Chimney Rock: Archaeology and Living Significance
At Chimney Rock, the two rock spires known as the Twin Peaks take center stage: Chimney Rock and Companion Rock. Chimney Rock National Monument covers 4,726 acres and protects hundreds of prehistoric sites around these peaks. The ancestors of today’s Pueblo people built more than 200 homes and ceremonial structures at Chimney Rock; the site has spiritual significance for many tribes. Archaeological finds in the area around Chimney Rock point to a thriving community that existed there until around 1125 CE. An accessible, self-guided tour includes the Great Kiva and a reconstructed pit house. Because seasonal operations may change, check the latest visitor information before your visit.
Forest, Snow and Trails
49 percent of Archuleta County is part of the San Juan National Forest. The area around Pagosa Springs offers access to 2.5 million acres of wilderness and national forest land for hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, and backcountry adventures. Archuleta County receives an average of 116 inches of snow each year. Wolf Creek Pass is just a short drive from downtown Pagosa Springs; skiing at Wolf Creek Ski Area is also part of the Pagosa Springs destination. Pagosa Springs is located along east-west US Highway 160.
Reservoir Hill has numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, as well as an 18-hole disc golf course. Cloman Park also has an 18-hole disc golf course, plus hiking and mountain biking trails. The Turkey Springs area offers access to the national forest and opportunities for camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle driving, hunting, and winter activities.
Coyote Hill is an easy, low-elevation loop trail with views of the San Juan Mountains and Pagosa Peak. Piedra Falls is about half a mile from the trailhead; the round trip takes approximately 30 minutes. Treasure Falls is 100 feet high and visible from US 160. A short trail, about a quarter of a mile long, leads to Misty Deck, where you can feel the waterfall’s spray.
The Opal Lake Trail is 1.2 miles long and enters the South San Juan Wilderness after about a mile. The lake’s milky color comes from mineral deposits at its inlet. The Piedra River Trail offers a different kind of hike: it runs 12 miles from trailhead to trailhead and descends from the edge of a canyon to the river. Steep cliffs rise for several hundred yards on both sides of the canyon. Check current trail and access conditions before your hike.
Water and Outings
The San Juan River flows through downtown Pagosa Springs. Depending on the season and water flow, it offers whitewater and calm-water recreation, including kayaking and floating. Downtown also has more than 50 hot spring pools across three commercially operated facilities.
Further afield, Navajo Reservoir stretches 20 miles south into New Mexico and covers 15,000 acres of water. It attracts sailors, houseboaters, motorboaters, anglers, and campers year-round. Sailing is permitted; check boating rules and boat-launch requirements before setting out.
A drive to Lobo Overlook offers restrooms, a picnic area, parking, and access to a section of the Continental Divide Trail at the viewpoint. The road is open from late June to early September. The Plumtaw–Piedra Loop is a 35- to 60-mile loop with scenic viewpoints, Deb’s Historic Schoolhouse, and several hiking trailheads. Check road conditions before setting out.
Local History and Wildlife
The Pagosa Springs History Museum is in downtown Pagosa Springs, at 96 Pagosa Street next to the bridge over the San Juan River. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, it is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; it is closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. As the seasonal schedule may change, check opening hours before your visit.
The Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park provides information about Colorado’s native wildlife and offers close-up animal viewing in naturalistic habitats. Its offerings include a daily keeper-led feeding tour. If you plan to take the tour, check the current schedule in advance.
Discover more destinations: Pagosa Springs, Yuma County, Broomfield, La Plata, Weld, Jefferson, Garfield, Dolores County
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