Explore a unique landscape full of tent shaped hoodoos.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, located about an hour from Santa Fe, New Mexico, contains a truly unique landscape. The former volcanoes of the Jemez Mountains spewed soft pumice and tufa, which was eroded over time by wind and rain into weird conical shapes that resemble tents.
Tent Rocks was a last-minute plan from the night before. It was a very warm June morning, but the heat and the hike was worth seeing this unique landscape.
Starting to see some “tent” rocks there on the left. Kasha-Katuwe means “white cliffs” in Keresan, a local Pueblo language. Fitting.
The really cool geologic features are on the Slot Canyon Trail.
Looking up from the trail. I’ve seen a lot of hoodoos in the last year, but these are truly unique shapes.
Heading towards the slot canyon. These cliffs are awesome.
Not for people afraid of confined spaces.
The slot canyon wasn’t that deep but still awesome.
Reaching the end.
The canyon opens up to some awesome views of some tent rocks. They range from a few feet in height to around 90 feet.
Truly amazing.
The trail leads out of the canyon to some awesome views.
Honestly, they look more like Teepees to me. Although, Tent Rocks sounds better.
Overlook of the entire canyon. You can see some new tent rocks former.
Breathtaking. Simply breathtaking.
Worth the climb.
We headed back through the Slot Canyon and back onto the Cave Trail. The landscape is a bit different on this side of the plateau.
This cave was actually mostly made by humans. It was carved, using sticks and sharp stones (tufa is very soft) between 1200 and 1540 CE.
Even more tent rocks forming.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a fantastic place to spend the morning. Being so close to Santa Fe, it becomes very busy. Get in line before they open at 9am and start on your hike as soon as possible. Go enjoy this fantastic landscape for yourself.
Check out my next update where I visit Bandelier National Monument!
