kasha-katuwe tent rocks national monument

I took the easy loop route and it took about 45mins. A great hike with an amazing view of volcanic rock formations. We even saw 4 deers on the way up. This place made me think of Goreme in Turkey. I suggest this hike to everyone. Im sure the "cave" hike must be even better but I was satisfied with the "loop" hike.

its beautiful and like nothing I've ever seen before!!! All our pictures, my son is looking up! Go early enough to walk all the way to the end. The Ranger back tracks the trail about an hour before close and you must turn back. Will go again!

We drove to Kasha-Katuwe from Santa Fe and hiked the slot canyon. It was just great. The drive took us just under an hour, but it's nice once you get off of the highway. There's plenty to see. As others have pointed out, you pay $5 per vehicle and then drive another 5-10 minutes to the trailhead. There are two hikes - the slot and the cave - and we did the latter after the former. There's no comparison. If you make the effort to get here, you should absolutely hike the slot trail. It's not too difficult. And you're rewarded with a really unique canyon hike followed by a ridge with really big, 360 degree views. To have both in such a short distance is very special.

I came here on a snowy Feb. day and was a bit worried about road conditions. The road was a little snow covered at some points, the parking lot was not plowed. But it was open. The road was closed right past the first lot, though I'm not sure what is beyond that area. No regrets going. Even in the snow it was pretty cool looking. I was very glad I had boots on and was dressed warm.

Tent Rocks was a great surprise. Things to know before you go: It costs $5/vehicle to enter. They only take cash and checks, and you have to have exact change. Don't get started too late in the day; they close at 5 p.m. in the winter. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. There is no water at all in the park. Even in winter, the sun is very bright, especially reflecting off of the rocks. Also, it is quite dry so you will be thirsty. Dogs are not allowed in this national monument.The person at the fee booth will give you a brochure. Five miles past the fee booth is the first parking area. There are covered picnic tables, a pit toilet, and one of the trailheads. There are two trails that branch off here: The Slot Canyon Trail (the one with the views) and the Cave Trail. If you only have time to do one thing, do the Slot Canyon trail. It is 2 miles round trip, and takes longer than you would probably guess. It is very narrow in places, requires scrambling up rocks, and is strenuous. The effort is completely worth it. The "tent rocks" are amazing. Past this area there is 3.5 miles of unpaved road. If you are in a vehicle in which you feel confident of its off-pavement abilities, don't miss this either. You will come to a monument for American veterans with a great view, and there is the 1 mile Loop Trail. It is all level and very easy. It doesn't seem too exciting at first, but there are some spots with benches where you can take in the views.This is definitely a "hidden gem." Don't miss it if you are in the area!

A trip here is well worth it,spectacular views and fantastic rock formations.2 different trails to take for different levels of hiking expertise.you need to bring plenty of water and sunscreen

Tent Rocks really rocks! We just returned from a 2 hour hike amidst these unusal and beautiful rock formations, and it was a great way to spend a warm (high 60's), February afternoon. This attraction is about 40 miles from Santa Fe on good roads all the way; if you have a senior pass for Natl. Parks and Federal Recreational Lands, you will not have to pay the entrance fee. We did both trails and saw amazing formations; if you've ever been to Cappadocia in Turkey, you'll recognize this awesome and unusual terrain immediately! Allow about 2 hours for both hikes, bring water and a camera, wear shoes with good tread, sunscreen, a hat and enjoy! There are picnic tables, so another idea would be to pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic.....Tent Rocks is well worth the ride!

We drove out from Santa Fe, about a 45 minute drive. There is a $5/car admission charge, and we found the park service staff to be helpful, as they gave us a map and brochure, and told us which direction to go.There are two trails from the main trailhead --the cave loop, and the slot canyon trail. The cave loop is about a mile in circumference and relatively flat. There is not a great deal of shade on this trail. It is an easy hike, but the slot canyon hike has the million dollar views.At about the halfway point around the loop, the slot canyon trail takes off, and runs about a mile to its end. This trail winds past rock walls, past the hoodoos that characterize this attraction. We had a spectacular blue sky, which provided a fantastic backdrop for the rock formations, and the play of light and shadow in the steep canyon was incredible. The trail was not particularly challenging, as we passed a number of hikers with children; unfortunately, we were not able to make it up the final 100 yards or so, as there is a waist-high step up that requires an all-fours scramble, which I was not able to accomplish with one arm in a four-point sling after a recent rotator cuff repair. Maybe next time ...Well worth the trip from Santa Fe.

A beautiful sunny 69 degree Febuary day at Tent Rocks. We first did the loop to the cave (shorter if you head right instead of left out of the parking lot for those who want an easy hike under a mile.) but really nice if you take the left route then head into the slot canyon up to the end of the riverbed and then a steep climb over rocks to the top. The 75-100ft are steep but worth the climb for the views!

Uncrowded, with spectacular rock formations. The hike is easy, but remember the elevation and sun; so dress appropriately and bring water. If you're a photographer, try to be there in the early morning or at dusk when the light & shadows enchant. This is a great place to bring children (but no dogs).

Even though the thermometer showed upper thirties, the sun warmed the air so our January hike was pleasant. There was a lot of packed snow in the slot canyon area so the footing required caution but the sites were worth the effort. We didn't make it to the top, however. We did drive to the Veteran's Overlook to see a broader view of the Monument. (We would not have made it out of the shadowed roads without four-wheel drive). We found the best angles for photographing the teepee shaped rocks was at the end of the pavement as the road drops into the streambed. Park off the side of the road then walk around to get good angles. Afternoon sun would show off the shapes better than the high overhead mid-day sun.

WE visited Tent Rocks on a snowy day in January but it was still very enjoyable. The hike around the rocks was fairly easy and scenic. We were the only car that took the drive on the road to the scenic overlook. The snow was falling quietly and the only thing that could be heard was th birds singing. Truly enjoyable!

Beauty lies in so many remote and UNcommercialized places throughout New Mexico. Not many people know about Tent Rocks, however, it is definitely worth the 35 minute drive off of I-25 out to the Cochiti Pueblo and the short hike back to see this other-worldly spectacular area. A photographers dream, much like the toadstool rocks near Escalante, Utah. While you are in northern New Mexico (the 4th highest altitude state in the U.S. ~ so be careful & stay hydrated b/c you will be @ 6,100 ft.), be sure to visit Abiquiu and Chamayo ~ INCREDIBLE beyond words. Adopted home to famed western artist, Georgia O'Keefe, (who's estate just sold one of her paintings for over $11 Million), the Abiquiu Inn & Ghost Ranch are also well worth your time. Now don't you wish you were out painting or photographing New Mexico? On 2nd thought, perhaps you should visit California instead so I can hoard this beauty for myself...oh, that's OK, you can come if you promise not to bring your land yacht or any commercial plots to spoil the land...

This place is a must visit for anyone visiting Santa fe or Albuquerque. Its very unique and the hike to the top is not so hard, even though it calls out to be a hard hike in their website. On the way back we took the cave loop which is just 0.2 miles more and worth the visit to the cave and other rock formations. Overall a great experience and I would recommend it for everyone !

A quick 30 mile drive out of Santa Fe and we arrived at the beautiful landscape. Check forecast before heading out. The slot canyons and overall landscape was so beautiful. Make sure and bring camera, backup memory card, and batteries! Highly recommended!