Tent Rocks
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a remarkable outdoor laboratory, offering an opportunity to observe, study, and experience the geologic processes that shape natural landscapes, as well as other cultural and biological objects of interest. The area is rich in pumice, ash, and tuff deposits, the light-colored, cone-shaped tent rock formations that are the products of explosive volcanic eruptions that occurred between 6 and 7 million years ago. Small canyons lead inward from cliff faces, and over time, wind and water have scooped openings of all shapes and sizes in the rocks and have contoured the ends of the ravines and canyons into smooth semicircles. In these canyons, erosion-resistant caprocks protect the softer tents below. While the formations are uniform in shape, they vary in height from a few feet to 90 feet, and the layering of volcanic material intersperses bands of grey with beige-colored rock.Directions:
Cochiti exit 264 off 1-25, Go right on NM 16, continue for 8 miles, turn right when road T’s, turn right on 22, then at the base of Cochiti Dam in 2.7 miles turn left on NM 22, go 1.7 miles turn right on Tribal Rd.92/Forest Service Rd 266. Pass through a gate and continue for 5 miles to the parking area on the right. Hours are from dawn to dusk. Admission is free.
