Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument - Tours of New Mexico

A largely unknown and little visited area, the Kasha-Katuwe tent rocks were made a national monument in January of 2001.  The remarkable, conical formations cover a small area of the east side of Peralta Canyon.  These rocks were formed after the erosion of thick layers of pumice and tuff, tuff is a hallmark of explosive volcanic activity, revealed cap rocks of more resistant sandstone.  Scattered across the area are other remnants of the volcanic activity, such as the so-called “Apache Tears” which are rounded bits of obsidian. Experience the magnificence of the tent rocks on one of the two available hikes at the monument, either the easier 1.2 mile Cave Loop, or the more difficult 1.5 mile Canyon Trail. The Canyon trail is popular for its slot canyon, and its amazing view from the mesa top at the end of the trail.

It has been discovered that this area has had evidence of human inhabitants as early as the Archaic Period (5000 BCE to 100 CE).  Petroglyphs, remnants of small structures, and even evidence of crop planting exist here.  Ruins of several large pueblos and the descendants of their builders, the Cochiti, still remain here in the monument.  The Cochiti Tribal Council in conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management now oversee the preservation and access to this remarkable area of geologic and cultural significance.