July Events At Chimney Rock Archaeological Area

July Events

At Chimney Rock Archaeological Area

 

            Watch the full moon rise at the Great House Pueblo site, learn about the Ancestral Puebloans, archaeoastronomy theories, area geology, and enjoy Native American flute melodies by Charles Martinez.  The HWY 151 gate is open from 6:30pm to 6:45pm. Program begins at 7:30pm. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed at this program. Allow approx. 2-3 hrs for the entire program.  Reservations are required. Tickets are $15. Add $5 for an early tour of the lower area (Great Kiva Trail Loop), which starts at 5:30pm. Ticket purchase is considered a donation and is non-refundable. Bring flashlights, water (also for sale at the cabin), cushions, and blankets or coats.

 

            Join us for the Chimney Rock Night Sky Archaeoastronomy Program on Wednesday, July 18th.  This program includes a one-hour astronomy lecture at the cabin and provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the visible celestial objects. Following a lecture on naked-eye astronomy of the Ancestral Puebloans, the solar system and the universe, participants will drive to the upper parking lot of the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area for approximately 1.5 hours of night-sky viewing. Telescopes will be available to assist with viewing. The HWY 151 gate will be open for the Night Sky Program from 6:15pm – 6:30pm; the opening program is scheduled from 7:15pm-8:15pm; with viewing from 8:45pm-10:15pm. Reservations are suggested as space is limited or tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Cabin prior to the program: $10 for adults and $5 for children 11 years and younger.  Participants in the Night Sky Program are advised to come prepared with binoculars, water (which is also for sale at the cabin), flashlights, blankets and coats. Call (970) 883-5359 (9am-4:30pm daily) for reservations.

 

Chimney Rock’s new program titled, “Introduction to Chimney Rock” will take place on Sunday, July 15^th and will consist of an educational presentation relating to the site and live music performed by Native American flute player Charles Martinez. It will be free of charge with attendance limited to 25 guests. The program will be held in the upper parking area and will provide an experience for those who do not choose to do the hiking tour due to physical limitations or time constraints, or for anyone who wants to learn more about Chimney Rock. The presentations will vary each month, with topics of general interest to all. Guests for this event will arrive at 4:30, drive to the upper parking area, which is paved and has restrooms. There is some seating available, but guests will also be able to bring chairs. The program will end by 6:30. Because space is limited, reservations are recommended by calling the Visitor Cabin at 970-883-5359. Though this program is free of charge, donations are greatly appreciated.   

 

The 2012 Chimney Rock Native American Cultural Gathering will be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 21st & 22nd.  The Native American Cultural Gathering brings together traditional singers, storytellers and dancers from various pueblos. The Traditional Puebloan Social Dances in the Great Kiva will take place at times to be announced. Admission is $10/adult and $5/children. No reservations are necessary, so pack up the family and spend an exciting and educational day at Chimney Rock.  The public should bring a camp chair to sit on.  No tours will be available during the Gathering. The Native American Cultural Gathering is sponsored by Friends of Native Cultures in cooperation with Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, Inc., and the USDA Forest Service.

 

Chimney Rock Archaeological Area is an Ancestral Puebloan site located in the San Juan National Forest, 17 miles west of Pagosa Springs. The Area hosts many events during the season from May 15 to September 30. The public activities are conducted by the staff and volunteers of the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, a nonprofit organization under the direction of the San Juan National Forest. Tours of the site are conducted daily.

 

Events are sponsored by Chimney Rock Interpretive Assn., Inc., in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, San Juan National Forest, and the Pagosa Ranger District. For tickets, call the visitor cabin at 970-883-5359, from 9:00am to 4:30pm daily. Visit our website  for a entire 2011 program schedule at www.chimneyrockco.org.