyfromJemezPueblosanganddrummedasyounger membersdancedEagleandBuffalodances.

ShuttlesranvisitorstotheuppermesatoexploretheMesaand GreatHousePueblotrails.Thegiftshopandinterpretivecenter alsowelcomedvisitors.

AlltheseactivitieswerepartoftheLifeatChimneyRockFestival. Somanyindividualeffortsmadethiseventhappen.Wethank eachofyouwhodidyourpart.

Full Moon Program

Some places are transformed after sunset. At Chimney Rock National Monument, the arrival of the full moon creates an experience unlike any other.

Offered just once each month, the Full Moon Program invites visitors to explore the rich history, archaeology, and celestial significance of Chimney Rock while enjoying one of the most breathtaking settings in the Southwest. As an International Dark Sky Park, Chimney Rock offers exceptionally dark skies free from the distractions of modern city lights, making it the perfect place to witness both sunset and moonrise.

The evening begins with a guided presentation on topics unique to Chimney Rock, including the culture of the Ancestral Puebloans, archaeological discoveries, the monument's fascinating geology, and the astronomical alignments that continue to intrigue researchers today. Guests gain a deeper appreciation for why celestial events held such profound importance for the people who lived here more than 1,000 years ago.

As daylight begins to fade, visitors make their way to the Great House Pueblo atop the mesa. There, surrounded by sweeping 360-degree views, they experience one of the program's most memorable moments. While the western sky glows with a spectacular sunset, attention gradually shifts eastward as the first sliver of the full moon rises above the mountains. At just the right moment, the haunting sounds of Native flute musician Charles Martinez drift across the landscape, creating an atmosphere that many guests describe as unforgettable.

For those looking for an even deeper experience, the Early Tour/Full Moon Package combines a guided tour of the Mesa Village Trail with the Full Moon Program. This extended experience provides additional insight into the daily lives of the Ancestral Puebloans before culminating with the moonrise program later that evening.

Continued on next page

Full Moon Program, Continued

The Full Moon Program lasts approximately three hours and includes an interpretive presentation and a guided hike to the Great House Pueblo. Participants should be prepared with: Water

A flashlight or headlamp - the return hike takes place after dark

A blanket or ground mat for seating -chairs are not permitted)

Comfortable hiking shoes

The hike to the Great House climbs approximately one-third of a mile over uneven terrain with a 200-foot elevation gain to an elevation of 7,600 feet. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition. The program is recommended for ages 8 and older.

2026 Full Moon Program Schedule

Tuesday, July 28

Thursday, August 27

Saturday, September 26

Whether you're fascinated by archaeology, captivated by astronomy, or simply looking for a memorable evening beneath some of Colorado's darkest skies, the Full Moon Program offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience Chimney Rock in a way few visitors ever do.

Reserve your program ticket today at www.ChimneyRockCo.org.

What Visitors Are Saying

"We thoroughly enjoyed our Full Moon experience at Chimney Rock. We got lucky with weather for a perfect evening with a wonderful sunset and a spectacular Super Blue Moon rising. Being in the monument for the evening was wonderful. The speakers and flute player added to the great experience. We returned to the monument the next day to further explore all we had learned about. Highly recommend finding a time to catch this program!"

"What a wonderful evening. Charles definitely added a beautiful element to the proceedings. The talk was great. The sunset/moonrise was spectacular. It really is a quality way to spend some time."

Young Archaeologists Explore Chimney Rock

Eachsummer,theChimneyRockInterpretive AssociationoffersfourthemedYouthWorkshops thatintroducechildrentothehistory,culture,and naturalwondersofChimneyRockNational Monument.Everyworkshopincludesaguided hikefollowedbyhands-onactivitiesthatbringthe day'sthemetolife.

Ourfirstworkshopoftheseason,heldonJune 16,focusedontheArchaeologyofChimneyRock. ThedaybeganwithahiketotheGreatHouseled byourownretiredarchaeologist,Pat Hasenbuhler,whosharedhisknowledgeand passionforthesitewiththeyoungparticipants. Afterenjoyinglunchinouroutdoorclassroom, PatandHollyintroducedthegrouptothe fascinatingworldofarchaeology.Thestudents learnedarchaeologicalvocabulary,exploredhow archaeologistsinvestigatethepast,and discoveredtheimportanceofcarefulobservation anddocumentation. Thehighlightofthedaywasahands-on archaeologicaldiginoursandboxexcavationsite. Eachparticipantwasassignedtheirown excavationunit,wheretheycarefullytroweled, brushed,sifted,anddocumentedtheir discoveriesbyrecordinglocationsandsketching theirfindings.Theworkshopconcludedwitha

"symposium,"wheretheyoungarchaeologists sharedwhattheyuncoveredanddiscussedwhat theirdiscoveriesmightrevealabouttheAncient PuebloanswholivedatChimneyRockmorethan 1,000yearsago.

Aspecialthank-yougoestoBernadetteSikes, MichaelLopez,andAmieLopezforhelpingrefill thesandboxaftertheexcavation.Theirassistance wasespeciallyappreciatedonanincrediblyhot day.

Althoughtemperatureswerehigh,the enthusiasmofouryoungarchaeologistsnever faded.Wehopetheyleftwithadeeper appreciationforarchaeology—andmemories thatwilllastalifetime.-DeniseFisk&RitaPeck

Upcoming Special Events

FeeFreeDay:July4,2026 4, 2026

FREELecturewithJonGhahate Lecture with Jon “ThePuebloRevolt:America’sFirstRevolution”

Tuesday,August11,2026from6:00-7:30pm August 11, 2026 6:00-7:30pm atthe at the

CommunityMethodistChurch-434LewisStreet, Community Methodist - Street, PagosaSprings

SupporttheMission

TheChimneyRockInterpretiveAssociation isanonprofitorganizationdedicatedto supportingthepreservation,interpretation, andeducationeffortsatChimneyRock NationalMonument

Educationalprogramming

Volunteertraining

Sitepreservationinitiatives

Joinourmailinglisttoreceivethelinktowatchfrom

Join our list to receive the to watch homeviaZoom! via ClickHEREtojoinourmailinglist! to our list!

Communityoutreach

Specialeventsandlectures

The Serpent and the Sea

Inthetimeofourforefathers,underThunderMountain wasavillagecalledHomeoftheEagles.Itisnowinruin, withtheroofsgone,theladdersdecayedandthehearths growncold.Butbackwhenitwasperfect,therelivedinthis villageamaiden,thedaughterofthepriest-chief.Shewas beautifulbutpossessedapeculiarity.Therewasasacred springatthefootofthetown;wenowcallitthePoolof theApaches,butthenitwassacredtotheSerpentofthe Sea.Thismaidenhadapassionforneatnessandcleanliness ofpersonandclothing.Shecouldnotendureeventhe slightestspeckofdirtsoshespentmostofhertimebathing herselfandherclothinginthewatersofthisspring.These waters,however,beingsacredtotheSerpentoftheSea, shouldnothavebeendefiledinthisway.TheSerpentof theSeabecameangryatthemaidenanddevisedaplanby whichtopreventthesacrilegeandtopunishthemaiden.

Whenthemaidencameagaintothespring,whatdidshe beholdbutabeautifullittlechildsittinginthewater, splashingandsmiling.Themaidenlookedinalldirections toseewhocouldhavebroughtthisbeautifullittleboy.The maidenthoughtthatthechildhadbeenleftbysome unkindandcruelmothersoshetookhimupinherarms andtookhimtoherhomeandintoherroomtoplay.When theyoungersisterdiscoveredthemsherantoinformher fatherofwhatshehadseen.Theoldmansatsilentand thoughtfulandthensaidtoher“doyousupposeany motherwouldleaveherownchildinthewatersofthisor anyspring?Thereissomemeaningtoallofthis.”

Themaidenandchildeventuallyfellasleep.Whilethe maidensleptdeeply,thechildslowlybecameelongated.It soonappearedasanenormousSerpentandcoileditself aroundandaroundtheroom.Inthemorningthelittle sisterwenttothemaiden’sroomandtriedtoopenthe doorbutcouldnot.Becomingfrightenedshescreamedout forhelp.Manypeople,exceptherfather,joinedherand togethertheywereabletopressopenthedoorsufficiently togetaglimpseoftheSerpentsscales.Thenthewomenall ranscreamingtothefather.Theoldman,priestandsage thathewas,wenttohisdaughtersroomwherehepushed againstthedoorandcalledtotheSerpentoftheSea“let mychildcometomeagainandIwillmakeatonementfor hererror.Releaseherforsheisthine.”Afterthepriesthad

A Zuni Folktale as told to Frank H. Cushing in 1901 Z U N I F O L K T A L E

prayedtotheSerpent,theSerpentlooseneditscoilsand shookthebuilding.Themaidenatonceawokeandcriedto herfatherforhelp.AstheSerpentmovedoutoftheway, themaidenranlikeafrighteneddeer.Thefathersaidone moreprayer,thenwentawayandcalledalltheother priest-chieftoasacredcouncil.Thentheyperformedthe solemnceremoniesofthesacredrites–preparingprayer plumes,prayer-wandsandofferings.Thepriestthencalled hisdaughterandtoldhershemustmakereadytotakethe sacrificesandevenherself,themostpreciousofthemall, tothegreatSerpentoftheSea;thatshemustalsoyieldup allthoughtsofherpeopleandhomeforever.“Foritseems” hesaid“tohavebeenyourdesiretodothis–youusedthe sacredwaterforprofanepurposes.”

Themaidenwentforthwithsadcriesandintheplaza, amidstlamentationsofallthepeople,theydressedherin sacredcottonrobes.Theoldpriesttheninstructedhis daughtertogoforthandcalltheSerpenttocometoher. Themaidenslowlystartedtowardthewest,withthe Serpentbehindher.WhentheywerepasttheMountainof theRedPaint,theSerpentbegantodrawhimselftogether andassumeanewshape.Whenthemaidenturnedaround shesawabeautifulyouthinsacredattire.Sheaskedwhere theSerpenthadgoneandherepliedthatheknewwhereit hadgone.SheaskedifnowtheSerpentwouldleaveherin peaceandletherreturntothehomeofherpeople.The youthreplied“No,becausehethinksmuchofyouandIam he.Iloveyou,mymaidenandwewilldwellinallthe WatersoftheWorld.”

ItwasthusinthedaysoftheAncients.Therefore,the Ancientsavoidedusingspringsforanythingotherthan waterfordrinking.Tothisdayweholdtheflowingsprings themostpreciousthingsonearth.

A Special Moment at Chimney Rock

OneofthegreatestjoysofvolunteeringatChimneyRockNationalMonumentiswitnessingthespecialmomentsthat becomelifelongmemoriesforourvisitors.

OnMonday,June22,volunteerinterpreterErnieO'ToolewasstationedattheGreatHouseonwhathadbeenaquiet afternoon.AshewatchedayoungcoupleadmiringtheviewneartheoldFireTowerfoundation,henoticedthetwo deepinconversation.Suddenly,theyoungmandroppedtooneknee.

Afterafewhappygigglesandasmilingnodfromhispartner,thecoupleembraced—theyhadjustbecomeengaged! Erniewalkedovertocongratulatethemandofferedtocapturethemomentwiththeircamera.Thecouplehappily accepted,recreatingtheproposalwhileErnietookseveralphotographstheywilltreasureforyearstocome.

Thenewlyengagedcouple,visitingfromOhio,hadchosenthebreathtakingbeautyofChimneyRockNational Monumentastheplacetobeginthenextchapteroftheirlivestogether

Reflectingontheexperience,Erniesharedthatitmadehimfeelgoodknowingthisremarkableplacewaschosenfor suchanimportantmilestone.Whilehewisheshehadthoughttoaskpermissiontotakeaphotoforournewsletter,the memory,itself,isonehe—andundoubtedlythehappycouple—willneverforget.

StorieslikethisremindusthatChimneyRockismorethananarchaeologicaltreasure.Itisaplacewherehistory, nature,andlife'smostmeaningfulmomentscometogether.

Ifyou“MadeittotheTop”atChimneyRockNationalMonument,don’t leavewithoutoneofourbrand-newcommemorativestickers!

Thesefunnewstickersaretheperfectwaytocelebrateyour accomplishmentandshareyourChimneyRockadventurewithfriendsand family.Whetheryouplaceitonyourwaterbottle,hikinggear,laptop,or vehicle,it’sagreatreminderoftheincrediblejourneytothemesatopand theunforgettableviewswaitingatthesummit.

Aftermakingtheclimbandexperiencingthebreathtakingpanoramicviews fromtheGreatHousePueblo,you’vedefinitelyearnedbraggingrights!

BesuretostopbytheGiftShopandgrabyourstickerafteryourtourandlet everyoneknow—IMadeittotheTop!

Trail Tip of the Month

Be Prepared for a Great Day at Chimney Rock!

Alittlepreparationgoesalongwaytoward makingyourvisitsafe,comfortable,and memorable.

Bringplentyofwater.Evenoncoolerdays, thecombinationofaltitude,sunshine,and hikingcanleadtodehydration.Staying hydratedhelpsyouenjoyyouradventure fromstarttofinish.

Wearahat.TheColoradosunisstrong, especiallyatChimneyRock'selevation.A wide-brimmedhatorcapprovides welcomeshadeandhelpsprotectyou fromthesunwhileexploringthetrails. Don'tforgetyourcamera!Fromtheiconic ChimneyRockandCompanionRockto sweepingmountainvistas,wildlife,and ancientPuebloansites,you'llfind countlessphotoopportunitiesaround everybend.

Alittleplanningmeansmoretimeenjoyingthe remarkablehistory,breathtakingscenery,and unforgettableexperiencesthatmakeChimney RockNationalMonumentsospecial.

Happyhiking—we'llseeyouonthetrail!

What Our Visitors Are Saying

A Tour of Two Trails

“I highly recommend this tour. I learned so much history and the area felt so much more sacred after the tour. ” ~ Karen R..

“My husband and I signed up for a guided tour of Chimney Rock and were pleasantly surprised to be the only people on the tour. Sue, our guide, was very knowledgeable and passionate in her presentation. She really made the tour interesting and real. We learned so much from her tour. Thanks Sue for making our tour of Chimney Rock so special!” ~ Laurie E.

“This was an excellent tour. The volunteer who lead the tour was extremely knowledgeable and was able to answer or give an explanation to all questions. My husband and I were the only two on the tour for most of the time. The guide invited some other people who were doing the self guided tour to join towards the end of the tour, which was very nice of him. Great tour, glad we signed up for this tour.” ~ Vickie B..

Night Sky Program

“We loved this! All the volunteers were so knowledgeable and interesting and personable. We learned a lot and had a really good time in this beautiful place. Highly recommend!” ~ Jessica S.

“Very engaging and informative. Kids and grandparents alike enjoyed this solar system program. Thank you to all of the volunteers who presented and brought telescopes. We learned a lot and spent quality family time together.” ~ Kathrin K.

“The enthusiasm for the program at Chimney Rock, by the presenters was contagious and informational. This was a program on the moon in early July.” ~ Mary S.

Board Member Spotlight: Rhonda Julian

TheChimneyRockInterpretiveAssociationisproudto recognizeRhondaJulian,oneofourdedicatedBoard Membersandvolunteerswhoseexperience, leadership,andenthusiasmhelpsupportthemissionof ChimneyRockNationalMonument.

RhondaisinhersixthyearasavolunteeratChimney Rockandisavaluedmemberofourorganizationinher roleastreasurer.RaisedonafarminsouthwestKansas withthreesistersandabrother,shelearnedthevalue ofhardworkearlyinlifewhilehelpingonthefamily farmlocatedtwentymilesfromtown.

SheearnedanAssociateDegreeinBusinessfrom BethanyNazareneCollegebeforebeginningher professionalcareer.Whileraisinghertwosonsand workingfull-timeasaControllerataNissandealership

intheDallas-FortWortharea,RhondareturnedtoschoolandearnedherBachelorofSciencein AccountingfromDallasBaptistUniversity.

HercareercontinuedwithAsburyAutomotive,wheresheservedasaMarketControllerbeginningin 2002.Inthatrole,sheoversawthefinancialoperationsofeightdealerships,witheachdealership's Controllerreportingdirectlytoher.Afterasuccessfulcareerinautomotivefinance,Rhondaretiredin January2020andmadePagosaSpringsherhome.

Today,sheenjoysgivingbackthroughherservicetoChimneyRockwhileoccasionallytravelingbackto theDallas-FortWorthareatospendtimewithfamily.Sheisespeciallyproudofherfivegrandchildren, whoholdaveryspecialplaceinherheart.

WearegratefulforRhonda'scommitment,expertise,andwillingnesstosharehertimeandtalentswith theChimneyRockInterpretiveAssociation.Thankyou,Rhonda,forhelpingpreserveandsharethe remarkablehistoryandcultureofChimneyRockNationalMonument.

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