A landmark and solid stop along any journey through SoCo. Worthy of a detour if you're in the area.

I get so tired of reviews on our country's national treasures and history like this I have to give a resounding 5 stars. NOTE drive to top is not hard. If you have ever been to mountains or skied it's easy. It's a gravel mountain road. To clarify as I was confused there is a parking lot w small visitor center aka cabin. This is where you pay your fee. They are building a new super nice visitor center to open next year. The ranger here at base was so nice. I mean amazingly and went out of her way to explain all. From the first parking area you drive to the upper parking lot which is the base from which you hike to top. I was fine at 62 and not in perfect shape to get to top. It's a gorgeous view and the ranger/helper? at top was wordy but very knowledgeable. Now that we live in Albuquerque will definitely go back as it's a short drive under 30 minutes from Pagosa springs. Final thought those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it read more

Nice hike and excursion while staying at Pagosa Springs. There is a welcome center and you buy a ticket to proceed into the park and drive up to the hiking parking lot. Took about 20 mins the views are fantastic. read more

See all

Had great time hiking to the top of Chimney Rock. Fantastic view. Take lunch with you. We had great time eating sandwiches with a view. Totally recommend it. read more

I'm always amazed at these archaeological sites. This was well worth a stop and didn't take a us too long. I suggest downloading the San Juan National Forest app and it's content before visiting while you have reception. The audio tour adds extra fun info. There are interpretive signs along the trails and short pamphlet guide. Apparently this site is being reorganized and managed by the Forest Service so they are in transition. They're also getting a new visitor center which is being built. I'm very excited to return once that's finished. Their current center is a small cabin with a gift shop. Pro tip: the park is pet friendly for dogs. You can leave your dog in one of their outdoor kennels next to the visitor center while you go up the hill to see the site. Pets aren't allowed up there. Their website makes this confusing making it seem like they aren't allowed at all so we weren't going to stop if our pup had to be left in the car. It's too hot. Also be aware that if you have an annual parks pass it won't cover admission here (unless it's the senior one apparently) because of their transition from a volunteer run site into a forest service site. Or something like that. read more

See all

Who would know there would be such amazing Kiva's and such a fantastic history. Cassie C was an excellent docent who told us all about the people and way of life. She deserves 5 stars too!! We'll have to come back to experience the Full Moon event at some point. One thing to note is if you have a dog, you should not bring them unless it is a cold cloudy day. There is no shade to speak of in the parking lot and dogs aren't allowed on the trail. read more

See all

Entry is "free" - but they require paying $12 for a tour they no longer even provide. Better places to visit would include Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon, or even Canyons of the Ancients or Hovenweep. read more

See all

this little stop along Colorado highway 160 is so cool. the trip up to the top was tough in a couple of places but the view was well worth it. there are kivas and other ruins of Indigenous people on the way up that will give you a break on the way up. it was a nice break between Durango and Pagosa springs. read more

See all

An American Masada. Large stronghold used for ceremonies and trade. Similar architecture and lifestyle as Mesa verde peoples. New facilities going in but nothing there now. Very rough dirt road to top. read more

Chimney Rock National Monument - Keva - Hiking Near Me - Chimney Rock, Colorado

See all

Stopped there checking information on visiting the monument The man working didn't not want to want to get information He kept asking for thr 20 dollar he was collecting to go on tour He was very rude read more

We didn't actually see Chimney Rock National Monument, or any other area of the park (except from afar as we drove to the park entrance). Why? Because you can't see the park unless you pay for a tour guide. My husband has a senior lifetime pass, which is supposed to give him (and up to three others) entry into all National Parks and Monuments (in our case him, me (his wife) and two grandchildren (13 and 15)). Well the folks at Chimney Rock have figured out that if they GIVE you "Free Entry" - that eliminates any benefit that having a National Park membership gives you. That is, they let EVERYONE in free - BUT they won't let ANYONE past the entry into the park unless they pay $12 a person to take a guided tour. (They do offer senior pass holders 50% off, but that benefit does not include other family members or even their spouse.) We didn't want a guided tour, we like to take in the views at our own pace - or to pay $42 (three adult fees $12, 13 and 15 year olds count as adults; one $6 senior), so we asked if we could enter without a tour guide? The park rep said, "well yes you can, but you can only go to the lower level of the park without a tour guide - and you'll still have to pay the $12 per person fee!" (Wouldn't having to pay to see the park, without a tour guide be like paying an entry fee? So there goes the free entry!) When National Parks and Monuments become so pricey that an average family can't afford to visit - even if they've already purchased a National Park Pass in advance - that is just not right!! (For the record, we've recently visited Mesa Verde, Zion and Aches National Parks - all of which are world class - and our National Park membership got us all in - with no additional fee! I know for certain that Mesa Verde does offer guided tours - for an additional fee - but you are not required to pay for a tour to see the park (perhaps the others do as well). I don't have a problem with National Parks or Monuments offering, and making extra money by giving guided tours -- but that shouldn't be the ONLY option to visit the park! National Parks and Monuments belong to all Americans - not just those that can afford to pay for a high priced tour!) read more

Side trip from vacation in Pagosa Spring, Colorado was to Chimney Rock National Park. We had the best tour guide, Sue. She clearly had a love of the history, but also expertise on the area and Ancient Pueblobian culture. The hike to the top was doable for a 64 y/o retired Army gal, so really anyone could do it. This destination is highly recommended and I truly believe taking the tour with a guide is more valuable than doing the self tour. Especially if you get Sue. read more

Such a cool place - the park rangers were super informative, the hike was relatively short up to the rock, and the self guided tour told made it very enjoyable. read more

Great monument with many interesting features, but can only see it if you pay for tour which stopped too long in spots with guide repeating a lot. Might as well look at it as you drive by and go to mesa verde. read more

I came here with my husband and we were absolutely blown away at the history and beauty of this ancient pueblo Indian ruin.. we did the guided tour and the audio tour, and all I can say is that it is worth it.. if you have to pick one, go on the guided tour. It's only $8 for adults and it's worth it to receive the full story about the great humans that lived here many centuries ago. The hike to the top is moderately difficult, and the day we hiked it was about 88 degrees.. it was roasting! Make sure to bring at least two waters per person, lots of sunscreen, and a hat. The monument is kid friendly but I feel as though anyone younger then 18 might not be too interested or understand the significance of a bunch of dusty old rocks.. (which happen to Be amazing feats of engineering for homes still standing a 1000+ years later..) please make this a stop on your national park list, we had an awesome time looking into a different and ancient world! read more

If you're in the area and you have 2+ hours to devote to Chimney Rock, then you may want to consider visiting. If you're like me and noticed the sign for Chimney Rock while driving to another location and don't have a ton of time... keep driving. Three times a day (9:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm) they lead guided tours that last about 2 1/2 hours factoring in transit time. (I should mention that "they" is comprised of a group of valiant volunteers whose passion for the area is clear.) A guided tour is the ONLY WAY to see the Pueblo Trail, which is by far the more interesting of the two. I didn't realize this when I paid for/ drove up to my self-guided tour. The cost for the two is the same ($12)-- it's just an issue of time. The self-guided trail is fine for someone unfamiliar with Ancestral Pueblos, but it definitely doesn't compare to similar sites in the area (Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon, Bandelier). It also doesn't give any view of Chimney Rock itself. In the end, I spent about 15 minutes poking around the self-guided trail before heading back down the 3 mile washboard road, wishing that I could have had the chance to check out the path that was off limits to self-guided folks. read more

Pat Hasenbuhler was an excellent guide. Knowledgable, enthusiastic and communicative. We were on a tour to visit National Parks and archaeological sites in the Southwest following a guide book on Native American history and culture. Chimney Rock is an interesting site in a spectacular natural setting. Visit it after Mesa Verde and before Chaco Canyon. The site is well-managed. Informative website. Dedicated volunteers. Well-organized tours. They are improving the trail, opening a new entry and searching for fund to build a small museum on site. read more

We had a great experience of the 9:30am tour. Definitely get there in time for a guided tour. Sue, our guide, shared a lot of information and answered questions regarding the building materials/process, plant life, birds and animals, and the people and tribes who likely inhabited this area. She referenced other areas and described the connections between them. She pointed out distinctions between this site and others. It is a long tour (two hours) so bring water, wear sunscreen and be ready to be on your feet. There is some up and downhill on loose rocks. The panoramic views are fantastic. We saw a falcon. It was informative and everyone working there was friendly and helpful. We are so glad we went. read more

For those complaints about the tour fee, skip the tour. Chimney Rock is part of the National Forest Service, a separate and distinct agency from the National Park Service. read more

This was a great stop! We did the 2 1/2 hour guided tour and it was perfect. If you can hike easy to medium trails and aren't just terrified of heights, I highly recommend this tour! Gloria was a wonderful and knowledgeable tour guide, and we learned a great deal about the area! read more

Chimney Rock National Monument is a great place to go if you're driving by and have nothing to do. I did the self guided tour and walked around the park. It is a very small fun area where you can learn about the Native Americans. Everyone here is a volunteer as well so they're spending their time to help you around the park and to preserve the rock. It was a very educational experience and I will return next year if I'm nearby. read more