Souvenirs From The Road: Chimney Rock - Mysteries, Legends and Theories

Chimney Rock National Monument - August 15

A thousand years ago the land below Chimney Rock’s twin pinnacles belonged to the ancestral Puebloans. They have also served as a landmark for the European explorers and prospectors who settled this rugged country. Now it marks one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in the Four Corners area. We struck out with our awesome tour guide, Gloria on the Great Kiva Trail and then up 2/3 mile to the Pueblo Trail where you see beautiful 360 degree views of the San Juan Mountain Range and the twin spires from the Great House Pueblo.

Our guide, Gloria, who was awesome!

Great Kiva

Gloria demonstrating how to grind corn.

Looking into the valley. This is where they would have farmed.

Of course there are mysteries, legends and theories. Why did these agricultural people develop a large community in a harsh environment? What attracted them to the high mesa? Was it an outpost for collecting wood or wild game for use in Chaco Canyon? It is the most isolated and remote community that is tied to Chaco and also the highest in elevation. What brought the Chacoans here and why did they leave?

This 800 year old rubble mound was once a pit house and consisted of a roofed structure and attached storage room. You could see lots of these rubble mounds.

On a clear day (unfortunately we had haze from the wildfires out west) you can gaze miles and you will see Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. As a matter of fact, our tour guide told us when she was addressing how did these Pueblo people communicate? They didn’t have mirrors, but used a certain type of rock, and would set them up to reflect to each other. The two parks did an experiment using mirrors. The mirror from Chaco was seen at Chimney Rock. Fascinating.

It's a smoky day, but Gloria said that looking through this valley you should be able to see Chaco Canyon in New Mexico.

The hike up to the Great House Pueblo was challenging for a person like me that is not fond of heights. But so glad we did it. Highly recommend if you’re in the area.

Up we go!

I mean straight up!

Surveying the valley as we catch our breath!

Yup, that's our trail going across.

Great House Pueblo

Wow. Almost there!!!

Do you realize that every stone and timber had to be carried across that very narrow and sheer trail?

What an awesome feeling to be here where all of the ancients once were.

And we made it!!!

And on another day off we drove to La Garita. A very pretty drive over Carnero Pass. At the end of the trail was the San Juan Catholic Church which was beautiful.