Kasha-Katuwe (Tent Rocks)

stfmahoney
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Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

  • July 27, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by rubylu from Sebastopol, California
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks is one of the newest National Monuments, designated as one in 2001. I visited it not expecting anything in particular, and I was amazed--this place is wonderful! It is located 40 miles southwest of Santa Fe and 50 miles north of Albuquerque, so it is a good day trip from either of those towns. You can combine it, as we did, with a trip to Cochiti Lake.

First you drive through the Cochiti Pueblo, on the reservation. A sign tells you that no sketching, photography, or recording is allowed. The pavement ends, and you’re on a dirt road for 4½ miles—allow some time to drive that. The road is wide and in good shape, but I was glad we were in an SUV—it was very bumpy even so. When you get close to the monument, you’re off the reservation and can take photos.

From the parking area, you can see the mountain with the tent formations (they are actually shaped like tipis). The walk is well-marked, fairly easy, and maybe two miles long. Soon after the parking lot, you come to tipi-shaped rocks right on the ground, right next to you. They are amazing! The walk then winds around the back of the mountain, where you can see more formations and also the next mountain over, which has still more. It’s all stunningly beautiful. The BLM site says "The cone-shaped tent rock formations are the products of volcanic eruptions that occurred 6 to 7 million years ago and left pumice, ash and tuff deposits over 1,000 feet thick." For more information, see this site.

When I went, there had been recent rain and the desert was in full bloom. Everything was uncharacteristically green, and we saw an amazing variety of wildflowers.

Directions (courtesy of santafe.com): From I-25 take exit 264 towards Cochiti. Go right on NM 16, continue for 8 miles, turn right when road T’s, turn right on 22. At the base of Cochiti Dam in 2.7 miles turn left on NM 22, go 1.7 miles turn right on Tribal Rd.92/Forest Service Rd 266. Pass through a gate and continue for 5 miles to the parking area on the right.

Allow four hours or so for the drive in and out and the hike. We got there late in the afternoon and had to be a bit too hurried. I was very glad we went and hope to get back there someday.

From journal Into the Sunset

Kasha-Katuwe (Tent Rocks)

  • October 14, 2005
  • Rated 3 of 5 by ArnyZona from Venlo, Netherlands
Kasha-Katuwe (Tent Rocks)

If you really want to see some strange rock formations, you'll have to go to the Toadstools near Escalante or Goblin State Park. But the tent rocks can be fun, too! The only thing it doesn't have is colour (grey, grey, grey), so it's the ideal attraction for the colour-blind! But if you are there, you're gonna have a great time, and the little slot canyon leading up to the overlook is really fun!

If you liked this little park, be sure to visit Utah next. Why? Just do a search for slot canyons on Google!

From journal Santa Fe - Next to the Railway Track

Day Hike

  • August 30, 2005
  • Rated 4 of 5 by voyage2005 from Plano, Texas
Day Hike

Tall rock formations colored with hues of the desert invite you to wander through the intricate maze of hoodoos and caves. Make certain to pack water, sunscreen, hat, and a camera. There are photo opportunities at every turn!

From journal Hiking through Tent Rock Canyon

Kasha-Katuwe (Tent Rocks)

  • January 31, 2004
  • Rated 5 of 5 by stfmahoney from Dewey, Arizona
Santa Fe is known for its southwest flavor in cuisine, architecture, and art but seldom does one hear about the geologic wonders of Tent Rocks. The white cliff hoodoos that appear like teepees are the result of volcanic activity over six million years ago.

There are two hiking trails. The easier one, Cave Loop Trail, is just over a mile while the more difficult hike, Canyon Trail, is a three-mile round-trip trek through a narrow canyon with a steep incline to the mesa (mountain top). Bring water and a snack, there is a convenience market outside of the park, but we did not observe any restaurants in the nearby Pueblo.

The park is basically open during daylight hours; camping, fires, and off-trail travel is prohibited. Entrance into the park will cost you $5 per car, but Golden Eagle/Age/Access passports are free if you display the pass on your dashboard.

Mother Nature has been up to her antics by creating an original southwestern piece of art along with high desert plants and wildlife.

From journal Feliz Navidad in Santa Fe

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