Tent Rocks :: Adventuring in New Mexico

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Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is another one of New Mexico’s unique landscapes.

Tent Rocks makes a perfect Albuquerque day trip and is great for families. Additionally, my family often takes out-of-town visitors to Tent Rocks.

Tent Rocks :: Adventuring in New MexicoTent Rocks is a quick 45 min drive northwest of Albuquerque (near Cochiti) and located on Cochiti Pueblo jurisdiction. It will cost your car $5 to enter onto the land. Tent Rocks gets its name from the cone-like rock formations created from erosion after a volcanic eruption deposited ash and rock in the area. The Bureau of Land Management manages Tent Rocks and provides further information (including hours of operation) at their website www.blm.gov. Always remember to bring plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and protect your skin from our desert rays.

Tent Rocks is a wonderful place to visit as a family and to show out-of-town visitors our breathtaking New Mexico landscapes.

The monument has ample parking, several shaded picnic areas, and public restrooms. There are two clearly marked hiking paths. To the right or toward the slot canyon, is in my opinion, the most beautiful trail. The slot canyon is the longer trail of the two and leads you through the canyon (as the tent rocks rise up alongside you) and up to the lookout point allowing you to view the tent rocks from above. This trail is 1.2 miles to the top. Both trails are well maintained, gravel paths with well-marked signage as well as benches and informational stops along the way.

Hikers can walk the slot canyon even with toddlers until the trail begins to move up towards the lookout. At this point, the trail can get slippery and narrow and at times. So you may need two hands to steady yourself through some of the terrain.

 

Tent Rocks :: Adventuring in New MexicoSeasoned hikers accustomed to hiking with their toddlers in packs should be fine. However, I have never hiked to the top lookout with my children. But they still have been able to enjoy the slot canyon and have seen beautiful landscapes along the way.

Tent Rocks is a great day trip destination. We enjoy hiking in the morning before it gets too hot and taking a picnic lunch. My family loves adventuring in New Mexico and discovering all the unique gems this state has to offer. If you’d like additional information on other adventures in New Mexico, you can check out my previous posts about White Sands and the Very Large Array.

Tell me readers, what are your favorite New Mexico gems? My family wants to visit them all!