TOUR # 4: CHIMNEY ROCK ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISTRICT
Trip Leaders: Wendy Sutton & Brenda Kaye Todd
Description of Site/Tour: Chimney Rock was home to the ancestors of the modern Pueblo Indians 1,000 years ago. Residents built over 200 homes and ceremonial buildings high above the valley floor, probably to be near the sacred twin rock pinnacles. The site is noteworthy as a remote Chacoan outlier and for its potential astronomical significance. Colorado University will be conducting excavations at the site during the 2009 field season; ongoing research continues to expand our knowledge of the significance of this unusual site.
Meeting Place Location: The lower parking lot of the Chimney Rock Archaeological District entrance off CO Highway 151. This is approximately 2 hours east of Cortez on highway 160. (See map below.)
Tour times/Length: Noon – 3 PM.
Other information: Participants should plan to eat lunch before the tour. There are picnic facilities and a gift shop at the lower parking area, but food is not available for purchase. Car pooling from lower parking lot is encouraged.
Max # participants: 30
West kiva great house at Chimney Rock.
Map showing route from Cortez to Chimney Rock.
