Tent Rocks Canyon

Tent Rocks Canyon is a rare New Mexico slot carved in 1,000 feet of ash, tuff and pumice of volcanic activity. Found in the canyon are small rounded balls of obsidian (volcanic glass...also known as 'Apache Tears') which are further evidence of the mighty geologic forces that have shaped this area. The Tent Rock Hoodoos themselves are made of the soft tuff but capped with slightly harder rock which allows erosion to happen on the perimeter, but prevents erosion in the center. Some of the cones have lost their caprock and are now starting to erode away. The combination of soft tuff and flash floods have carved this spectacular slot.  

The National Monument comprises just over 4,000 acres, ranges in elevation from 5,570 to 6,760 feet, and includes a national recreational trail with two segments. The Cave Loop Trail is a 1.2 mile loop. The Canyon Trail is 3 miles round-trip and ascends the Canyon to the Mesa Top for an elevation gain of 630 feet. Both trails are maintained and start at the parking lot.
  Flora in the area consists of Piñyon Pine and Juniper as well as the red-barked Manzanita bush clinging to tuff ledges high in the canyon. Wildlife includes Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, Western Scrub-jay, Coyote, Rabbits, Ground Squirrels, and Rattlesnakes. Be especially watchful during the warmer months of the year for the snakes.

Tent Rocks and Tent Rocks Canyon were featured in the 1985 revisionist western Silverado written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan. Tent Rocks was the hideout for Danny Glover's character. The cone-shaped formations are obvious in the background of several scenes, and I believe the 'cave' Danny Glover hid out in was filmed in a section of the slot at night.

The American Canyoneering Academy rating system would consider this canyon very easy at 1A I meaning that it is a non-technical dry canyon that can be accomplished in just a few hours. The canyon may be hiked at all times of the year, but summer may be extremely hot and the July-August monsoon season can bring deadly flash floods through the canyon. Do not attempt to hike this canyon during wet weather!!

Canyon Description

The first portion of the hike is an easy trail through Piñyon-Juniper woodland to the mouth of the canyon. Follow the obvious signs to the canyon and avoid the longer Cave Trail loop.  Near the beginning of the canyon is a gnarled pine with roots that form a cave. This is a great place for kids to play. Begin keeping your eyes peeled for the volcanic glass (Apache Tears). Sometimes you can dig through the soft gravel bed and find some. Please leave them where you find them.

At first the canyon boasts towering walls, but no real slot. However, soon the walls narrow and the real slot takes over. Just follow the winding bed as it climbs higher. Several parts are extremely narrow and you may even have to turn sideways to get through the slot. You may also notice that people have carved into the walls of tuff. Please refrain from doing so and leave the area natural for others to enjoy.

Eventually, the walls narrow and there are several boulders that have collapsed into the canyon forming a natural boulder cave that you have to navigate. From there the canyon starts to open up and it is a steeper climb among hoodoos until you reach the top of the mesa. Return the way you came.

Getting There

From Albuquerque 

Take I-25 north and exit at Santo Domingo/Cochiti Lake Recreation Area (Exit 259) onto NM 22 heading west. Turn right at the Pueblo water tower painted like a drum onto Tribal Route 92. This connects to Forest Road 266, becomes well-maintained gravel, and you will follow this about 5 miles to the parking area.

From Santa Fe

Take I-25 south and take the Cochiti Pueblo Exit 264 off I-25 onto NM 16. Turn right onto NM 22. Be sure to follow the jog in the road and the signs towards the Cochiti Pueblo underneath the dam at Cochiti Reservoir. If you get to Cochiti Reservoir Overlook, you have gone too far. Go back and look for the signs. From NM 22, hang a right onto Tribal Route 92 which becomes the well-maintained gravel Forest Road 266. Follow this about 5 miles to the parking area.

Red Tape

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is maintained and administered by the Bureau of Land Management New Mexico. The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. Hours are 8-5 during the winter and 7-7 during the summer. The area is for foot traffic only, no motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails. Collecting 'Apache Tears' (obsidian balls) and Geocaching are strictly prohibited.

Because access is through Cochiti Tribal land, there may be times when the road may be closed, but a notice about the closure will be posted at the gate by the Tribal Governor.

Dogs are currently not allowed at Tent Rocks for safety concerns. The BLM is working to decide if it will be temporary or permanent.

Camping

The nearest camping and RV sites are located at Cochiti Lake Recreation Area. The two areas are Cochiti Recreation Area and the Tetilla Peak Recreation Area. There are both electric and non-electric sites available, group sites, restrooms, water, and pull-throughs.

Tent sites are $5 per night. RV with hookups are $12 per night.

Reservations for campsites are available through the Recreation.gov website.

External Links

Pueblo de Cochiti

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument BLM Site

Cochiti Reservoir

Recreation.gov

American Canyoneering Academy

Maps

The 7.5 minute USGS map Canada (NM) contains the Tent Rocks formations and canyons. It is labeled on the map as Tent Rocks.