Tent Rocks Slot Canyon Trail Cochiti Pueblo

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Tent Rocks Slot Canyon Trail Cochiti Pueblo 7,1/10 5451 reviews

Designated by US Congress in 2001, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is part of the Pajarito Plateau in north-central New Mexico. Wind and water erosion has created unique cone-shaped rock formations from pumice, ash, and tuff deposits from volcanic eruptions that occurred 6 to 7 million years ago. This area is recognized as the ancestral homelands of the Cochiti and is managed today in close cooperation with the Pueblo. Visitors can experience the geology and cultural significance of this area by hiking the challenging Slot Canyon Trail or taking a moment to reflect at Veterans’ Memorial Overlook.

The Bureau of Land Management in coordination with our partners in the gateway community of Pueblo de Cochiti will implement a day use reservation system in order to reopen Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument and meet the CDC, state and local guidance related to COVID-19. Advance reservations are required for all visitors. Each vehicle entering the Monument will need a reservation. Visitors with a reservation may enter as early as 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Monument will remain open until 5:00 p.m., at which time all visitors must exit.

Tent Rocks is suitable for all ages and fitness levels as you have 3 different choices of trails – the relatively flat Cave Loop Trail (1.2 miles), the steeper and dramatically scenic Slot Canyon Trail (1.5 miles one-way) and the nearby Loop Trail (1.0 miles) at the Veterans’ Memorial Scenic Overlook a short drive away. The 1-mile trail overlooks the picturesque Peralta Canyon and Jemez Mountain peaks for picture-perfect photo opportunities. Picnic shelters, restrooms, and shelters can be found on both trails. How to Get to the Tent Rocks From Santa Fe From Santa Fe, head south on I-25 and take the Cochiti Pueblo Exit 264 off I-25 onto NM 16. This quick out-and-back takes you through a narrow slot canyon and ends at an overlook of the Monument's namesake teepee (or tent) shaped rock formations. Of the two main trails at this trailhead for Kasha-Katuwe Tent Tocks National Monument, the Cave Loop Trail is the more difficult, but is also the more picturesque. 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.

This three mile loop through a slot canyon with hoodos and striated rock formations is a religious site of the Cochiti Pueblo. The Slot has beautiful examples of rock strata, hoodos, the effects of wind and water. It’s a nice climb-about 750 ft climb in about 3 miles. Going though tunnels and up ledges.

The Monument is a popular destination from Albuquerque and Santa Fe, so early reservations are recommended!

Notifications and Alerts

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument remains closed due to COVID-19. The Bureau of Land Management, in coordination with our partners in the gateway community of Pueblo de Cochiti, will be transitioning to a day use reservation system when it is safe to reopen the Monument. Check back for details as you plan your visit.

Need to Know

Entry Rules
This permit does not assign a parking space but allows for one vehicle entry into Monument starting at 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Visitors with a reservation must enter during this time and will not be permitted access after 2 p.m. The Monument will remain open until 5:00 p.m., at which time all visitors must exit.
How many reservations do I need?
Only one day use reservation is required for a vehicle and all occupants. Visitors are allowed up to 3 private vehicle reservation per day.
Reservation Requirements
Day use vehicle reservations must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Reservations will not be sold at the Kasha-Katuwe. Day use reservations are non-transferable and resale or auction of reservations is prohibited.
Arrive Early
In order to ensure enough time to complete the Slot Canyon Trail, it is recommended to arrive before 1:00 p.m.
Park Closing Time
Park Rangers begin closing procedures start at 3:30 p.m. from the end of the Slot Canyon Trail on top of the Mesa. The Monument is closed promptly at 5 p.m. in consideration to the local gateway community of Pueblo de Cochiti.
Pets
Pets are prohibited.
Passes
If you have an annual or lifetime pass at the time of your reservation, those are accepted as your private vehicle entrance fee, however you will be required to pay for a reservation ($2; non-refundable). Valid entrance passes currently accepted are: Interagency Annual Pass, Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Access Pass, Interagency Volunteer Pass, Interagency Military Pass, Interagency 4th Grade Pass, Golden Age, Golden Access. Valid ID tha matches the pass is required at the entrance station.
Facilities and Trails:
The trails are for foot traffic only. No horses, bikes or motorized vehicles.
The Cave Loop Trail is 1.2 miles long, rated as easy.
The Slot Canyon Trail is a 1.5-mile, one-way trek into a narrow canyon with a steep (630-ft) climb to the mesa top for excellent views of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, Sandia mountains and the Rio Grande Valley. It is considered moderately strenuous, requiring the use of hands and feet to scramble up and through narrow cracks and along steep ledges above drop offs. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
The Veterans Memorial Trail is a 1-mile long loop trail, rated as very easy and is wheelchair accessible from the overlook parking lot.
Weather
Summer temperatures can exceed 90 degrees. During the summer monsoon season, the canyon may flash flood and lightning may strike the ridges.
Winter can bring snowstorms and temperatures below freezing.
Both winter and summer storms could cause the Monument to close.
Services
No food or water is available at the Monument. Visitors are advised to bring at least one quart (one liter) of water per person.
Amenities
Accessible picnic tables, shelters and vault toilets are available at both trailheads.
Leave no Trace
Please leave natural resources and cultural artifacts, rocks, and structures alone. Pack out what you brought in and take only pictures home with you.

Booking Windows

Kasha-Katuwe National Monument remains closed at this time due to COVID-19. Once there is a set date for reopening there will be a release of tickets. Following this initial release of inventory, reservations are available three months in advance on the first of the month at 7 a.m. PT. Example: On August 1, reservations will be available for the dates of October 1-31.

Changes and Cancellations

Reservation Fee: There is a $2.00 non-refundable reservation fee per ticket

Amenity Fee:

Standard Vehicle (1-8 people) - $5.00 per vehicle
Van (9-25 people) - $25.00 per van
Bus (26-100 people) - $100.00 per bus

Pass holders are required to pay the $2.00 non-refundable reservation fee. Be prepared to show your annual or lifetime pass, associated valid ID and your day use vehicle reservation ticket.

Valid entrances passes accepted are:

Interagency Annual Pass
Interagency Senior Annual or Lifetime Pass
Interagency Access Pass
Interagency Volunteer Pass
Interagency Military Pass
Interagency 4th Grade Pass
Golden Age Pass
Golden Access Pass

Cancellation Policy: If you cannot make a trip, please cancel your reservation. Cancellations must be made by midnight prior to the day of arrival for a full refund less the non-refundable per-ticket reservation fee. Refunds will not be given for tickets cancelled or modified after midnight on the day of the reservation. To submit your cancellation, please login to your Recreation.gov account to view and cancel your reservation.

Tent rocks slot canyon trail cochiti pueblo bonito

No Show Policy: If you do not arrive during reserved day your fee will not be refunded, and you will be refused entry into the Monument.

If the Monument is closed due to a weather related event, the amenity fee will be refunded.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

Rio Puerco Field Office 100 Sun Avenue NE Albuquerque NM 87109

Phone Number

505-761-8700

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Fees

Monument Fee Booth - 505-331-6259
Private Vehicles - $5
Groups:
Up to 25 individuals - $25
25-100 individuals - $100
Schools:
No fee. Day-use permit required from BLM.
Educational Permit Request Form
Commercial Tours, Non-Profit Organizations, Commercial Filming, and Commercial Photography:
Specials-use permit required from BLM. Please contact Rio Puerco Field Office at 505-761-8700.

Season/Hours

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks has changed its hours of operation.
The Monument gates will be open 8am to 4pm, and the Monument will fully close at 5pm.

Hours of Operation
Entry into the Monument between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Closing procedures begin at 3:30 p.m. to clear the Monument by 5:00 p.m.

Visitors must be out of the fee booth gated area by closing time.

During the summer months, the Monument experiences increased visitation. Please be aware that visitors may experience entrance delays starting at 9am due to increased visitation and lack of available parking. Wait times may range from 30 to 90 minutes. As parking is made available, new visitors will be allowed entry.

Notice

To allow for Pueblo de Cochiti cultural observances and routine BLM maintenance, the Monument will be closed on:

New Year’s Day (January 1)
January 6
Friday before Easter
Saturday before Easter
Easter Sunday
Monday after Easter Sunday
May 3
July 13
July 14
July 25
November 1
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Year’s Eve

Accessibility

There are ADA compliant rest rooms, picnic facilities, kiosks and parking.

The Cave Loop Trail is 1.2 miles long and is rated as easy. While the trail is gravel/sand there are a few sections that are accessible to wheelchairs.

At the Veterans' Memorial Overlook you will find ADA-accessible picnic areas, rest rooms, trails and facilities.

Trail Information

The national monument includes a national recreational trail. It is for foot travel only, and contains two segments that provide opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, geologic observation and plant identification. Both segments of the trail begin at the designated monument parking area.

The Cave Loop Trail is 1.2 miles long, rated as easy. The more difficult Canyon Trail is a 1.5-mile, one-way trek into a narrow canyon with a steep (630-ft) climb to the mesa top for excellent views of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, Sandia mountains and the Rio Grande Valley. Both trails are maintained; however, during inclement weather the canyon may flash flood and lightning may strike the ridges.

The Veterans Memorial Trail is a 1-mile long loop trail, rated as very easy and is wheel chair accessible. The Veterans Memorial is located at the end of a 3 mile long gravel surfaced road overlooking picturesque Peralta Canyon and Jemez Mountain peaks. Picnic tables, shelters and toilets are available at both sites.

Prohibitions and Restrictions

The Monument is closed to dogs, excluding service animals.

Day Use Only

No open fires, shooting, alcoholic beverages, glass containers or climbing on the 'tent rocks.'

Tent Rocks Slot Canyon Trail Cochiti Pueblo State Park

Do not trespass on tribal, private, or state land.

Access to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks may be closed by order of the Cochiti Tribal Governor. Closures will be posted at the gate.

No motorized vehicles or mountain bikes are allowed.

Protect live trees and shrubs. You may not cut green trees or firewood without a permit.

No collecting of plants, rocks, obsidian 'apache tears,' or wildlife.

Tent Rocks Slot Canyon Trail Cochiti Pueblo Colorado

Please stay on designated roads and trails.

Geocaching is prohibited.

Please, do not feed the wildlife

Hunting and recreational shooting is not allowed in the Monument.

Tent Rocks Slot Canyon Trail Cochiti Pueblo Bonito

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