- 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.