Kasha-Katuwe National Monument Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
The Tent Rocks Canyon trail it is a hiking trail through a slot canyon with hoodos and striated rock formations. It's a nice climb, about 750 ft elevation increase in about 3 miles. Going though tunnels and up ledges. There are railroad ties to make steps to get to the top where you can see for miles! It is truly breathtaking!! #lifeatexpedia
Halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on New Mexico’s Highway 25, hang a left (if you’re heading north) and be prepared for some unusual and magnificent rock formations courtesy of mother nature, the Bureau of Land Management, and the American Indian Pueblo de Cochiti. The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock National Monument owes its remarkable geology to layers of volcanic rock and ash deposited by pyroclastic flow 6 to 7 million years ago from a volcanic explosion within the Jemez Volcanic Field; and to the gentle hand of time as wind and water smoothed the pumice, ash and tuff deposits. Bring your hiking boots along with your camera and see the tent rocks up close and personal for a $5 fee (per vehicle) via two separate trails that offer superb views of this natural wonder. Hike to the top of the Canyon Trail for magnificent views of central New Mexico only possible from almost 7,000 feet above sea level. See more pictures and commentary of our hike via my travel blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/hiking-the-stunning-kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument .
New Mexico’s stunning Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock formations are the product of volcanic eruptions 6 to 7 million years ago. Many of the pumice, ash and tuff deposits are over 1,000 feet thick. Tremendous explosions from the Jemez volcanic field spewed pyroclasts (rock fragments), while searing hot gases blasted down slopes in an incandescent avalanche called a “pyroclastic flow.” Over time, wind and water cut into these deposits creating canyons and arroyos, scooping holes in the rock and contouring the ends of small, inward ravines into smooth semi-circles. Two hiking trails (the Cave Loop Trail and the Canyon Trail) allow visitors amazing access to this National Monument. We hiked the tougher Canyon Trail, a 1.5 mile trek up a narrow canyon involving a 630-foot climb to the mesa top, driven by the promise of fantastic views of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, and Sandia mountains, as well as the Rio Grande Valley. We were not disappointed. Be sure to arrive early in the day (the monument opens at 8 am during winter months, 7 am during the summer) to avoid the crowds and the heat. Bring plenty of water; the monument has no concessions, but does offer the basics in terms of facilities. The nominal $5 fee per vehicle is returned to the site for monitoring, maintenance, and improvements. See more pictures and commentary via my blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/hiking-the-stunning-kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument .

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Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort

Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort

4 out of 5
242 Los Pinos Road Santa Fe NM
Fully refundable
The price is AU$385 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$385
2 Apr - 3 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions El Rancho de las Golondrinas and Las Golondrinas ...
Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Los Alamos Entrada Park by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Los Alamos Entrada Park by IHG

2.5 out of 5
60 Entrada Dr Los Alamos NM
The price is AU$206 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
AU$206
4 Apr - 5 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Alamos. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (761 reviews)
Room was clean, staff was friendly. Breakfast was excellent.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Los Alamos Entrada Park by IHG
Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos White Rock

Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos White Rock

2.5 out of 5
124 State Hwy 4 Los Alamos NM
The price is AU$179 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
AU$179
9 Apr - 10 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Los Alamos. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (694 reviews)
Great hotel close enough to Los Alamos but away from the insane rush-hour traffic jams. Hearty breakfast options, something for everyone. Room clean and modern. Plenty of parking. Easy walk to Smith's for groceries.

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos White Rock
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Luxurious Open Concept Home with Fabulous Backyard Entertainment Area

Luxurious Open Concept Home with Fabulous Backyard Entertainment Area

Santa Fe NM
Stay at this golf holiday home in Santa Fe. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Meow Wolf and La Paloma Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (78 reviews)
Family friendly

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Luxurious Open Concept Home with Fabulous Backyard Entertainment Area
Mountain Adobe Home in Jemez Springs, NM Mt. Views

Mountain Adobe Home in Jemez Springs, NM Mt. Views

Jemez Springs NM
Stay at this holiday home in Jemez Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a garden. Popular attractions Jemez National Recreation Area and Janecka Collection ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (100 reviews)
This home has a breath taking view and a beautiful well stocked fireplace. We loved our time here.

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

Mountain Adobe Home in Jemez Springs, NM Mt. Views
Top 1% River Oasis & Hot Springs Nearby

Top 1% River Oasis & Hot Springs Nearby

Jemez Springs NM
Stay at this cabin in Jemez Springs. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Jemez National Recreation Area and Janecka ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
My wife and 2 adult kids had the most wonderful time at Casa del Rio. The house and environs are absolutely stunning! And the hosts were amazing - they thought of everything and provided excellent coffee and sweets and anything we might have forgotten. If I could rate it higher than a 5 I would have, ...

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Top 1% River Oasis & Hot Springs Nearby
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Jemez River Waterfall Near Jemez Springs, NM

Jemez Mountains

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Jemez Mountains during your travels in Jemez Springs. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.

Jemez Mountains
Landscape of Jemez River and trees near Jemez Springs New Mexico

Jemez National Recreation Area

You can take time to visit Jemez National Recreation Area during your travels to Jemez Springs. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Jemez National Recreation Area

Giggling Springs Hot Springs

You can take time to visit Giggling Springs Hot Springs during your travels to Jemez Springs. Wander the riverfront and forests while you're in the area.

Giggling Springs Hot Springs

Fenton Lake State Park

You can take time to visit Fenton Lake State Park during your travels to Jemez Springs. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.

Fenton Lake State Park

Jemez Springs Bath House

Take the family on an outing to Jemez Springs Bath House during your trip to Jemez Springs. Wander the riverfront and forests while you're in the area.

Jemez Springs Bath House

McCauley Hot Spring

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at McCauley Hot Spring during your travels in Jemez Springs. Wander the riverfront and forests while you're in the area.

McCauley Hot Spring