Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, New Mexico
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In north-central New Mexico, between Albuquerque
and Santa Fe, lies the unique geological area
known as Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks.
Kasha-Katuwe or ¿white cliffs¿ in Keresan¿the
traditional language for the Pueblo de Cochiti¿is
an area that features large, tent-shaped rocks that
hug the steep cliffs of Peralta Canyon. These
rocks were created by the powerful forces of
vulcanism and erosion, which have built up and
then torn down this landscape.
During the last million years, a tremendous
volcanic explosion northwest of Kasha-Katuwe
Tent Rocks spewed rock and ash for hundreds of
square miles, leaving volcanic debris up to 400 feet
thick. Over time, water cut into these deposits,
creating canyons, arroyos and other area
features. The cone-shaped rock formations are
wind- and water-eroded pumice and tuff deposits.
Their hard, erosion-resistant caprocks protect the
softer "tents" below. While uniform in shape, the
tent rock formations vary in height from a few feet
to 90 feet.
| | Directions: | Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks is located 40 miles southwest of Santa Fe and 50 miles north of
Albuquerque, New Mexico, with the most direct access from Interstate 25. Take the Cochiti Reservoir
exit from I-25 to NM Route 22 and follow the signs to Cochiti Pueblo. Turn right at the pueblo water
tower (painted like a drum) onto Tribal Route 92 (connects to Forest Service Road 266). Travel 5 miles
on a dirt road to the Tent Rocks parking area, which is marked with a sign. This is the only parking
area for Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks.
| | Contact: |
Bureau of Land Management
Albuquerque Field Office
435 Montano Road NE
Albuquerque,
NM
87107
Phone: 505-761-8794 ext. 29
Email: Kathy_Walter@nm.blm.gov
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| Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument |
| Recreation Opportunities |
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| Autotouring
| Biking
| Boating
| Fish Hatcheries
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