Nestled between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument offers visitors a chance to explore unique geological formations and scenic trails.
After the regular seasonal closure, the monument recently opened once again to visitors (February 1, 2025). Visitors are welcome to make reservations at recreation.gov for upcoming visits.
A brief history
The name “Kasha-Katuwe” translates to “white cliffs” in the original language of the Cochiti Pueblo people.
The monument’s distinctive cone-shaped formations, often called “tent rocks,” were sculpted by volcanic eruptions eons ago. Over time, erosion shaped the layers of pumice and ash into the striking structures we see today. Some tower up to 90 feet tall!
Things to see and do
The monument features a national recreation trail that ranges from 5,570 to 6,760 feet above sea level. This trail is for foot travel only and offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, geological observation, and plant identification.
Apache Tears
While visiting, you may see “Apache Tears.” Apache tears are small, round, black obsidian stones that hold deep cultural and historical significance. These tear-shaped rocks become exposed as the tent rocks erode and can be found in low gullies and washes.
According to Apache legend, the stones represent the sorrow of Apache women who wept for their warriors. The warriors, facing overwhelming odds in battle, chose to leap from a cliff rather than be captured. Their tears, falling to the earth, were said to have turned into these glossy black stones.
Note: It is against the law to collect these stones.
Cave Loop Trail
The 1.2-mile Cave Loop Trail is fairly level and passes by a group of cones before circling the edge of a beautiful small valley.
Slot Canyon Trail
This is the more popular route within the monument area. This three-mile trail follows a wash into a slot canyon which offers great opportunities for photography. Following the slot canyon, you’ll ascend onto a plateau with spectacular views of numerous rock formations. The most amazing tent rocks are located near the end of the canyon trail.
Visiting guidelines
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, follow these guidelines:
- Operating hours: The Monument is open Thursday through Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday), with pilot vehicles leading visitors into the Monument starting at 8:00 a.m. The last pilot car leaves the Cochiti Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m. All visitors must exit the Monument by 4:00 p.m.
- Fees: Access to the Monument is via reservation only. FIRST, there is a $5/person fee to reserve a BLM ticket, available at recreation.gov. SECOND, visitors must purchase a Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass from Cochiti Pueblo (purplepass.com/cochitikktr). The Tribal Access Pass is currently $20/person for adults. Visitors must show BOTH passes to access the monument. Different fees apply to children, which are outlined on the respective websites. Interagency passes are accepted to cover the BLM fee but do not affect the Tribal Access Pass. A limited number of passes are available each day.
- Pets: Dogs are not permitted within the monument.
- Camping: Overnight camping is not allowed within the monument. However, Cochiti Lake, located a few miles away, offers camping facilities.
- Weather precautions: Be cautious of flash flooding, especially in the slot canyon areas, during rainy conditions.
- Cell phone reception: Cell reception is hit-or-miss. You should plan accordingly.
Nearby RV campgrounds
Here are just a few nearby campgrounds to consider:
Cochiti Lake Recreation Area: Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this campground offers electric and water hookups, restrooms, and a dump station. It’s conveniently located near the monument.
Santa Fe Skies RV Park: Situated south of Santa Fe, this park provides full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Coronado Campground: Located in Bernalillo, this campground offers electric hookups, restrooms, and a cultural museum on-site.
Before visiting, it’s advisable to check the official Bureau of Land Management website for the most current information on operating hours, trail conditions, and any closures.
Exploring the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument provides a unique opportunity to witness the natural beauty and geological wonders of New Mexico.
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Cochiti Lake is a typical, reasonably priced, COE campground with covered picnic tables, flush toilets, and free hot showers. Many of the campsites are level pull-thrus on a terraced hillside, with terrific views of the lake and surrounding hills. There are also even cheaper, view campsites without hookups. We have stayed there a number of times in spring and fall and always had a great site.
Please note that you must make a reservation through http://www.recreation.gov. and additionally obtain a separate Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass to access The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.
https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/new-mexico/kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument
Always looking for these “less traveled” scenic wonders. Thank you.
Tent rocks closed for Covid and just reopened this year. New rules require an escort from the Cochiti visitor center to the parking lot of the tent rocks. Along with a new fee.
The COE campground is good. Also is the golf course. It’s a no-wake lake, and can have good fishing.
We visited here many years ago and found it delightful! If you love photography, it’s a true gem!
We have visited here many times and are always amazed at these unique formations. From my understanding they are found only here and in Turkey. So glad it has reopened. If I hear of someone visiting the Santa Fe or Albuquerque area, I always recommend they visit here and Tinkertown Museum which is on the drive up to Sandia Peak.
Thank you for the information, Gail! Rats! Were in New Mexico a couple of years ago and missed seeing this. Maybe we’ll get there one day. Meanwhile, have a great week and safe travels!