Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (CLOSED)
Jemez Springs, New Mexico
Details
Distance
3 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by The Outbound Collective
This 3-mile hike with minimal elevation gain lets you explore Incredible desert hoodoos and beautiful slot canyons. Take in expansive views from the mesa top.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is temporarily closed. Visit the BLM website for more updates.
Hiking at Tent Rocks is a must-do for anyone in the northern New Mexico area. It's an accessible trail that gives you incredible rewards with little effort. The cone-shaped "tent rocks" are the result of erosion following a volcanic explosion 6-7 million years ago, making for some incredible and unusual hoodoo formations.
The trail starts out at a well-marked parking lot. There are restrooms and picnic tables here should you need them. There are two trails - a shorter loop that stays at the base of the rocks and a longer one-way route that will end with huge views from the mesa top over Tent Rocks and the surrounding area. To take this route, stick to your right and follow the clearly marked signs.
The trail will meander through an arroyo with beautiful old trees dotting the landscape here and there, with the canyon walls rising up above you on either side. You'll soon come to a narrowing of the trail where it twists and turns through the narrow slot canyon. Be very mindful of thunderstorms when hiking in monsoon season (mid-June to mid-September) and do not hike if there is any danger of flash floods in the slot canyon. Exiting the slot canyon the area will open up more and you'll get closer to some massive hoodoos. The trail starts to climb from here for a short while until you reach the mesa top, dotted with gnarled old juniper trees.
Take a break and enjoy the view up here before heading back the way you came. If you're heading north to Santa Fe, stop by Second Street Brewery for a great beer and green chile cheeseburger.
Getting there: From Santa Fe, take the Cochiti Pueblo Exit 264 off I-25 onto NM 16. Turn right off NM 16 onto NM 22, and follow the signs to Cochiti Pueblo and the National Monument. The parking lot is on your right about five miles after the fee station. Note that this is a day use only site and the gate closes at 4pm during winter and 6pm during summer.
This adventure was featured in The Outbound's Santa Fe County is Adventure True - Summer Lookbook 2019
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Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (CLOSED) Reviews
I drove four hours to hike here and it was 100% worth it. Very easy hike along slot canyons. Great for all ages! I went during a weekday and there were a lot of people so I expect it can get crowded on the weekends. Especially since there are portions in the slot canyon where only one person can go through at a time. No dogs allowed and they only accept cash at the entrance gate!
5.0
Our group of outdoor-toddlers, very inexperienced and advanced adult hikers all enjoyed this one! The hike to the top becomes substantially more difficult about 2/3 the way- hiking poles are useful, and be sure to bring plenty of water! That said, you are rewarded with an unmatched view at the top. A complete 360 of mountains, dessert, and nearby towns!
4.0
This was one of our first hikes as a family in the Albuquerque area, and it did not disappoint! It was awesome being able to see my 2 year old run the the slot canyons and not worry about her running over a ledge or getting into any dangerous plants!
5.0
I went on this in July. It was super hot but not very crowded. Definitely worth walking up to the very top. You get an amazing view of the surrounding area as well as the tent rocks. Bring water! No pets allowed unfortuntaly :(
5.0
My husband and I are in Albuquerque. It was definitely worth the drive out. Its good for beginners, the rocks are absolutely gorgeous and it was a lot of fun climbing through the narrow formations. No dogs allowed though
5.0
How it took me so long to get over to this haven perched in between Albuquerque and Santa Fe I have no idea. Beautiful slot canyons, the crazy looking hoodoos, and the wide open mesas all come together a beautiful outing. It's not long, but it does have a short section of steep hiking, enough to get your heart rate up at least a little. Be ready for the $5 entry fee and they close the top climb much earlier then the park closing time. Great day trip that's not actually as far from either city as you would think.
5.0
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Nearby
Hike the Main Loop Trail at Bandelier National Monument
Hike to Alcove House
Climb Las Conchas
Drive the Jemez Mountains Scenic Byway
Visit the Jemez Soda Dam
Spence Hot Springs
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