Kasha-Katuwe National Monument

Travel Guide

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
The Tent Rocks Canyon trail it is a hiking trail through a slot canyon with hoodos and striated rock formations. It's a nice climb, about 750 ft elevation increase in about 3 miles. Going though tunnels and up ledges. There are railroad ties to make steps to get to the top where you can see for miles! It is truly breathtaking!! #lifeatexpedia
Halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on New Mexico’s Highway 25, hang a left (if you’re heading north) and be prepared for some unusual and magnificent rock formations courtesy of mother nature, the Bureau of Land Management, and the American Indian Pueblo de Cochiti.  

The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock National Monument owes its remarkable geology to layers of volcanic rock and ash deposited by pyroclastic flow 6 to 7 million years ago from a volcanic explosion within the Jemez Volcanic Field; and to the gentle hand of time as wind and water smoothed the pumice, ash and tuff deposits.  

Bring your hiking boots along with your camera and see the tent rocks up close and personal for a $5 fee (per vehicle) via two separate trails that offer superb views of this natural wonder.   Hike to the top of the Canyon Trail for magnificent views of central New Mexico only possible from almost 7,000 feet above sea level.  

See more pictures and commentary of our hike via my travel blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/hiking-the-stunning-kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument .
New Mexico’s stunning Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock formations are the product of volcanic eruptions 6 to 7 million years ago.  Many of the pumice, ash and tuff deposits are over 1,000 feet thick.  Tremendous explosions from the Jemez volcanic field spewed pyroclasts (rock fragments), while searing hot gases blasted down slopes in an incandescent avalanche called a “pyroclastic flow.” 

 Over time, wind and water cut into these deposits creating canyons and arroyos, scooping holes in the rock and contouring the ends of small, inward ravines into smooth semi-circles.  
Two hiking trails (the Cave Loop Trail and the Canyon Trail) allow visitors amazing access to this National Monument.  We hiked the tougher Canyon Trail, a 1.5 mile trek up a narrow canyon involving a 630-foot climb to the mesa top, driven by the promise of fantastic views of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, and Sandia mountains, as well as the Rio Grande Valley.   We were not disappointed.  

Be sure to arrive early in the day (the monument opens at 8 am during winter months, 7 am during the summer) to avoid the crowds and the heat.   Bring plenty of water; the monument has no concessions, but does offer the basics in terms of facilities.  The nominal $5 fee per vehicle is returned to the site for monitoring, maintenance, and improvements.

See more pictures and commentary via my blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/hiking-the-stunning-kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument .
Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort

Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort

4 out of 5
242 Los Pinos Road Santa Fe NM
Fully refundable
The price is HK$1,949 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
HK$1,949
HK$2,181 total
17 Feb - 18 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions El Rancho de las Golondrinas and Leonora Curtin ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (142 reviews)
Room was excellent. Attended yoga classes loved it a lot! Excellent outdoor pool and soaking tubs. We booked a massages as well. It was not 75 minutes as it stated, only 60 min with taking time for massagist to wash her hands between the procedures much longer. Though she has been working only on ...

Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026

Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort
Wingate by Wyndham Los Alamos

Wingate by Wyndham Los Alamos

2.5 out of 5
2455 Trinity Dr Los Alamos NM
The price is HK$814 per night from 28 Feb to 1 Mar
HK$814
HK$912 total
28 Feb - 1 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Alamos. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (584 reviews)
I have stayed here a few times. Nice place, friendly staff. Shout out to Sonia.

Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026

Wingate by Wyndham Los Alamos
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Los Alamos Entrada Park by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Los Alamos Entrada Park by IHG

2.5 out of 5
60 Entrada Dr Los Alamos NM
The price is HK$953 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
HK$953
HK$1,068 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Alamos. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (754 reviews)
clean and spacious room

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Los Alamos Entrada Park by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Luxurious Open Concept Home with Fabulous Backyard Entertainment Area

Luxurious Open Concept Home with Fabulous Backyard Entertainment Area

Santa Fe NM
Stay at this golf holiday home in Santa Fe. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions La Paloma Park and Sagebrush Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (78 reviews)
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Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Luxurious Open Concept Home with Fabulous Backyard Entertainment Area
Dreamy Home Meets Historic Charm

Dreamy Home Meets Historic Charm

Los Alamos NM
Stay at this holiday home in Los Alamos. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Los Alamos Historical Museum and Ashley ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
Very pleasant experience, cozy place!

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2025

Dreamy Home Meets Historic Charm
Premier Host ★ Beautiful, Spotless & Perfectly Located

Premier Host ★ Beautiful, Spotless & Perfectly Located

Los Alamos NM
Stay at this golf apartment in Los Alamos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Los Alamos Historical Museum and Ashley Pond ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
The host seemed nice enough, we just met him one time to show us how to unlock the front door, hint...the key goes sideways to remove not straight up and down.

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Premier Host ★ Beautiful, Spotless & Perfectly Located
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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