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All the United States New Mexico Jemez Springs Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
AO Edited

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

A unique geological area spiked with wind-carved rocks that resemble teepees.

Jemez Springs, New Mexico

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William Avery Hudson
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  New Mexico Bureau of Land Management
  New Mexico Bureau of Land Management
  New Mexico Bureau of Land Management
Tent rocks Vertical Panorama of Slot canyon   David Alan / Atlas Obscura User
Photographed at Kasha-Katuwe along the Slot Canyon Trail   CarolynStein / Atlas Obscura User
Taken at Kasha-Katuwe on the Cave Loop Trail. This hand-carved cave was used as a dwelling-place.   CarolynStein / Atlas Obscura User
  Mark Loftin / Atlas Obscura User
  Mark Loftin / Atlas Obscura User
  Collinken / Atlas Obscura User
Beautiful vegetation as well as rocks   Collinken / Atlas Obscura User
How the place gets its name   Collinken / Atlas Obscura User
Kasha back loop trail   Collinken / Atlas Obscura User
First impression of the cliff side   Collinken / Atlas Obscura User
Tent Rocks summit panorama   David Alan / Atlas Obscura User
Tent Rocks Approach   David Alan / Atlas Obscura User
Tent Rocks Slot Canyon   David Alan / Atlas Obscura User
Tent Rocks slot canyon   David Alan / Atlas Obscura User
Points, panorama, Tent Rocks   David Alan / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Unheimlich landforms created by "layers of volcanic rock and ash deposited by pyroclastic flow from a volcanic explosion within the Jemez Volcanic Field that occurred six to seven million years ago."

Kasha-Katuwe means white cliffs in Keresan, and this area of white tent-shaped rock formations gained the status of being a national monument named Tent Rocks in January of 2001. 

The area is open for exploration only during the daytime, and even then it can be closed by the local Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Governor's will. There is a recreation trail that winds visitors up to an observation point for a full view of the gorgeous rocks from above.

The rocks' sharp tips that widen into conical-shaped bases, which gives them the distinct appearance of a teepee. The monument is a little isolated but it is not too hard to find. The area also offers a good opportunity to view the life and history of native people along with the natural majesty of the stone mountains. The monument is a unit of the BLM's National Landscape Conservation System. 

 

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Plants Geological Oddities Geology

Know Before You Go

From Santa Fe, take the Cochiti Pueblo Exit 264 off I-25 onto NM 16. Turn right off NM 16 onto NM 22, and follow the signs to Cochiti Pueblo and the national monument. Summertime visitors should plan to arrive EARLY and be done by 11. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Heed flash flood warnings. Winter hiking is worth the trip. Plan for frosty temperatures and slippery trails. It's a gorgeous place.

Community Contributors

Added By

avery

Edited By

Martin, bkkctest, NMPerson, mikewalker...

  • Martin
  • bkkctest
  • NMPerson
  • mikewalker
  • maxines
  • David Alan
  • CarolynStein
  • Mark Loftin
  • Collinken

Published

December 21, 2012

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Sources
  • http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/rio_puerco/kasha_katuwe_tent_rocks.html
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasha-Katuwe_Tent_Rocks_National_Monument
  • https://www.blm.gov/visit/kktr
  • www.blm.gov
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Cochiti Pueblo
Jemez Springs
Jemez Springs, New Mexico, 87025
United States
35.656735, -106.41112
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