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.
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
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.
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.
I took a look at photos of Cappadocia — wow! That must have been an interesting trip!
Beautiful! Surprisingly, we’ve never heard of it…
I think you’re not alone — friends from Albuquerque told us we shouldn’t miss it. They were right!
This looks fantastic! Definitely one to put on the list.
Lisa, you and Hans will love it! Short hikes, but spectacular.
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.
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. :-)
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.
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.
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!
ML, definitely put this on your list for your New Mexico explorations! I know you’ll wear something bright for your photos, too. :-)
This is definitely on my list now to explore next time we are in NM – love the picture looking down onto the “tents”
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.
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.
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.
gee, I wonder how we have missed that hike… guess we will just have to remedy that soon
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
Thanks for sharing — as always you two continue to be guiding lights for us.
Happy New Year:-)
Bettina
Thank you, Bettina — wishing you many wonderful adventures in this year, too!
Isn’t it amazing? You find so many places that are unheard of by most people. Who knew about tent rocks?!? Looks very interesting.
Loretta, you guys would love this hike. Can’t get lost here. :-)