Native American History

Chimney Rock National Monument

Location: Near Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Between A.D. 925 and 1125, the ancestors of the modern Pueblo Indians occupied the lands around Chimney Rock. Today, hundreds of archaeological sites survive within sight of Chimney Rock's soaring twin rock spires, including the Great House Pueblo. Chimney Rock is open to the public for five months each year and is visited by approximately 9,000 people each season. Unfortunately, it receives inadequate funding and exists with no clear protection for sites within the archaeological area.

On Chimney Rock looking over Petersen Ridge.

Chimney Rock is open to the public for five months each year.

A group tour in front of a prehistoric wall.

The National Trust believes that the 4,726-acre Chimney Rock Archaeological Area is the single most important cultural site managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Campaign Goals

Establish Chimney Rock as a National Monument to be managed by the U.S. Forest Service with a designated monument manager
Provide continued traditional use of Chimney Rock by tribes and pueblos
Manage the new monument with a plan crafted with community involvement, and continue to allow the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association to operate the site
Inspire an improved preservation and funding ethic for the historic and cultural resources managed by the U.S. Forest Service