This program is offered once a month to coincide with the full moon and provide a unique backdrop in this International Dark Sky Park with a sky unhindered by lights of modern-day civilization. Thus, check-in times will vary in accordance with the rise time of the moon.
About an hour before moonrise, visitors will be treated to an informative lecture on topics specific to the Chimney Rock site — ancestral Puebloan culture, archeoastronomy theories, area geology, etc. Then – as the full moon begins to rise – a single flute note follows another and another as you become slowly embraced by the music of Charles Martinez. You’ll be torn between looking west to see the spectacular sunset or focusing on the eastern mountain range to see the first sliver of moon.
Special Note:
Visitors are offered the option to take an early, guided tour of the Mesa Village Trail before the Full Moon program. This Early Tour/Full Moon Package is $30.00 and is available through the Recreation.gov website or the call center (877-444-6777) under the title Early Tour/Full Moon Package. Check-in times are listed in the Early Tour/Full Moon Package description.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The entire program lasts approximately three hours including check-in, driving to the mesa top (2.5 miles up a winding dirt road with 20-mph speed limit – allow 15 minutes each way) and hiking the Great House Trail. At the end of the trail, visitors will enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from atop the mesa ridge. They will also be afforded the closest view possible of the two pinnacles: Chimney Rock and Companion Rock. Please keep in mind that the lecture before the moonrise is approximately 30 minutes in length, and the hike back down the high mesa occurs after dark.
The hike up to the Chacoan Great House Pueblo may be difficult for some due to the steep gradient, uneven footing, and elevation ending at 7600 feet. The elevation gain is 200 feet. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition and willing to hike mostly uphill for 1/3 mile (and return steeply downhill). This program is not suitable for children under 8, and parents are asked to closely supervise their attending children for the safety of all attendees. Water, flashlights, and a blanket or mat for ground seating (no chairs) are recommended.
TICKETS
Check-in is at the Highway 151 entrance gate at the time stated below for each program. Please adhere to the check-in timeline. The gate will be promptly locked at the end of that time. Tickets are $20.00 per person. Making a reservation through the Recreation.gov website or the call center (877-444-6777) is the only way to guarantee a spot for this program. This program often sells out; reservations are strongly recommended. Recreation.gov charges a $1.00 reservation fee that is non-refundable. Reservations will be cut off 12 hours prior to the start of the program. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space is available. They will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and must arrive during the specified check-in time frame. Program tickets can be purchased directly from the Gift Shop. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Saturday, May 30: Check-in: 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Program: 7:45 p.m. Moonrise: 8:40 p.m.
Sunday, June 28: Check-in: 6:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Program: 7:20 p.m. Moonrise: 8:20 p.m.
Tuesday, July 28: Check-in: 6:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Program: 7:30 p.m. Moonrise: 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 27: Check-in: 5:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Program: 7:00 p.m. Moonrise: 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 26: Check-in: 5:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Program: 6:15 p.m. Moonrise: 7:15 p.m.
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