The Pueblos call the white cliffs Kasha-Katuwe, a fairytale land filled with almost unbelievable natural sculptures in the land of enchantment, New Mexico.
Tent Rocks National Monument is an amazing day trip easily accessible from either Santa Fe (40 miles) or Albuquerque (55 miles), well worth the drive to witness one of the most unique landscapes in the state.
Seven million years ago a volcanic eruption created the Jemez Mountains, over time wind and water eroded the soft pumice and tuff into cone shaped formations resembling tents. Hikers can experience the environment from three distinct trails.
Slot Canyon trail
This well marked, moderate, out and back trail highlights the premiere features of the national monument in a roundtrip 3 mile hike of continuous wonder.
Initially the trail is flat and sandy, making its way through the namesake element a narrowing slot canyon.
Upon emerging out the other side, the most imaginative hoodoos sprout beside the path.
Some of these formations have caprocks on top of them, which are made of harder stone that have yet to erode.
The tent rocks seem to multiply as you continue onward and range in height with the highest reaching almost 100 feet tall.
Soon the trail begins to ascend and will climb gradually 630 feet, to an elevation of 6400 feet above sea level on the Pajarito Plateau.
At the top of the lookout a whole campsite of perfectly tipped tents comes into view.
After fully exploring the spurs and taking in the top rate scenery, head back the way you came.
The Cave Loop trail
For a lighter hike with more incredible sights of its own, this 1.2 mile loop has little elevation to deal with.
It is named for the small cavate, a human carved cave which was dug out with sharp stones around 1200 AD by Native Americans.
The cave is high off the ground for safety purposes, keeping the space dry from flooding and making it easier to ward off animal or rival tribe attacks.
The Veterans Memorial trail
An additional one mile trail loop trail is located 3.5 miles down the road, paved and handicap accessible. Road conditions and access are seasonal, during the time of my visit the entrance was gated off.
Good to know:
+$5 entrance fee or free with America the Beautiful National Parks pass
+Strict entry time between 8AM and 4PM
+Monument is closed a dozen days out of the year, check online schedule
+Delays often occur in summer, arrive early to avoid wait time
+Follow directions on website, GPS often leads drivers through restricted roads
Thank you! I do feel that NM doesn’t get as much attention as its neighbors – but has so much to offer !
It’s good of you to showcase this place. Judging from my own experience of never having heard of it till I was in Santa Fe in 2017, I suspect few people outside the area know about it.