If you've never been to Chimney Rock National Monument, take this opportunity to learn more about the people who lived at this wondrous site 1,000 years ago. You'll walk the 1/3-mile paved Mesa Village Trail with a trained volunteer guide, then climb the Great House Pueblo Trail to join the Full Moon program.

Beginning about an hour before moonrise, an informative lecture on topics specific to the Chimney Rock site (ancestral Puebloan culture, archaeoastronomy theories, area geology, etc.) is followed by the music of Charles Martinez’ Native American flute as the full moon rises. (This moonrise does not occur between the spires.) You'll be torn between looking west to see the spectacular sunset and focusing on the eastern mountain range to see the first sliver of moon.

The complete package lasts approximately four hours including check-in, driving to the mesa top (2.5 miles up a winding dirt road with 20-mph speed limit), touring the Mesa Village trail, and hiking to the Great House Pueblo. The quarter-mile trail to the Great House Pueblo has a 200-foot gain in elevation and exposure to heights and steep drop-offs. Please keep in mind that the lecture before the moon rises is approximately 30 minutes in length, and the hike back down the high mesa occurs after dark. Parents are asked to closely supervise their children for the safety of all attendees. Water, flashlights, blanket or mat for ground seating (no chairs) are recommended.

Guests must enter through the Hwy 151 entry gate during the check-in period stated below; the gate will be locked at the end of that time.