United States
Colorado (CO)
Chimney Rock
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Chimney Rock National Monument
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Chimney Rock National Monument

See all things to do
See all things to do
Chimney Rock National Monument
4.5
About
The most remote of the pueblo ruins in the Four Corners area
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Attractions
1 within 6 miles
Lobo Overlook / Radio Tower
47
2.4 miLookouts • Scenic Drives
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
405 reviews
Excellent
258
Very good
93
Average
30
Poor
13
Terrible
11
Donna S
Denver215 contributions
Worth the trip
May 2021
This was absolutely worth the trip and the hike up the mountain. We used walking sticks to provide stability up the rougher trail, but not necessary if you're sticking to the easy trail. Bring your National Park Pass as they honor it with a 50% discount for the passholder. The gift shop is small but packed with neat stuff. The easy trail is exactly that--wheelchair and stroller accessible, with interesting interpretive information in the walking guide. The hike up the mountain was a delight, with only a couple of spots where the rocks were steeper. But the view from the top was exceptional, and the interpreters (one an archeologist) made it worthwhile. Recommend you leave the flip-flops/sandals in the car and change into sturdy shoes such as sneakers or hiking boots, just for foot and ankle safety. We are in our 60s, and we saw folks on the trail older than us. Wouldn't recommend trying this with children under 8 or so, but there are lots of places to step off the trail if traffic is going faster than you want.
Written May 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melanie B
5 contributions
Amazing National Treasure!
Sep 2021 • Friends
If you go in the summer and plan to hike up to the main site, take plenty of water!
But GO! Make that hike! It is one of the most special places I have ever experienced. If you love history, you do NOT want to miss this place. I don’t know why there were 10 “Terrible” reviews. I disagree completely!

While the National Park pass does not get you in for half price, the fee is definitely worth it. And the money goes back into care and upkeep of the monument. Why complain about $12 to support a National treasure like Chimney Rock?!!! People blow $12 on fancy coffee or fast food all the time!

The hike up to the larger ruins is a must, if you’re able. And take your camera or phone for pictures. Many opportunities!
Written April 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
smileynvp
Tyler, TX365 contributions
Glad we stopped.
Jun 2021
We have passes the monument before without stopping. This was an interesting stop. $12 will get you your "self guided tour". You drive to the top and park. There are rangers and volunteers to answer questions. You get a guide that explains history and customs of the people that built it. The climb up to the chimney is steep but on well maintained trail. The lover area is paves. It's only about a mile of total walking. The volunteers are very knowledgeable.
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Monica R
1 contribution
Chimney Rock National Monument
Sep 2021
I've been wanting to visiting this place for a while. I have my annual park pass and finally stopped by yesterday just to be told that my pass was not accepted here and I had pay $12.00 to drive up the road to see the ruins or I could walk the road for free. I asked why my pass was not accepted if this was a national monument and I was told that this is considered an "amenity". Anyhoo, needless to say, I walk away and did not pay the road fee. Go to Durano and see those amazing cliff dwelling and kivas instead, if you haven't done so already!
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mary Jo D
Colorado Springs, CO20 contributions
Amazing!!
Jul 2022
We drove over to Chimney Rock and just fell in love with the area! It's beautiful and very educational. We hiked up to the top to see the archeological area and we were fascinated with the history of this are and it's people. They open at 9 am and close by 4:30 p.m. If you go early, you'll pra tically have the place to yourself and you won't regret it! Go!!!
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HoneyvilleTraveler55
Centennial, CO232 contributions
Wonderful Visit
Sep 2020 • Couples
We greatly enjoyed our visit to Chimney Rock. We took both the lower and upper hikes on a very cool and overcast day. Enjoyed learning more about the Pueblo culture. Only complaint has to do with having to pay for entrance even though we have a Senior Park Pass that allows us entrance into all other National Parks and Monuments free of charge.
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lscottie
Pagosa Springs, CO338 contributions
Great place. Mandatory entry fee.
Aug 2021 • Friends
Wonderful place to visit to see ancient ruins and great vistas. Website on fees is confusing. Says $12 for “self-guided tour” —- that means everyone. It’s the entry fee. They are considering raising fees and taking feedback on that issue.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Omni F
Whitsett, NC222 contributions
Breath taking
Sep 2022
Driving towards Chimney Rock form the Durango area, I was sure I had entered the wrong address on my GPS -- the road continued to wind through pine covered mountains and I couldn't imagine I was on the right road. But suddenly after a curve in the road, there was Chimney Rock within my view! Breath taking!

You can drive up a well maintained dirt road to a parking lot and then it is a relatively short hike to see the ruins and to also get as "up close" view of Chimney Rock. It's so hard to believe that people actually lived up here.

While the hike from the parking lot is a little, you should be fine if you wear appropriate shoes; no flip-flops. Definitely stop into the Visitors Center as the employees are very friendly and knowledgable. They will be able to answer any of your questions.
Written September 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ksufan88
Wichita, KS5,198 contributions
The view is worth the hike
Aug 2020
We only had a limited time here in the park. Once you pay at the visitors center, you drive up a windy, dirt road to reach the upper (larger) parking lot. You can take the Mesa Village trail from the lower part of the lot. The Great House Pueblo trail starts from the upper portion of the parking lot. We only had time to do one trail so we elected to hike the Great House Pueblo trail. It was steep at times with loose gravel and rock ledges. We wore tennis shoes and my wife would have been more comfortable in her hiking boots. At the top, was a informative park ranger that explained more about the ruins and their former inhabitants. We made a detour off of our planned route to see this attraction, and it was well worth the effort.
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ben V
Spokane, WA192 contributions
Fun unplanned stop
Sep 2021 • Couples
Saw the sign while traveling to Durango and decided to stop by. At first we weren’t sure as you drive up to an unfinished visitor center and go chat with volunteers working from a nice shed. The volunteers were amazing though. Offered good insight into what you could see if you continued.

We paid our $12/person and drove the 3 mile dirt road in our rental minivan. No high clearance vehicle required. At the top, 1 easy, paved hike took you to old ruins with great info placards along the way. The 2nd hike was dirt and more uphill. Not overly challenging but gets the heart pumping. Views from the top were spectacular and interesting history of the site.

Glad we stopped.
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Chimney Rock National Monument

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