Chimney Rock Interpretive Association June 2026 Newsletter

Message from the President of the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association Board

Withthearrivalofwarmer,longerdays,welookforwardtothe excitementandjoythatthesummerseasonbrings.ChimneyRock InterpretiveAssociation(CRIA)andourpartner,theU.S.Forest Service(USFS),haveseenourextensivepreparationsfinallypayoff, asChimneyRockNationalMonumentofficiallyopeneditsgateson May15.

Thededicationofourstaffandvolunteersduringtheoff-seasonhas beeninstrumentalinpreparingfortheinfluxofsummerexplorers, ensuringthatthelegacyofthisancestralPuebloansiteishonored andsharedwithallwhovisit.

Iamremindedofhowthesummerseasonservedasavitalperiodforrestorationandthecreationof memoriesthroughouteverychapterofmylife.Muchlikethecommonwisdomofunpluggingadevice torestoreitsfunction,summerbreakallowsourownsystemstoresetandfindrenewal.Whether throughquietreflectionorthejoyofsharedadventures,thesewarmermonthsactasacatalystfor personalgrowthandthestrengtheningoflifelongbonds.

InmycapacityasaPlazaHost,Ihavethedistinctprivilegeofwelcomingexplorersastheyfirstarriveat ChimneyRock.Whethertheyhavepreplannedtheirjourneyoraresimplypausingontheirwaytoother destinations,eachvisitorcarrieswiththemthatunmistakable"vibeofsummer."ThisvibeatChimney Rockisatruesensoryjourney,shapedbyvastblueskies,thescentofsunscreen,thePeregrineFalcon's call,andbreathtakingpanoramas.

AsaTourGuideIgettosharetheknowledgeIhaveacquiredaboutChimneyRock'shistorywithcurious minds.ThisroleallowsmetodelvedeeperintothenarrativeoftheancestralPuebloanswhoonce thrivedhere,connectingthearchitecturalmarvelsweseetodaywiththelivesofthepeoplewhobuilt them.Witnessingtheaweonavisitor'sfacewhentheyfirstviewtheGreatHousePuebloor comprehendtheastronomicalalignmentsofthesiteistrulyrewarding.

Weinviteyoutojoinusthisseasontoexplorethebreathtakingvistas,learnfromourdedicatedguides, andcreateyourownlastingmemoriesandconnectionswithintheancientlandscapeofChimneyRock.

JillSutton,CRIABoardPresident

Dr.AndrewGulliford

Tuesday,June23,2026 6:00-7:30PM

CommunityMethodistChurch-PagosaSprings|434LewisStreet,PS,CO81147

This engaging program explores the prehistoric and historic Native American peoples of the Chimney Rock and Four Corners region, tracing their origins, migrations, interactions, and enduring cultural connections to the landscape.

Andy will examine cultures ranging from Paleo and Archaic peoples to the Ancestral Puebloans, as well as the Fremont, Mogollon, and Hohokam traditions. The lecture also highlights later historic tribes including the Ute, Navajo, Jicarilla Apache, and others, exploring their timelines, territories, and relationships with one another. Special attention will be given to cultural ties that remain visible on the land today, including evidence such as culturally modified trees and connections to communities like Taos Pueblo . This presentation offers a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage that continues to shape the Chimney Rock landscape.

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

Board Member Spotlight: Bernadette Sikes TheNativeAmericansoftheChimneyRockArea

School Week

Life at Chimney Rock

A Look Back in Time: 1994

Sunrise at Chimney Rock

June Calendar of Events

Did You Know?

Trail Tip of the Month

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.

What Our Visitors are Saying

School Week Brings Learning and Adventure to Chimney

Rock

SchoolWeekatChimneyRockNational Monumentwasonceagainatremendous success,welcominghundredsofstudentsfrom areaschoolsforanunforgettablehands-on educationalexperiencecenteredaround archaeology,culture,history,andnature.

Throughouttheweek,studentsexploredthe fascinatingworldoftheancestralPuebloans throughinteractivedemonstrations,guided learningactivities,andengagingpresentationsled bydedicatedChimneyRockInterpretive Associationvolunteers.Fromlearningabout ancientpotteryandrockarttotryinghands-on activitiessuchasweaving,corngrinding,and yuccafiberdemonstrations,studentshadthe opportunitytoexperiencehistoryinameaningful andmemorableway.

Students explored the trails, learned about the Chacoan culture and the ancestral Puebloans who inhabited the area over 1,000 years ago, and discovered the importance of preserving these treasured cultural sites for future generations.

One of the highlights of School Week is seeing young learners connect with the remarkable landscape and cultural significance of Chimney Rock National Monument.

SchoolWeekwouldnotbepossiblewithoutthe incrediblesupportofCRIAvolunteers,educators, communitypartners,andstaffwhoworktirelessly tocreateengagingeducationalexperiencesfor studentseachyear.Theirenthusiasmand dedicationhelpinspirecuriosity,learning,and appreciationfortherichculturalheritagefoundat ChimneyRock.

TheChimneyRockInterpretiveAssociationis proudtocontinueitsmissionofeducation, preservation,andinterpretationthroughprograms likeSchoolWeekthathelpconnectfuture generationstothisextraordinaryancestralplace.

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

$50-$99

Friend of Chimney Rock

$100–$249

Steward of Chimney Rock

$250–$499

Listed in one CRIA Newsletter

Name listed on CRIA website

Listed in CRIA Newsletter

Listed in group social media post

Name listed on CRIA website

Listed in CRIA Newsletter

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

Community Partner

$500–$999

Heritage Sponsor

$1,000+

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 or scan the QR Code to show your support!

2026 Free Lecture Series

Southwestern Native Rock Art - David Bouquet

Thankyoutoeveryonewhojoinedusforourrecent ChimneyRockInterpretiveAssociationLectureSeries presentation,“SouthwesternNativeRockArt”with DavidBouquet.Itwasawonderfulandhighly informativeeveningexploringtheincrediblehistory, artistry,andculturalsignificanceofrockartthroughout theAmericanSouthwest.

Duringthepresentation,attendeeslearnedaboutthe varioustypesofrockart,includingsomeoftheoldest knownexamplesfromaroundtheworld.Davidalso guidedviewersthroughafascinatingvisualjourneyof PuebloanrockartsiteslocatedacrosstheSouthwest, highlightinglocationswithinNationalMonuments, NationalandStateParks,andlandsmanagedbythe ForestServiceandBureauofLandManagement. Thelecturealsoshedlightontheimportant

preservationeffortsoftheNorthwestNewMexico SiteStewardProgram,whichworkstohelpprotect culturallysignificantsitesthatlackformal preservation.Stunningphotographicexamplesfrom HovenweepNationalMonument,BearsEarsNational Monument,CanyondeChellyNationalMonument, ChacoCultureNationalHistoricalPark,andMesa VerdeNationalParkbroughttheseancientstoriesto life.

Ifyoumissedthepresentation—orwouldliketo watchitagain—youcanviewthevideoatthelink below.

Click below to watch the recording of the lecture

2026LectureSeries

Tuesday,June23,2026:AndyGulliford,“TheNativeAmericansoftheChimneyRockArea”

Tuesday,August11,2026:JohnGhahate,“ThePuebloRevolt”

Tuesday,October6,2026:JohnKappelman,“TheDatingGame:ArcheologicalDatingMethods”

Doors open at 5:45 pm - Lectures begin promptly at 6:00 pm followed by a brief Q&A Session with the Presenter.

See details about the lectures on our website by clicking HERE.

TheinitialCRIAVolunteerContinuingEducationeventwasheldatthe MethodistChurchinPagosaSpringsonMay6.Thiseventispartofthe VolunteerCertificationProgramandisintendedtoserveasamechanism forongoingcertificationmaintenance Thankstothepresenters,especially JonGhahate,whogaveapresentationofNativeAmericanCultural Sensitivities.AndthanksalsototheattendeesbothinpersonandonZoom. TheorganizersrealizethattheZoomqualitycouldbeimprovedandwillbe ironedoutinfutureContinuingEducationsessions.

LookformoreContinuingEducationnews,tips,informationupdates,and other"ContinuingEducation"storiesinthisnewsletterinthecoming months.

Did You Know?

One of the most common plants in the Four Corners area is sagebrush. While there are many species, Big Sage (Artemisia tridentata) is one of most abundant and valuable. It is a winter food source for mule deer, elk, big horn sheep and jackrabbits. The Ancestral Puebloans used the plant in several different ways, with one of its principal uses being medicinal. The leaves were boiled in water and the steam inhaled as a decongestant, which was due to its high camphor content. The flowers, seeds and leaves were also ingested, based on studies of ancient human waste. They were usually eaten in small amounts; sagebrush leaves are a good source of iron and vitamin C. Larger amounts act as a purgative to rid the body of parasites. The Fremont people who lived north of the Four Corners used sage for everything that was woven as well as twisting its fibers to make cordage. Twined bark was used for making leggings and baskets and the wood was used for making tools. So, like the yucca, sagebrush was a versatile and well-used plant.

Life at Chimney Rock

The Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) is excited to welcome visitors to the annual Life at Chimney Rock Festival, taking place Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Chimney Rock National Monument. Thanks to a special waiver from the U.S. Forest Service, this year’s festival is completely free to attend. This family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to experience the traditions and daily life of the Ancestral Puebloans through interactive demonstrations led by CRIA volunteers. Guests can try hands-on activities such as yucca pounding, coil pottery, weaving, corn grinding, and atlatl spear throwing, while also learning about astronomy, flint knapping, and dendrochronology. Traditional foods, including Anasazi beans, will also be available to sample.

A highlight of the weekend is the Native American Market, featuring artists from the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, Santo Domingo, and Santa Clara, along with Navajo, Jicarilla Apache, and Southern Ute artisans. Visitors can shop for authentic handmade goods and watch live demonstrations.

The festival also includes live cultural performances, with the Roach Family Dancers performing at 11:00 AM and the Fragua Family of Jemez Pueblo at 2:00 PM on both days. Food vendors will be on-site offering a variety of options, including barbecue, fry bread, and frito pie. In addition, guests are encouraged to explore the monument’s trails, cultural sites, and Visitor Plaza, all open during the event.

Join us for a weekend of culture, history, and hands-on discovery in a truly remarkable setting.

Event Details

June 6–7, 2026

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Chimney Rock National Monument 30841 State Highway 151, Pagosa Springs, 81147

Admission: Free

Sunrise At Chimney Rock

There is something truly unforgettable about watching the sunrise from atop the mesa at Chimney Rock National Monument. This special Sunrise at Chimney Rock Tour offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the Monument in the peaceful quiet of the early morning hours while taking in breathtaking panoramic views from one of the most significant ancestral Puebloan sites in the Southwest.

Recently designated as an International Dark Sky Park, Chimney Rock provides an extraordinary setting to begin the day surrounded by natural beauty, cultural history, and expansive skies. Offered on Monday mornings throughout the season (times vary), this engaging two-hour guided experience begins before dawn as participants hike to the mesa top to watch the sunrise illuminate the surrounding landscape.

Following sunrise, visitors will enjoy the closest possible view of the Monument’s iconic pinnacles Chimney Rock and Companion Rock. Peregrine falcons are frequently spotted near Companion Rock, making this tour a wonderful opportunity for photography and wildlife viewing. The experience continues along both the Great ,

House Trail and the Mesa Village Trail, where guides share the fascinating history and significance of the structures found throughout the site. Visitors will learn about the ancestral Puebloans who inhabited the area over 1,000 years ago, the connection between Chimney Rock and the greater Chaco Culture, the importance of the mesa-top Great House Pueblo, and insights into the daily lives of the people who once called this place home.

Because the tour takes place during the quiet offhours of the Monument, participants enjoy a more intimate and immersive experience unlike any other offered at Chimney Rock.

Sunrise at Chimney Rock is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that combines stunning scenery, cultural discovery, and peaceful moments atop one of the Southwest’s most remarkable ancestral sites.

Book Now

Upcoming Special Events

LifeatChimneyRockFestival at Rock June6-7 6(FreeAdmission)

SupporttheMission

FREELecturewithDr.AndrewGulliford

FREE Lecture with Dr. Andrew Gulliford

TheNativeAmericansoftheChimneyRockArea Native Americans Rock Area

June23,2026from6:00-7:30pm June 23, 2026 from CommunityMethodistChurch-PagosaSprings Methodist Church - Pagosa Springs

434LewisStreet 434 Lewis Street

Joinourmailinglisttoreceivethelinktowatchfrom Join our list to receive the to watch home!

TheChimneyRockInterpretiveAssociation isanonprofitorganizationdedicatedto supportingthepreservation,interpretation, andeducationeffortsatChimneyRock NationalMonument

Educationalprogramming

Volunteertraining

Sitepreservationinitiatives

Communityoutreach

Specialeventsandlectures

The Ugly Boy Who Drove the Bear Away from Southeastern Mesa

A Zuni Folktale as told to Frank H. Cushing in 1901

In the days of the ancients there lived a frightfully ugly boy, with his grandmother. The color of his body and face was blue and he had a twisted nose and scars on his face In fact, he resembled the wild men of the Sacred Dance who served as runners to the priestclowns.

One season it had rained so much that the piñon trees were laden with nuts, other plants were heavy with fruit, and the grasses so heavy with seed that when the wind blew they bent as if in a breeze. But the people of the ugly boy’s village could not go to the Southeastern Mesa to gather nuts, fruit and seeds because of the ugly old Bear who claimed the country for himself

Some of the people who had gone there were killed by the Bear; others were maimed and all the rest were driven away.

In spite of the ugly boy’s grandmother beseeching him not to go, the ugly boy went and climbed up the Southern Mesa. No sooner had he begun to eat piñon nuts and fruit than the old Bear came rushing toward him snarling. The boy shouted to the old Bear “Don’t bite me – I came to make a proposition to you Whoever is certain of his rights on this plateau and the things that grow on it must prove it by not being scared of anything the other does.” The old Bear laughed and said he was willing to stand the test “So one of us must run away and hide and then the other must come on him unaware and frighten him.” The old Bear said he

would go first. After retreating into a thicket, the ugly boy returned to eating nuts and fruit, where upon the old Bear came rushing out after the boy. The boy never stirred and kept on eating, where upon the old Bear exclaimed “You are a man and I must give it up. Now, try me … I can stand as much frightening as you and unless you frighten me, you must keep away from my fruits and nuts ”

The boy fled to his grandmother’s house and asked for help. So she blackened his face with soot until he looked like a demon. The she gave him a stone axe of ancient times and magic power. The boy ran back to the Mesa and the Bear, whacking hollow piñon trees with his magic axe, making a thundering noise. The Bear jumped and upon seeing the boy’s face declared “By my eyes, the Death Demon is after me!” With this, the Bear fled eastward as fast as his legs would carry him, never stopping until he reached the Zuni Mountains. The boy returned home and informed his fellow villagers that they could go gather piñon nuts and seeds on the Mesa because the Bear had been driven away. Therefore, the Zuni Mountains to this day are filled with bear, but they rarely descend to the Mesa in the southwest, being fully convinced that the Death Demon continues to be in wait for them. And now the people go to the mesas and mountains and gather nuts and grass seed without hindrance.

Made it to the top?

Thetrailwindsupward,eachstepbringinganewview,anew breath,anewreasontokeepgoing.Maybeitstartsalittle quiet—justthesoundofyourfootstepsandthebreeze movingacrossthemesa.Butasyouclimb,somethingshifts.

Youpause,lookback,andrealizehowfaryou’vecome.

Andthen…youmakeit.

AtthetopofChimneyRockNationalMonument,theworld opensup.Theskyfeelsbigger.Thelandscapestretchesendlessly.It’smorethanjustaview—it’samoment.Afeeling.A connectiontosomethingmucholder,muchdeeper.

Takeitin.Breatheitin.

Thensnapthatphotowiththesign,tagus,andcelebrateyourjourney.Anddon’tforget—letoneofourvolunteers knowyoumadeittothetop.They’llbejustasexcitedasyouare.

If you “Made it to the Top” at Chimney Rock National Monument, don’t leave without one of our brand-new commemorative stickers!

These fun new stickers are the perfect way to celebrate your accomplishment and share your Chimney Rock adventure with friends and family. Whether you place it on your water bottle, hiking gear, laptop, or vehicle, it’s a great reminder of the incredible journey to the mesa top and the unforgettable views waiting at the summit.

After making the climb and experiencing the breathtaking panoramic views from the Great House Pueblo, you’ve definitely earned bragging rights!

Be sure to stop by and grab your sticker after your tour and let everyone know — you Made it to the Top!

Trail Tip of the Month: Pause.

AsyouexplorethetrailsatChimneyRock NationalMonumentthismonth,takeafew momentstoslowyourpaceandfully experiencethelandscapearoundyou.Listento thesoundsofnature,watchforsoaring peregrinefalcons,andtakeintheincredible viewsstretchingacrossthevalleyand surroundingmountains.

AtChimneyRock,thejourneyisaboutmore thansimplyreachingthedestination.Along thetrails,you’lldiscoverancientstructures, quietmomentsbeneathexpansiveskies,anda deeperconnectiontothepeoplewhoonce calledthisremarkableplacehomemorethan 1,000yearsago.

WhetheryouarehikingtotheGreatHouse Pueblo,exploringtheMesaVillageTrail,or simplypausingtoadmirethescenery,allow yourselftimetoappreciatethepeaceful beautyandrichculturalhistorysurrounding you.Sometimesthemostmeaningful memoriesarefoundinthemomentswhenwe slowdownenoughtotrulytakeitallin. Bringyourcamera,plentyofwater,andyour senseofwonder—andenjoyeverystepofthe adventure.

What Our Visitors Are Saying

Guided Great House Tour

“Our tour guide Danny was very knowledgeable, but had lengthy explanations and additional details they really weren’t needed. Our tour was much longer than needed for various reasons. Great place to visit Will highly recommend it.” ~ Jeremy S.

“Chimney Rock is a magical site. We had last been 10 years ago, and were impressed by the good-looking and functional improvements to the visitor center, bookstore, etc. Very nicely done. Our tour guide, Michael Bobbitt, was fantastic!” ~ Martin C

“The visitor center and the site(s) by the Chimney Rock were beautiful and I hadn't visited before. The tour leader was very knowledgeable and also gracious with all the members of our group. I was amazed to learn that the tours are run by volunteers and commend them! I hope to return soon when friends visit so I can show them this wonderful place!” ~ Lynn S.

Birding Tour

“Chimney Rock tours are a singular blend of archaeology, astronomy, and outdoor adventure—perfect for history buffs, families, or anyone enchanted by wild landscapes. Whether climbing steep mesa trails, gazing at ancient kivas, or witnessing the moon rise amid ancient spires, this experience leaves a lasting impression. The dedication of volunteer guides, the range of tour options, and the sheer drama of the site make these tours a crowning jewel of Southwestern heritage exploration. From the professional curation to the soaring views and thrill of discovery, Chimney Rock tours exceed every expectation. Don't miss this chance to walk where the ancients walked—and see through their eyes.”

~ Christopher W.

“Great experience. Knowledgeable tour guide. We like it so much we bring back visitors and go with them again.” ~ Kelly H.

Board Member Spotlight: Bernadette Sikes

TheChimneyRockInterpretiveAssociationisproudto spotlightoneofourdedicatedBoardMemberswhose passionforChimneyRockNationalMonumentand commitmenttoservicecontinuetomakeameaningful impactonourorganizationandvisitorsalike.

OriginallyborninTrinidad,Colorado,andraisedin Thornton,ourfeaturedBoardMemberhasdeeproots insouthernColorado.Overtheyears,lifeandcareer opportunitiestookhertocommunitiesacrossthestate beforesheandherhusband,Bob,movedtoPagosa Springsin2020toenjoyretirementsurroundedbythe beautyofSouthwestColoradoandtobecloserto family.

ThisOctober,theywillcelebrate52yearsofmarriage. Togethertheyhavebuiltabeautifulfamilythatincludes twochildren,ninegrandchildren,andfourgreatgrandchildren.Familyremainsoneofthegreatestjoysinherlife.

Herprofessionaljourneyreflectsalifetimeofhardworkandleadership.Shebeganhercareerasa receptionistinadoctor’sofficebeforeworkingforHewlettPackardwhilehelpingsupportherhusband throughcollegeandassistinginthegrowthofseveralsuccessfulfamilybusinesses.Overtheyears,they operatedavarietyofbusinessesincludingconstruction,development,mortgage,retail,water,and restaurantventures.

Followingseriousfamilymedicalchallenges,shetransitionedintothecorporateworldwithLiberty MutualInsurance,wheresheservedintheRegionalMarketingDepartmentasExecutiveAssistantto theVicePresidentofMarketingfor21yearsbeforeretiring.

Itdidn’ttakelongforChimneyRockNationalMonumenttoleavealastingimpression.

“IfellinlovewithChimneyRockthefirsttimethatIvisitedtheMonument,”sheshared.“Thereisjust somethingspecialtherethatmakesmefeelcomfortableandatpeace.”

Wantingtospendmoretimeatthisremarkableancestralplace,shediscoveredtheChimneyRock InterpretiveAssociationandbecameavolunteer.HerdedicationandloveforChimneyRockeventually ledhertoserveontheCRIABoardofDirectors,whereshecontinueshelpingsupportthemissionof preservation,education,andinterpretationatChimneyRockNationalMonument.

Wearegratefulforherleadership,dedication,andheartfeltpassionforChimneyRock.

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