- Historic Sites
Chimney Rock Archaeological Area
Designated an Archaeological Area and National Historic Site in 1970, Chimney Rock lies on 4,100 acres of San Juan National Forest land surrounded by the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The site was home to the ancestors of the modern Pueblo Indians 1,000 years ago and is of great spiritual significance to these tribes. Their ancestors built over 200 homes and ceremonial buildings high above the valley floor, probably to be near the sacred twin rock pinnacles. Four of these sites have been excavated and stabilized and are visited on the tour. The tour consists of the Great Kiva Trail Loop and the Pueblo Trail and is approximately one mile walking, including a 200 foot climb on the Pueblo Trail.