Chimney Rock Hike

ChimneyRock-1

This view of Companion Rock (left) and Chimney Rock (right), taken on another trip, is the classic view from the highway. The Great House we will visit is just left of Companion Rock, nearly 1000 ft above the valley.

ChimneyRock-2

Our very knowledgeable guide, John Richardson; here explaining various ideas about the significance of the stone basin just in front of his feet.

ChimneyRock-3

From this angle, you can't really see the separation between the Companion and Chimney Rock itself.

ChimneyRock-4

The small stone is a mano, held in the hand to grind corn and other material against the larger stone, the metate.

ChimneyRock-5

Here John shows how the Ancestral Puebloans used their mano and metate to grind corn

ChimneyRock-6

Will is intently studying the grinding process.

ChimneyRock-7

One room of the Ridge House, thought to be a multi-family dwelling, last occupied in AD 1125.

ChimneyRock-8

This is the view south from atop Chimney Rock Even on a hazy day, it was possible to see Huerfano Mesa, 65 mi south. Huerfano in turn is visible from Chaco Canyon.

ChimneyRock-9

Most eastern room of the Ridge House

ChimneyRock-10

In this view up the ridge, you can just see the Chimney Rock Great House on the horizon.

ChimneyRock-11

In order to reach the Great House, you have to walk up this narrow ridge, with steep dropoffs on either side.

ChimneyRock-12

Here's the view back down the ridge.

ChimneyRock-13

Approaching the Great House, you can see Companion Rock on the left.

ChimneyRock-14

Masonary detail at the Great House. The use of small, shaped stones as chinking is an indication of Chacoan style construction.

ChimneyRock-15

The long wall of the Great House is angled out just slightly, perhaps for an astronomical alignment.

ChimneyRock-16

Another view of the Great House Wall

ChimneyRock-17

One of the two kivas in the Great House

ChimneyRock-18

Great House room block

ChimneyRock-19

Great House showing the west Kiva, and the view back down the ridge.

ChimneyRock-20

The two spires, Companion and Chimney Rock, from near the Great House

ChimneyRock-21

A rare astronomical alignment, Will Skelton at Chimney Rock

ChimneyRock-22

And here we are, two more tourists at Chimney Rock.