The bureau of land Management and the Pueblo de Cochiti Native American tribe named the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks a national monument in 2001. The word Kasha-Katuwe name comes from a language spoken by the Cochiti Pueblo Tribe (one of 19 Pueblo Tribes in New Mexico) and means "white Cliffs". The mountain consist of large as well as small tent like shaped rocks that have with stood time but at the same time are very fragile. This Native American Reservation is located about 45 mile North of Albuquerque NM and a little South West of Santa Fe about 25 miles. It is in the Jemez Mountains.
There are 2 trails through the area (Slot Canyon and Cave Loop Trail). The trail through Slot Canyon is narrow and in places only two-way. But it is spectacular view as it twist back and forth too the highest of the Tent Rocks Mountain. The Cave Loop takes you to a Cave which archeologists suggest was carved out in the soft volcanic rock and used for shelter. In addition to hiking this area is know for bird watching and for the plans and trees that are in the Monument area.
We went up both trials but only went half way up Slot Canyon as it got very steep and close more that we wanted to climb. Our pictures will give an indication of the beauty of the whole area (City of Cochiti, Lake Cochita, and the Rio Grande Dam near he city) as well as the Monument ,
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| In Slot Canyon looking up |
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| Beginning of Slot Canyon |
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| Entrance of the Cave on Cave Loop |
The following pictures are outside of the park in and around the town of Cochiti.
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| The down side (or back side) of The Rio Grande Dam. On the other side is Cochiti Lake |
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| Cochiti Lake and Dam on the right |
Very nice trails. I have never been there but I would love to take that hike.
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