Chimney Rock National Monument, Colorado Postcard

"Chimney Rock National Monument, Colorado" by Catherine Sherman. Chimney Rock, a distinctive, towering rock formation rises prominently from a forested landscape against a backdrop of a clear blue sky with white clouds. The triangular slopes leading up to the formation are covered with greenery, providing a stark contrast to the rocky peak above. Chimney Rock National Monument is a 4,726-acre (1,913 ha) U.S. National Monument in San Juan National Forest in southwestern Colorado which includes an archaeological site. This area is located in Archuleta County, Colorado, between Durango and Pagosa Springs, and is managed for archaeological protection, public interpretation, and education. The Chimney Rock Archaeological Site has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970. U.S. President Barack Obama created Chimney Rock National Monument by proclamation on September 21, 2012 under authority of the Antiquities Act. Chimney Rock itself is approximately 315 feet (96 m) tall. Next to Chimney Rock is Companion Rock, which is a popular nesting spot for the Peregrine Falcon. The primary settlements that have been excavated lie on the ridge that eventually terminates at Chimney Rock. The ridge is mostly bedrock made of sandstone. The national monument preserves 200 ancient homes and ceremonial buildings, some of which have been excavated for viewing and exploration: a Great Kiva, a Pit House, a Multi-Family Dwelling, and a Chacoan-style Great House Pueblo. Chimney Rock is the highest in elevation of all the Chacoan sites, at about 7,000 feet above sea level. From the base of Chimney Rock, the hike to the top is a half mile, which offers a 360-degree views of Colorado and New Mexico. My friend and I didn't make the hike. Maybe next time.