Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is famous for their cone-shaped formations and slot canyon that are waiting to be explored!

This was everyone’s favorite stop of our entire trip: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.  Not only is the trail a great spot to see hoodoos there is also a slot canyon that can be explored!

The slot canyon was the reason for our visit to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.  We have wanted to visit a slot canyon for awhile and this provided the perfect opportunity.  

If you are interested in more places to visit in New Mexico this post shares our road trip itinerary through the state.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is famous for hoodoos which are cone-shaped formations with tops.  The formations are composed of pumice, ash, and tuff deposits from volcanic eruptions 6–7 million years ago.  How cool is that?

The start of the canyon trail is .5 mile hike from the trailhead.  Then the canyon trail is a 1.5-mile hike out and back that has narrow passages – slot canyon, rocks to climb over, steep climb (630 feet), and loose gravel. 

My daughter loved the slot canyon and claimed it was so easy and fun!  She wanted to do the trail over and over again.  I compared it to a natural playground.

Tips for Visiting Tent Rocks

• On busy days you could experience a wait at the gate if parking is full, therefore arrive early.
• Bring water and wear sunscreen the trail is mostly in the sun.
• The park rangers start sweeping canyon trail at it’s highest point starting at 3:30 pm for their closing procedures, so make sure that you can get to the end of the canyon before that time.
• The National Park Service annual passes are accepted at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. 

We cannot wait to make a return trip to the area so that we can hike the slot canyon again.

If you are in the area, go there it is so worth it!