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. Tent Rocks (Kasha Katuwe) National Monument If you watch closely, this snake petroglyph can be seen along the 1.5 mile slot canyon trail. The Cave Loop Trail goes by this former home of Native Americans. Kasha-Katuwe (Tent Rocks) National Monument is 8 miles very close to Cochiti Lake as the crow flies and 8 miles by road.

Between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico is the Cochiti Pueblo and Indian Reservation. On the Reserve is the Kashe-Katuwe [pron. ??? - I'll guess at KAH-shay KAH-too-way and means White Cliffs] Tent Rocks National Monument, an area of volcanic tuff and hardened pumice eroded into tent or cone shapes. Only two trails are open - the Cave Loop Trail and the Slot Canyon Trail; the Veteran's Memorial Scenic Overlook and upper Loop Trail are closed due to the recent flooding. As we hike, not only are we treated to the incredible tent rock formations, but also magnificent views of the valley and surrounding mountains as we hike up the slot canyon to the top of one of the mesas. What a truly enchanted land.

	Cochiti Lake, flooded after the rains of mid-September. That's debris washed down the Rio Grande in the foreground and the roofs of picnic table huts and a washroom in the background!
The Tent Rocks from the Slot Canyon Trail.
The layers of various rock and pumice left by the volcanic eruptions and eons of time.
Brad and Marilyn near the top of the Slot Canyon Trail.
Strange erosion
From the Cave Loop Trail looking up onto the top of the Slot Canyon Trail where we had previously stood. It's hard to see in a small photo, but the Ravens are catching the thermals near the peak in the middle of the photo.

Between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico is the Cochiti Pueblo and Indian Reservation. On the Reserve is the Kashe-Katuwe [pron. ??? - I'll guess at KAH-shay KAH-too-way and means White Cliffs] Tent Rocks National Monument, an area of volcanic tuff and hardened pumice eroded into tent or cone shapes. Only two trails are open - the Cave Loop Trail and the Slot Canyon Trail; the Veteran's Memorial Scenic Overlook and upper Loop Trail are closed due to the recent flooding. As we hike, not only are we treated to the incredible tent rock formations, but also magnificent views of the valley and surrounding mountains as we hike up the slot canyon to the top of one of the mesas. What a truly enchanted land.

Tent Rocks Slot Canyon Trail Cochiti Pueblo Colorado

Tent Rocks Slot Canyon Trail Cochiti Pueblo Magico

	Cochiti Lake, flooded after the rains of mid-September. That's debris washed down the Rio Grande in the foreground and the roofs of picnic table huts and a washroom in the background!
The Tent Rocks from the Slot Canyon Trail.
The layers of various rock and pumice left by the volcanic eruptions and eons of time.
Brad and Marilyn near the top of the Slot Canyon Trail.
Strange erosion
From the Cave Loop Trail looking up onto the top of the Slot Canyon Trail where we had previously stood. It's hard to see in a small photo, but the Ravens are catching the thermals near the peak in the middle of the photo.