Canyon Trail in Tent Rocks National Monument

If you’re spending more than a day or two anywhere in the Santa Fe or Albuquerque area, be sure to visit the somewhat unknown and out-of-the-way Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. This is truly a remarkable place - located about 40 miles southwest of Santa Fe.

The odd cone-shaped formations that give the area its name are the products of volcanic eruptions that took place 6 to 7 million years ago, which left pumice, ash and volcanic tuff deposits over one-thousand feet deep. Over the millennia wind and water slowly eroded the tuff, which formed the canyons and tent rocks we see today. Some of these hoodoos, or tent rocks, reach up to 90 feet in height.

The only other place in the world where you can find these unusual rock formations is in the Cappadocia region of Turkey.

The monument includes two trails that provide up-close views of the tent rocks, as well as the opportunity to pass through a narrow slot canyon. In some places the canyon walls narrow to just-beyond shoulder width. The two trails combined, the Slot Canyon Trail and Cave Loop Trail, are known as the Tent Rocks National Recreation Trail. This hike description encompasses both trails for a total roundtrip hike of 3.7 miles.

From the parking area the main trail heads north through a piñon-juniper woodland. After walking about a tenth-of-a-mile along the sandy path you’ll arrive at the lower Cave Loop Trail junction. We stayed right here to continue towards the slot canyon. From the lower junction the Slot Canyon Trail continues along a gentle grade to reach the upper Cave Loop Trail junction, located at roughly four-tenths of a mile. On your return trip you’ll turn here to complete the Cave Loop portion of this hike. We stayed to the right at this junction as well.

From the upper junction the more difficult Slot Canyon Trail becomes a one-way trek through the winding and narrow canyon, while making a fairly steep 500-foot ascent to reach the top of the mesa. In some areas the walls of the canyon will tower more than 300 feet above the canyon floor. Though the route is obvious as you pass through the chasm, there are a few spots that will require some very minor scrambling to reach the top. At just under 1.5 miles from the trailhead hikers will reach the top of the canyon. From here the official trail continues south along the narrow mesa. After walking a short distance it comes to an end at a low rise, but an unimproved social trail continues almost to the southern edge of the mesa.

From the top of the mesa hikers will enjoy a birds-eye view of the tent rocks below. You’ll also enjoy excellent views of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez and Sandia mountains, as well as the Rio Grande Valley. On your return trip, after exiting the canyon, hikers will turn right onto the Cave Loop Trail at the upper junction described above. This trail leads to the base of the cliffs where you’ll notice a cave dwelling, or cavate, carved into the soft volcanic tuff. Ancient ancestors of the nearby Pueblo de Cochiti dug this cavate sometime between the 14th and 15th centuries. In the traditional Keresan language of the Pueblo, “Kasha-Katuwe” means “white cliffs.” From the base of the cliff the trail meanders back down to the lower junction, and then heads back to the parking area.

Along either trail hikers may see a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, rabbits, lizards, rattlesnakes, ravens, hawks, kestrels, swallows, swifts and maybe even an eagle. Plant life along the trails include ponderosa pine, cottonwoods, shrub oak, hop trees, pinon, juniper, yucca and even manzanita.

Be sure to bring plenty of water, as none is available in the national monument.

After returning back to our "base camp" in Santa Fe later that afternoon, we paid a visit to an excellent brewpub in town known as the Blue Corn Café. With two locations in town, I would recommend going to the downtown location. If you’re lucky enough, grab a table on the balcony. Both the beer and the New Mexican style food are outstanding.


Trail: Cave Loop / Slot Canyon Trail
RT Distance: 3.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Max Elevation: 6365 feet
TH Location: Off I-25, between Albuquerque and Santa Fe
Map: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Santa Fe - Taos Hiking Guide: - The Santa Fe­ - Taos area contains a wide selection of easily accessible trails throughout its mountains and high desert places - where outdoor enthusiasts can explore the diverse topography and ecosystems of northern New Mexico year-round. Now for the first time in one convenient volume, veteran local guidebook author Bob D'Antonio introduces you to 52 great hikes within an hour of these two towns. From alpine peaks to sage-covered mesas, northern New Mexico offers incredible hiking opportunities - and this guide leads you to the best.