Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, Cochiti Pueblo: Address, Phone Number, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Reviews: 5/5
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
5
About
ALERT: The Monument is currently closed due to COVID-19. For updates visit: https://www.blm.gov/alert/nm-covid-19-updates
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
1,563 reviews
Excellent
1,392
Very good
143
Average
15
Poor
1
Terrible
12
MikeB1952
Colorado Springs, CO951 contributions
This is a minor National Monument. One run by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rather than the National Park Service. And the BLM has done a nice job. The Monument is near Cochiti Pueblo. It's rather small with two main trails - The Cave Loop Trail and The Canyon Trail. The major features are the hoodoos (amazing little spires with a topknot of harder rock) and the slot canyon. Each feature is worth the trip in. But both provide a real bonus. We were delighted at our visit.
But, of note, during high tourist time there could be quite a wait to get into the limited parking lot. Possibly as much as several hours. So go when there are fewer tourists. We went during the week in February and were surprised at how many people were there.
But, of note, during high tourist time there could be quite a wait to get into the limited parking lot. Possibly as much as several hours. So go when there are fewer tourists. We went during the week in February and were surprised at how many people were there.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SisuTravelor
Skanee, MI52 contributions
If at all possible, visit during late winter (early March) and on a week day to avoid the the large crowds of people who visit this National Monument. As the number of people within the Monument is controlled, the lines waiting to get into the Monument can be very long. Also, the hike will last a couple of hours and you have to leave the Monument before the closing hour. The Slot Canyon trail is a beautiful walk ... with about a 600 foot elevation gain. It is mostly a walk ... but in a few spots, you will need to climb using both hands and feet for about 8-10 foot gains. The climbing is not technical (not requiring climbing equipment), but it is strenuous for some and good balance is needed.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jackie M
Millington, TN6 contributions
Couples
Visiting Tent Rocks was one of the highlights of our New Mexico trip. It offers an opportunity to view and photograph a natural wonder as well as provide a little exercise. We took both trails and while you do see the amazing view of the overall landscape from the lower trail, it is honestly disappointing. Stay to the right when the trail makes a fork. The climb is a little vigorous for a non active person but absolutely worth it! Make sure you take water and wear hiking shoes. I wore flat bottom adidas and did fine but I highly recommend having some tread for some of the slick places - in our case from melted snow. Make sure you get there before 2:30 or you won’t have time to make it to the top. The rangers send everyone down by 3:30. The trail took us 52 minutes of steady climbing - and you will want time to stop for pictures often along the way!
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JeffnJulie
Chicago63 contributions
This is a wonderful hike through a picturesque slot (that is fairly narrow at points and wide at other points) and then up to a beautiful vista with phenomenal views for miles and miles in several directions. We loved this hike! There are so many beautiful rock formations and things to see in the slot canyon it is hard to decide where to look.
The same is true of the hike up to the vista- too many wonderful views to pick from! It is well worth the wait in line to get in your car at the park entrance (can be an hour and a half long depending on crowds and the season). Go early and allow a good 2 hours in the park and during off season (we were there in March) it will completely close moving all cars out of the parking lot by 4:30PM.
This place offers an amazing hike !
The same is true of the hike up to the vista- too many wonderful views to pick from! It is well worth the wait in line to get in your car at the park entrance (can be an hour and a half long depending on crowds and the season). Go early and allow a good 2 hours in the park and during off season (we were there in March) it will completely close moving all cars out of the parking lot by 4:30PM.
This place offers an amazing hike !
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
phvi2617
Anaheim, CA360 contributions
The Cave Loop/Slot Canyon Trailhead is about an hour from Albuquerque and a little less from Santa Fe. Entry to the monument is $5 per car. I arrived at about 7:15 on a Sunday morning, and there was plenty of parking. There are pit toilets and free maps at the trailhead.
There are a couple route options: the Cave Loop (1.2 mi, easy) and the Canyon Trail (3.0 mi, moderate). I ended up doing both, starting with the loop, a nice jaunt with great vistas of the tent rocks. The Canyon Trail is really fantastic, with close up views of the rock formations and a trek through the narrow slot canyon.
There is some light scrambling in the canyon, and unfortunately the last half mile or so was closed due to ice. Even so, I took close to two hours to soak it all in, with plenty of stops to take pictures. It's strictly a day use area with no water, but the Cochiti Visitor Center on Rt 22 has a store with drinks and snacks.
An absolutely spectacular hike and well worth the drive!
There are a couple route options: the Cave Loop (1.2 mi, easy) and the Canyon Trail (3.0 mi, moderate). I ended up doing both, starting with the loop, a nice jaunt with great vistas of the tent rocks. The Canyon Trail is really fantastic, with close up views of the rock formations and a trek through the narrow slot canyon.
There is some light scrambling in the canyon, and unfortunately the last half mile or so was closed due to ice. Even so, I took close to two hours to soak it all in, with plenty of stops to take pictures. It's strictly a day use area with no water, but the Cochiti Visitor Center on Rt 22 has a store with drinks and snacks.
An absolutely spectacular hike and well worth the drive!
Written June 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kathyp686
Anchorage, AK1,349 contributions
Couples
The trip from Santa Fe is about a 40 min drive. The mountain formations and spires (tent like rocks) are beautiful. You walk on paths up close to the rocks. One trail leads into an amazing canyon. We couldn’t go all the way on the trail due to heavy snow. The path was wide enough for 3-4 people and consists of small gravel and packed dirt. We saw people on crutches and I think you could go in a wheelchair also depending on the weather and potential mud. There are places to picnic before going on the path. Only 90 vehicles are allowed in the park at one time due to limited parking so during busy seasons you might have to wait in your car for 30-60 minutes for people to leave. The cost is $5 per car. This is a great place to take kids. One trail is about 1.5 miles the canyon one in longer and up a hill and through narrow crevices.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melissa L
Breckenridge, CO27 contributions
We've visited Santa Fe many times and I was looking for something new. Great slot canyon hike for most. We found that some spots were a bit tricky for us as the shady spots were still a bit icy - we visited in late February. We were warned to get there early as the parking lot fills quickly. Take heed! Even in February it was busy on a Saturday morning but completely doable. The rock formations are very unique - we've visited most of the Utah parks and this just has a different atmosphere.
Written April 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris L
Albuquerque, NM1,531 contributions
We love this hike & love taking visitors here; it's an amazing place with stupendous views. A two mile hike through a bit of a slot canyon & then the last 1/3 of the trail is a vigorous 300 foot climb up to the top of the mesa. Good supportive shoes or hiking boots a must! Those with knee issues would benefit from hiking poles. Be sure to wear sun screen, a hat & bring water! Once you reach the top of the mesa, there's a bit of a trail to the end which is a great place to sit, take in the views & have a snack or lunch. Be sure to check the weather forecast as you wouldn't want to be caught in the slot canyon during a monsoon rain. NO DOGS allowed on this trail as it's a Monument!
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
davidchurlbutt
Rochester, NY197 contributions
Couples
This is a hike like few others! We did the longer Slot Canyon trail - 3 of the 4 of us making it all the way to the top. The last part towards the top gets steeper with more than a few high steps - but if you're up for it it is totally worth it! The sandstone formations are amazing and the views all the way along are incredible. At the top spend some time just soaking in the views in every direction - so many different stratas and colors of rock! We probably spent an hour and a half on the hike itself and then ate the lunch we packed under one of the pavilions at the bottom, near the parking area. This is a must see if you're in the Albuquerque area!
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amanda H
Plano, TX457 contributions
If you want a day trip option from Santa Fe, this is only 40 miles away. You will have to sort your own transportation here but the trip is worth it. Be sure to dress for hiking and climbing and bring your water supply and a hat as it gets hot out here. They do have bathrooms at the parking lot and there is limited entry to this site. So get here before 11 or expect to wait at entry. $5 cash is entry fee so be sure to have that on you as well. Once you park, you have option of two trails: Cave loop or Canyon Trail. Both have same trail at beginning and you keep right for the more challenging Canyon trail or turn to the left for the Cave loop. The Canyon Trail is challenging so you will have to wind through narrow canyons and climb over boulders and up a steep cliff. If you have small children, you can’t take a stroller here but could carry them in a baby bjorn like contraption. The view from the top is worth it, but the trail is challenging and fun. Our 11 year old had a blast and we were quite proud of ourselves for getting to the top. These cone like tent like formations were formed about 6 million years ago during a volcano eruption. Be sure to check your path for the shiny black volcanic glass rocks. The cave loop trail is ADA accessible and less strenuous and also has great view of the odd rock formations.
Written May 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SarahCalkinsBonin
Fairmont, MN9 contributions
Does anyone know the Covid status of this park?
Motorfuzz
California64 contributions
Closed in May 2021
Culture28655
Midland, MI
Is there a lot walking involved? I am 81 & have
artificial hips.
Gleason L
Cottonwood, AZ218 contributions
Yes, there is a nice loop trail less than a mile long, that is fairly flat. It connects to the much steeper, and arduous, Slot Canyon trail to the top of the ridge. You can walk as far as you want up the Slot Canyon Trail to the point that it gets really steep, and turn back toward the parking area. Walk at your most comfortable pace. The trail, and your stamina, will determine how far you should go. Use your best judgement, take your time, and enjoy the beautiful rock formations and layering. There are numerous shady resting places along each trail. Take a couple of bottles of water on warmer days, and don't forget your camera. It is a BEAUTIFUL Place to enjoy your day.
Mick
25 contributions
Is this a safe place to go hiking alone? Not wanting to go far but don’t want to hike any distance if it’s not safe to do so. Thanks!
Terry M
15 contributions
Agree with all posted already. There was a great variety of folks on the trail when we were there in the morning in late Aug/early Sept - a good number alone, others in groups. Felt very safe. I think you'll enjoy it very much.
terryw678
Holland, MA458 contributions
I’m not able to hike far, are there good views and photo opportunities within an easy walk?
Arthur G
Endicott, NY635 contributions
There is a paved path from the parking area. Part of the slot canyon trail is a fairly easy walk, but it gets more difficult with some climbing over rocks/boulders needed and some tight spots. Just go as far as you can, it's worth it.
I’m slightly claustrophobic. Are there caves that you have to walk through?
wildwoodsm
Rio Rancho, NM181 contributions
The one cave is only visible from outside, on the cave loop trail. The upper mesa trail is through slot canyons and is very narrow in places, but not completely closed in. Should be no problem.
We have a 16 foot travel trailer. Would we be able to park in the parking lot while we go hiking in May?
debraL1232RC
portland64 contributions
I agree with Linda. The parking lots are small and might be a tight fit for a 16 foot trailer.
Whet tent rocks is.
Previa1994
Chicago, IL4 contributions
It is one beautiful place for a short day hike.
hellokittyluver
California180 contributions
Can you drive to Tent Rocks and then to Bandalier in one day?
Vacation317023
5 contributions
I don't know I spent 6 hours at tent rock. To enjoy its beauty
Dianna P
Independence, Missouri661 contributions
Isn't it a shame that they have money to pay police to keep people out but no money for people to experience this beautiful natural phenomenon.
cindynor41
Mill Valley, CA329 contributions
isn't it stupid that they are following the instructions of an obvious idiot...makes you nervous for the future when it will really matter
jrking14
Champaign, IL3 contributions
Is this site open during the federal shutdown?
lizsokctraveler
Oklahoma City, OK306 contributions
I agree. See if you can call first. Beautiful place.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
- Attractions near Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument:
- (0.18 mi) Canyon Trail
- (0.42 mi) Cave Loop Trail
- (3.20 mi) Cochiti Golf Club
- (4.87 mi) Cochiti Visitor Center
- (4.57 mi) Cochiti Lake