Chimney Rock National Monument May 2026

Every 18.6 years, the moon reaches its northernmost rising point on the horizon. From the vantage point of the Great House, the moon appears to rise directly between Chimney Rock and Companion Rock .

Chimney Rock National Monument, located in southwestern Colorado, serves as a vital archaeological and cultural landmark preserving the heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo People. Spanning 4,726 acres within the San Juan National Forest , it is renowned for its high-altitude "Great House" and its role as a sophisticated celestial observatory. This paper explores the site's historical background, its ties to the Chacoan culture, and the rare astronomical alignments that continue to draw researchers and visitors today. chimney rock national monument

Protecting ancient masonry from erosion and freeze-thaw cycles. Every 18