Kasha-Katuwe National Monument Travel Guide

Tourist 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
The price is NZ$476 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
NZ$476
28 Jan - 29 Jan
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! (136 reviews)
The amenities were amazing! I have never stayed at a spa hotel before and it exceeded expectations.

Reviewed on 6 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 NZ$275 per night from 12 Feb to 13 Feb
NZ$275
12 Feb - 13 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 helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (583 reviews)
Well stocked and clean.

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

Wingate by Wyndham Los Alamos
Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos White Rock

Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos White Rock

2.5 out of 5
124 State Hwy 4 Los Alamos NM
The price is NZ$220 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
NZ$220
29 Jan - 30 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Los Alamos. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (682 reviews)
Very friendly staff, nice room, convenient breakfast.

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos White Rock
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.
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! (9 reviews)
The casita has everything you need for a convenient stay.

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Premier Host ★ Beautiful, Spotless & Perfectly Located
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
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)
Family friendly

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Luxurious Open Concept Home with Fabulous Backyard Entertainment Area
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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