Ancestral Puebloan ruins are located midway between Pagosa
Springs and Navajo
Lake. From mid May to the end of September, you can take a trip
back in time as you enjoy a guided tour and learn about the historical
culture of these Native Americans. 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.
970-883-5359 or 970-264-2287
Tour the Great Kiva
The Connection with Chaco
Canyon
As an outlier of the Chacoan culture, Chimney Rock is the most isolated
and remote of the Anasazi communities connected to Chaco Canyon, New
Mexico. Its core and veneer masonry reflects the same architecture found
at Chaco. Chimney rock is also the highest outlier in elevation at 7,900
feet.
Archaeologists believe that the heavy Chacoan influence at Chimney rock
was imported solely by men; that the Chacoan immigrants were not families
but single males. Masons and architects were needed at Chimney rock.
Both were typically male occupations. Also, Chimney Rock's religious
significance suggests that priests may have made the pilgrimage north
from Chaco. Anasazi priesthood was another responsibility held by men.
Other archaeological theories hold that Chimney Rock was a trading outpost
for the Chacoan Culture. Ancient roads connected the outliers to Chaco,
and it's believed that Chimney Rock's major export was timber. The buildings
at Chaco Canyon contain large timbers that could not have been harvested
in the arid desert of northern New Mexico, but could have been brought
from Chimney rock. Speculation suggests the logs were floated down the
Piedra River and then carried by hand.
My thanks to Glenn Commons, Board Member,
Chimney Rock Interpretive Association for photos
and info.
Tour guide talks with visitors
Navajo State Park
Located just 35 miles southwest of Pagosa Springs, Navajo State Park
offers camping, fishing, boating, hiking, nature walks, and recreation
for the entire family. 970-883-2208
