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 January 10, 2016

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

I must admit that our expectations for Kasha-Ketuwe Tent Rocks National Monument weren’t high. We’ve hiked in Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, Cedar Mesa, Zion—all locations renowned for spectacular canyon hiking and rock formations. When we’re visiting Santa Fe, our focus is more on art and culture than hiking. But this time, we decided to make the 35-mile drive to the monument, figuring at the least we would get in a nice walk.

We are so glad we made the effort to pry ourselves away from Santa Fe. Kasha-Ketuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is nothing short of spectacular.

Hiking The Canyon Trail

Although small in comparison to the national parks, the monument contains a fascinating concentration of hoodoos uniquely formed as tent rocks, as well as a beautiful slot canyon. The Canyon Trail is relatively short at 3-miles round trip, but is one of the most interesting we’ve hiked anywhere.

The slot canyon is very narrow—at some points perhaps two feet across, with towering rock walls hundreds of feet high. In many places, the footing isn’t even boot-wide. It’s a fun and somewhat rigorous trail, with just enough challenge to keep it interesting. Be sure to go all the way to the peak, where the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape are breathtaking.

Definitely wear good hiking shoes. As far as hiking poles, one is helpful, but two would be a hindrance because of the narrow, rocky path and the necessity of climbing, hoisting oneself, and sliding down boulders along the trail.

Kasha-Ketuwe means “white cliffs” in the traditional language of the Pueblo tribes of northern New Mexico. The teepee-like formations are unique in the Southwest. A violent volcanic explosion 6 to 7 million years ago left behind layers of pumice, ash, and tuff (rock made from ash). Over the millennia, rains and winds eroded the terrain, leaving behind tent-like formations, some capped by sandstone, which protects the formations. It’s an ever-changing landscape, at least in geologic time.

Exploring The Easy Cave Trail

If you’re not up for hiking the steep and strenuous Canyon Trail, you can see beautiful tent formations along the one-mile Cave Trail, a nice wide path with almost no elevation gain. The Cave Trail also offers a close-up view of a fascinating ancient cave that was hollowed out by humans. The black scorch marks on the ceiling tell the story of fires that kept people warm 4,000 years ago.

Kasha-Ketuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is off the beaten path, even though it lies between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Avoid weekends and holidays if you can, and you’ll likely have solitude on the trail.

Next Up: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

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Categories : New Mexico, Travel
Tags : Kasha Ketuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
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Comments

  1. Sue Malone says:
    January 10, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    So much fun to see those photos. When I was at the soil survey Geomorphic Institute in Las Cruces, our bus headed for Tent Rocks for some added instruction and it was CLOSED! Don’t remember the circumstances, but do remember standing at the entrance and being really bummed that we didn’t get to go in. Thanks for the reminder of another place to see someday

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    • Laurel (AKA chickadee) says:
      January 11, 2016 at 6:47 am

      Sue, the monument is jointly managed by the Cochiti Pueblo and the BLM — the Tribal Governor has the authority to close the monument. Perhaps there was tribal ceremony going on? Your experience makes me think it’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure the monument is open.

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  2. Sue Malone says:
    January 10, 2016 at 4:55 pm

    That looks a LOT like the volcanic tuff formations in Cappadocia Turkey, a place we traveled that wasn’t closed! Definitely a world destination worth seeing.

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    • Laurel (AKA chickadee) says:
      January 11, 2016 at 6:48 am

      I took a look at photos of Cappadocia — wow! That must have been an interesting trip!

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  3. R & K says:
    January 10, 2016 at 5:12 pm

    Beautiful! Surprisingly, we’ve never heard of it…

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    • Laurel (AKA chickadee) says:
      January 11, 2016 at 6:50 am

      I think you’re not alone — friends from Albuquerque told us we shouldn’t miss it. They were right!

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  4. Metamorphosis Lisa says:
    January 10, 2016 at 5:43 pm

    This looks fantastic! Definitely one to put on the list.

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    • Laurel (AKA chickadee) says:
      January 11, 2016 at 6:50 am

      Lisa, you and Hans will love it! Short hikes, but spectacular.

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  5. Pam Wright says:
    January 10, 2016 at 6:24 pm

    What a neat place! Just my type of hike…climbing rocks, slot, and interesting formations:) We won’t miss this place. It is hard to believe these formations aren’t man made. They look just like they were carved. Your photos did a great job sharing the hike.

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    • Laurel (AKA chickadee) says:
      January 11, 2016 at 6:52 am

      Pam, we thought about you guys while we were there, knowing how much you enjoy slot canyons and cool rocks. Glad you enjoyed the photo-hike. :-)

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  6. Sherry says:
    January 10, 2016 at 7:56 pm

    What an fabulous place! You are the queen of discovery. I’ve never ever heard of this and it looks great! Gorgeous colors and curves, swirls and spirals. Definitely worth the trip out from Santa Fe. Thanks for putting it on my list.

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    • Laurel (AKA chickadee) says:
      January 11, 2016 at 6:54 am

      Sherry, this is one of those places that’s known more to locals — although since achieving monument status in 2001, it’s becoming more popular. You and David will love it.

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  7. Mona Liza says:
    January 10, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    Oh my goodness, should I start a list for NM? What a great find Laurel, and quite fascinating. Those formations are rather unique and the purple lady was a good contrast to all the white!

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    • Laurel (AKA chickadee) says:
      January 11, 2016 at 6:56 am

      ML, definitely put this on your list for your New Mexico explorations! I know you’ll wear something bright for your photos, too. :-)

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  8. Jane says:
    January 11, 2016 at 4:55 am

    This is definitely on my list now to explore next time we are in NM – love the picture looking down onto the “tents”

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    • Laurel (AKA chickadee) says:
      January 11, 2016 at 6:58 am

      Oh good, glad I could add to your list of adventures! It’s a great place for photography, Jane — those cobalt skies are the perfect background for the hoodoos.

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  9. Ingrid says:
    January 11, 2016 at 6:00 am

    Since our plans changed this past October and I wasn’t able to visit this unique place as originally planned, I thank you for taking me there. As always, your photos and description are wonderful and helpful. I know this spot will remain on my list.

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    • Laurel (AKA chickadee) says:
      January 11, 2016 at 7:49 am

      I’m happy you enjoyed the preview tour, Ingrid. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this beautiful hike! We would hike it again when we’re in the area.

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  10. john and sharon says:
    January 11, 2016 at 6:02 am

    gee, I wonder how we have missed that hike… guess we will just have to remedy that soon

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    • Laurel (AKA chickadee) says:
      January 11, 2016 at 7:51 am

      I think lots of people miss this place, even though it’s not far from either Santa Fe or Albuquerque. Glad we could share it with you!

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  11. Jodee says:
    January 11, 2016 at 8:42 am

    Spectacular is right! Love the pic of you on the rock in the slot – looks like you’re on a “ride” in an amusement park :-) The tent rocks are so unique, we’ll have to give the shorter trail a try when we’re in ABQ this Spring! Thanks for sharing the beautiful slot – the ribbons of color are so pretty

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    • Laurel (AKA chickadee) says:
      January 11, 2016 at 11:11 am

      Haha, parts of that hike felt like an amusement park ride! Jodee, you and Bill would really enjoy the shorter trail — you’ll see lots of “tents” and the very cool caves.

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  12. Gretchen Wing says:
    January 11, 2016 at 2:04 pm

    We LOVE Tent Rocks! Went there last early March with Beth right after a snow. All the snow was sliding down from the walls of the canyon in that narrow-squeeze place, so it was about 4 feet deep! You can definitely see why that place is a sacred spot.

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    • Laurel (AKA chickadee) says:
      January 11, 2016 at 2:34 pm

      Wow, what an amazing experience that must have been to hike the Canyon Trail in the snow! I agree, Gretchen — it’s definitely a sacred spot.

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  13. Bettina says:
    January 16, 2016 at 11:45 am

    Thanks for sharing — as always you two continue to be guiding lights for us.

    Happy New Year:-)

    Bettina

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    • Laurel (AKA chickadee) says:
      January 16, 2016 at 2:17 pm

      Thank you, Bettina — wishing you many wonderful adventures in this year, too!

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  14. Lolalo says:
    January 21, 2016 at 5:05 pm

    Isn’t it amazing? You find so many places that are unheard of by most people. Who knew about tent rocks?!? Looks very interesting.

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    • Laurel (AKA chickadee) says:
      January 23, 2016 at 7:15 pm

      Loretta, you guys would love this hike. Can’t get lost here. :-)

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