Located in north-central New Mexico between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, Tent Rocks is a very unique geological area that has been designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The Bureau of Land Management in partnership with the Pueblo de Cochiti, the University of New Mexico and Sandoval County protects the geologic, scenic and cultural values of this area. In 2001 Kasha-Katuwe was designated a National Monument by President Bill Clinton. In the Keresan langue of the Pueblo de Cochiti, Kasha-Katuwe means “white cliffs”. These cone-shaped tent rock formations are the results of volcanic eruptions that occurred six to seven million years ago and left pumice, ash and tuff deposits over one thousand feet thick. As the result of the layering of volcanic material you have bands of grey, beige and pink colored rocks. In the 14th and 15th centuries several large ancestral pueblos were established in this area and their descendents, the Pueblo de Cochiti, continue to live here today. The 5,610 acres ranges in elevation from 5,570 feet to 6,760 feet. Surrounding, on top, and clinging to the rock crevices are a variety of plants and trees. Manzanita, an evergreen bush with a pink-white flower, Indian Paintbrush, Apache Plume, Rabbitbrush and Desert Marigold are some of the desert plants seen in the area. Ponderosa Pine and Pinon-Juniper provides a habitat for Elk, Mule Deer, and Wild Turkey at the higher elevations. Coyotes are prevalent and along the trails you will see chipmunks, rabbits and squirrels. Depending on the season, bird watchers can view Red-tailed Hawks, Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, House Finches, Violet-Green Swallows, and Hepatic Tanagers and occasionally a Golden Eagle will soar above the cliffs. Both segments of The National Recreational Trail are foot travel only. The Cave Loop Trail is 1.2 miles long and is rated as an easy trail. The more difficult is the Canyon Trail, a 1.5 mile trail up a narrow canyon with a steep 630 foot climb to the mesa on top. The extraordinary views of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley are well worth the effort of the climb. |
