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Tent Rocks National Monument 

Officially known as the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (Kasha-Katuwe means "white cliffs").  As described to me, these formations started with volcanic eruptions occurring 6 to 7 million years ago that left pumice, ash and tuff deposits over 1,000 feet thick.  On top of these deposits, rock from explosions in the Jemez volcanic field (see the Valle Grande picture: On The Road) capped the softer deposits underneath and protected them from erosion to leave these cone- shaped rock formations.

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View from the beginning of the trail near the parking area.

Going in to Tent Rocks
 

Two photos combined to show the small slot canyon the trail goes through as you enter the canyon.  The path actually goes under the boulder (to the lower right of it).  Though not a long slot canyon, at times it is only 3-4 feet wide.


 

 

As things open up, there are great views, whichever way you turn.
From their base to their top, some of these cones are 90 feet high.

...
 
 

Looking up at the chimney.


 
 

 

The trail goes towards the tree and then begins an ascent to the left to the mesa. The trail up to this point is flat and relatively easy.  Overall, the ascent to the mesa is moderate but there are a few steeper sections. From the parking area to the overlook on the mesa is about 1.5 miles.  There is also a Cave Loop Trail (before you enter the canyon) that's about 1.2 miles.


 
 
 

Looking back into the canyon as I ascend towards the top of the mesa.
 

 


 
 
 

LEFT: At the top, 6,760 above sea level  I think the beginning of the trail is around 5,500 feet.
RIGHT: Another shot of where I am sitting, taken from the trail leading in from parking lot.
 

 

Tent Rocks National Monument is located near Cochiti Lake off I-25 between Albequerque and Sante Fe.
 

 

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Bandelier National Monument

On The Road in NM

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