Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is located just over an hour north of Albuquerque near the Cochiti Pueblo. Kasha-Katuwe meaning “white cliffs” is a natural formation of weathering and erosion that forms these rocks that resemble cones or tents. The slot canyon trail is approximately 1.5 miles one way and will climb in elevation to lookout over the canyon where you can view the tent rocks from above. The climb can be challenging at times but well worth the effort. The view from above is hard to describe as anything other than wonderous. Other than the wind, which is a given in NM, the weather was quite beautiful, low 70’s with mostly sunshine and blue skies. We took our time and tried to take in every moment and of course I took way too many pictures. Follow along on our tour from the bottom of the canyon to the top and back down again. Maybe you will be inspired to visit one day!
As we near the trail, this is our first view. This cliff has layers upon layers of erosion that has formed these beautiful tent like formations.
You will find along the way many different shapes and sizes of formations. See the little skinny formation at the top that stands out like a beacon.
The closer we get, the more details we find in the formations.
Isn’t the sky a magnificent blue today. I use a polarized lens which brings out the vibrant colors but truly this is how blue the sky is at this moment.
This is where we’re headed, in between and beyond to the slot canyon.
I must admit I have a thing for exposed tree roots. They are like nature’s artwork.
As we walk past it appears like the roots are stretched out like arms.
A Yucca in bloom, our state flower.
This is where we start to see the detailed formations. As we begin to pass through the narrow passages we find ourselves looking up.
There’s something amazing around every corner.
This reminds me of a dry waterfall. I wonder if heavy rains really do run off here to make this formation.
As we head into the slot canyon it gets pretty tight. At some turns we have to wait as only one person can fit through at a time.
My love . . .
Almost through.
Looking straight up.
As we head out of the slots, this is the first thing we see.
We begin the climb upward to the top.
The pyramids.
We are gaining ground, almost to the next peak.
Wow!!
What an incredible sight! But the trail goes higher, there’s still more to see . . .
To the the east we see clouds for the first time today.
Looking out towards Santa Fe, there is still snow on the mountain tops. Two days after we visited Tent Rocks, the northwest part of NM received several inches of fresh snow. Although we didn’t have snowfall in our area we could see a dusting of fresh snow on top of the Sandia Mountains the next morning, which is unusual this time of year.
We are now at the top. Time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
This little bitty tree was on the edge of the cliff. The view from up above is phenomenal!
Just on the other side of this hill is where we parked. We’ve had an incredible hike. Time to start the trek down.
Another little tree that caught my attention.
One last look before we head down.
On the way down I spied some wildflowers.
I love this color!
A small cave and crack in this formation.
I followed this black crow as he soared above the tent formations. I tried several times to snap a picture of him in flight but only caught him in this one photo.
The slot canyon looks more impressive from this direction, don’t you think?
There is another loop trail below the slot canyon trail. We walked the loop before heading back to the parking lot. Here is another Yucca that is not quite bloomed out but getting close.
The lower trail takes us by a man made cave. Archeologists believe this was carved between 1200 – 1540 a.d. They suggest it was carved with sticks and sharp stones. The interior shows evidence of soot from fires that remain on the walls inside.
The small formation on the left is white on the top while the bottom is sandy brown in color.
A twisted log.
It’s the end of the tour and the end of my battery life. Hope you enjoyed seeing the sights from Tent Rocks National Monument.
An Inspired Cook 