Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

Again this year, SJMA in conjunction with the US Forest Service, Pagosa and Bayfield Ranger Districts, is hosting educational geology hikes, free for the public, from May through October. These interpretive hikes, led and presented by geologists Dave Bouquet and Scott McAllister, will be in an area of the San Juan National Forest rich with evidence of earth’s geologic history from some of the area’s oldest metamorphic rocks, to Cretaceous seaways, to Tertiary volcanoes, to modern glacial deposits.

Pagosa Hot Springs, San Juan River Walk, Reservoir Hill, and the Story of the Mancos Shale

The world’s deepest geothermal hot spring is the Mother Spring aquifer located in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, USA. It is certified by the Guinness World Records, with a measured depth exceeding 1002 ft (305 meters), though it’s true, absolute bottom remains unknown.  When did it form and why is it there?  Your guide will explain it’s volcanic origin stemming for the largest ever volcanic eruption by volume in North America which created the San Juan Mountains.  We’ll walk along the beautiful San Jan River through downtown Pagosa Springs and then up onto Reservoir Hill where you’ll have an amazing view overlooking the town and of the San Juan Mountains and Pagosa Peak.  The guide will explain the origin of the black cliffs of the Mancos Shale which underlies the river’s course through the town.

Trail Information: This is a loop route, partially paved and partially rough trail.  Hike time is approximately 3 hours total, ~4.5 miles round trip, and about 350 ft. vertical ascent. We will walk along the river, then go over Reservoir Hill and make a loop through the downtown area.  There are multiple picnic areas nearby if you wish to bring your own lunch to eat after the hike or you can grab a bite at numerous nearby restaurants.

When: June 18, 2026 from 9:00am – 12:00 pm

Where: Group will meet at the Mary Fisher Park parking lot (on San Juan Street near the restrooms), downtown Pagosa Springs.

What to Bring:

• Layers of cool and warm clothing
• Water (1/2 to 1 liter per hour)
• Sturdy, supportive footwear
• Lunch/snacks
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Hiking Daypack
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Camera

Cost: Free, $10 donation is greatly appreciated!

Please Note: Although pets are allowed along the rout, we ask that pets be left at home as a courtesy to the other guests in the group.

Registration is required. Spaces limited to 25 attendees.

Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

The Chimney Rock Interpretive Association is excited to share a preview of our 2026 lecture season. This year’s programs will explore powerful stories of the Southwest — from Native rock art to pivotal moments in history and fascinating archaeological discoveries.

Mark your calendars:

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

David Bouquet: Southwestern Native Rock Art

Tuesday, June 23r, 2026

Andy Gulliford: The Native Americans of the Chimney Rock Area

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Jon Ghahate: The Pueblo Revolt

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

John Kappelman: The Dating Game: Archaeological Dating Methods

These engaging presentations will deepen your understanding of the people, science, and cultural heritage connected to Chimney Rock National Monument and the broader Southwest.

More details coming soon — but for now, save the dates and plan to join us for an inspiring 2026 season!

Come marvel at the beauty and bounty spreading across the summer landscape. We’ll be walking with wild plants expert Lake MuCullough (owner of Earthsense Herbals) on this fun and educational ramble through the forest!

When: June 25, 2026 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Where: Meet up at the Coyote Hill Trailhead, 6 miles north of Pagosa Springs on County Road 600. After a brief introduction, we will caravan to Piedra Falls Trail

What to Bring:

• Sturdy hiking shoes, layers of warm clothing, hat, sunscreen
• 1/2 to 1 liter of water per hour
• Rain gear
• Camera
• Lunch/snacks

Notes:

• Family friendly
• No dogs allowed

Cost: Free! A $10 donation is appreciated to support our public programs.

Registration is Required. Spaces limited to 15 attendees.

Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

Unplug, connect and discover the hidden geometry and patterns found throughout nature with the SJMA and Colorado State University (CSU)’s Archuleta County Extension. During this guided hike participants will observe how nature unfolds in beautiful and artistic patterns all around us and have the opportunity to practice nature journaling along the way. We will supply all the necessary materials for journaling.

When: July 23, 2026 from 9:00AM – 12:00PM

Where: Reservoir Hill, Pagosa Springs

What to Bring:

• Layers of cool and warm clothing
• Water
• Sturdy, supportive footwear
• Snacks
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Hiking daypack
• Sunscreen and sunglasses

Cost: Free! A $10 donation is appreciated to support our public programs.

Registration is Required. Spaces limited to 15 attendees.

Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

The Chimney Rock Interpretive Association is excited to share a preview of our 2026 lecture season. This year’s programs will explore powerful stories of the Southwest — from Native rock art to pivotal moments in history and fascinating archaeological discoveries.

Mark your calendars:

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

David Bouquet: Southwestern Native Rock Art

Tuesday, June 23r, 2026

Andy Gulliford: The Native Americans of the Chimney Rock Area

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Jon Ghahate: The Pueblo Revolt

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

John Kappelman: The Dating Game: Archaeological Dating Methods

These engaging presentations will deepen your understanding of the people, science, and cultural heritage connected to Chimney Rock National Monument and the broader Southwest.

More details coming soon — but for now, save the dates and plan to join us for an inspiring 2026 season!

Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

SJMA in conjunction with the US Forest Service, Pagosa and Bayfield Ranger Districts, is hosting educational geology hikes, free for the public, from May through October. These interpretive hikes, led and presented by geologists Dave Bouquet and Scott McAllister, will be in an area of the San Juan National Forest rich with evidence of earth’s geologic history from some of the area’s oldest metamorphic rocks, to Cretaceous seaways, to Tertiary volcanoes, to modern glacial deposits.

Volcanic Formation of the San Juan Mountains – Continental Divide Trail Hike

This time we will be “going high” to escape the summer heat.  Hike a short section of the famed Continental Divide Trail from the Lobo Overlook to picturesque Rock Lake.   Learn about the origin of the San Juan Mountains, created by the largest volcanic eruption by volume ever in North America.  Amazing views of the San Juans persist throughout the hike.

Trail Description: This is a more challenging hike, spanning an out and back distance of ~9 miles with ~1150 of net elevation gain.  We’ll also be consistently above 11,000 ft.  With stops to discuss the geology of the area, you can expect a time commitment of 5 hours.  Pack a lunch as we will be taking a break along the shore of Rock Lake.  We’ll be watching for thunderstorm activity and may need to cut the hike shorter if weather conditions dictate.

When: August 20, 2026 from 9am – 2pm

Where: Group will meet at the Lobo Overlook CDT trailhead behind the tall metal cell tower.  Just after passing the Wolf Creek Pass Continental Divide sign on Highway 160 (from PS), look to the left for a gravel road with a sign that says “Lobo Overlook”.  Follow the gravel road up the hill, turning right just before the end in the direction of the cell tower.  The CTD trailhead will be behind the tower.  If you go all the way to end (Lobo Overlook Parking Lot per Google), just back track a bit to the earlier turn off.  Note there is a restroom at the Lobo Overlook Parking Lot, but not at the trailhead.

What to Bring:

• Layers of cool and warm clothing
• Water (1/2 to 1 liter per hour)
• Sturdy, supportive footwear
• Lunch/snacks
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Hiking Daypack
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Camera

Cost: Free, $10 donation is greatly appreciated!

Please Note: Although pets are allowed in the national forest, we ask that pets be left at home as a courtesy to the other guests in the group.

Registration is required. Spaces limited to 25 attendees.

Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

SJMA in conjunction with the US Forest Service, Pagosa and Bayfield Ranger Districts, is hosting educational geology hikes, free for the public, from May through October. These interpretive hikes, led and presented by geologists Dave Bouquet and Scott McAllister, will be in an area of the San Juan National Forest rich with evidence of earth’s geologic history from some of the area’s oldest metamorphic rocks, to Cretaceous seaways, to Tertiary volcanoes, to modern glacial deposits.

“Marine Fossils at 8000 ft?” – Coyote Hill Loop Trail

Walk through Ponderous Pine meadows to a beautiful overlook of Pagosa Peak.  During this hike, we’ll go off trail and climb to some ridge-forming limestone outcrops in the Mancos formation that contain marine fossils and numerous calcite crystals.  Learn why this area was covered by an inland sea for 30 million years during the Cretaceous period.

Trail Description: This is an ~5 loop hike with approximately 450 ft of gentle elevation gain.   With stops to discuss the geology of the area, you can expect a time commitment of 4 hours.  Pack a lunch or snack as we will be taking a break from the overview stop.

When: September 17, 2026 from 9am – 1pm

Where: Group will meet at the Coyote Hill Trailhead, ~6 miles north of Pagosa Springs on County Road 600 (Piedra Road).  Note on Google maps and other sites, this is called the Coyote Hill Trailhead (on the right) and not to be confused with the Turkey Springs trailhead just before it on the left.  Note that neither of these trailhead parking lots have a restroom.

What to Bring:

• Layers of cool and warm clothing
• Water (1/2 to 1 liter per hour)
• Sturdy, supportive footwear
• Lunch/snacks
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Hiking Daypack
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Camera

Cost: Free, $10 donation is greatly appreciated!

Please Note: Although pets are allowed in the national forest, we ask that pets be left at home as a courtesy to the other guests in the group.

Registration is required. Spaces limited to 25 attendees.

Tech Time: One-on-one help from a librarian with basic questions about computer, smartphones, tablets, etc. Bring your device, chargers, and passwords. Thursdays, 2-4 PM.

Library Open:

Monday: 9 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm

SJMA in conjunction with the US Forest Service, Pagosa and Bayfield Ranger Districts, is hosting educational geology hikes, free for the public, from May through October. These interpretive hikes, led and presented by geologists Dave Bouquet and Scott McAllister, will be in an area of the San Juan National Forest rich with evidence of earth’s geologic history from some of the area’s oldest metamorphic rocks, to Cretaceous seaways, to Tertiary volcanoes, to modern glacial deposits.

“Golden Aspens and Geology of the South San Juans” – V Rock Trail Hike

This time we will be climbing through endless stands of golden aspens to an amazing series of overlooks at the top of the V Rock trail. Along the way, the guide will describe how the San Jan Mountains were created and how this southern part of the range differs from main body of the San Juans.

Trail Description: This is an ~5 mile out and back hike with approximately 1100 ft of elevation gain.   Most of the ascent is covered in the first 1.5 miles with the trail flattening at the top. With stops to discuss the geology of the area, you can expect a time commitment of 4.5 hours. Pack a lunch as we will be taking a break at one of the overview stops up top. We’ll be watching for thunderstorm activity and may need to cut the hike shorter if weather conditions dictate.

When: October 1, 2026 from 9am – 1:30pm

Where: Group will meet at the Buckles Lake Trailhead.  Head south on Highway 84 out of Pagosa Springs. After ~20 miles, turn left on FR 663.  Follow FR 663 for 6.4 miles where there will be a turn to the right to stay on FR 663. After the right turn you’ll arrive at the trailhead is less than a mile. Note again, on Google Maps and other navigation sites, the trailhead is called Buckles Lake. Both the Buckles Lake and V Rock trails start there.

What to Bring:

• Layers of cool and warm clothing
• Water (1/2 to 1 liter per hour)
• Sturdy, supportive footwear
• Lunch/snacks
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Hiking Daypack
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Camera

Cost: Free, $10 donation is greatly appreciated!

Please Note: Although pets are allowed in the national forest, we ask that pets be left at home as a courtesy to the other guests in the group.

Registration is required. Spaces limited to 25 attendees.

The Chimney Rock Interpretive Association is excited to share a preview of our 2026 lecture season. This year’s programs will explore powerful stories of the Southwest — from Native rock art to pivotal moments in history and fascinating archaeological discoveries.

Mark your calendars:

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

David Bouquet: Southwestern Native Rock Art

Tuesday, June 23r, 2026

Andy Gulliford: The Native Americans of the Chimney Rock Area

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Jon Ghahate: The Pueblo Revolt

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

John Kappelman: The Dating Game: Archaeological Dating Methods

These engaging presentations will deepen your understanding of the people, science, and cultural heritage connected to Chimney Rock National Monument and the broader Southwest.

More details coming soon — but for now, save the dates and plan to join us for an inspiring 2026 season!