Chimney Rock

This site will soon gain National Monument status in light of recent studies that suggest that Chimney Rock may have served a central role in the political, religious and economic organization of the Anasazi people. Sitting high above the Piedra River it overlooked the villages of several thousand people with large walls painted white that could be seen from great distance by the populations it affected. From Chimney Rock direct communications were kept with Chaco Canyon through the use of signal fires.

Access to the highest points of Chimney Rock can only be gained along a narrow trail that drops off on both sides. Its purpose in ancient times is as yet unknown.