Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
A narrow canyon and volcanic cone formations rise from land co-managed with Cochiti Pueblo, where reservation-only access protects both geology and community.
Artwork inspired by Tonita Peña
Explosive eruptions in the Jemez volcanic field deposited layers of pumice, ash, and tuff; erosion then carved slot-like drainage and cone-shaped formations, some protected by harder caprocks. Kasha-Katuwe means ‘white cliffs’ in Keresan, and the monument lies on Cochiti Pueblo land under cooperative management.
Access is deliberately limited. Advance reservations are required, entry windows are enforced, tickets are not sold at the gate, and seasonal closures protect resources and community priorities. Stay on designated trails, respect all Pueblo rules, and assess whether the steeper canyon route is open before assuming the full climb.
- Open days
- Thursday–Monday on reserved dates
- Entry window
- 8 a.m.–1 p.m.; exit by 4 p.m.
- Visit
- 3–5 hours
Quick guide
- Book in order
- Federal reservation, then Cochiti Pueblo pass for the same date
- Check in first
- Cochiti Pueblo Visitor Center at 1101 NM-22
Treat booking and Pueblo check-in as part of the route
- First booking
- Secure a federal Recreation.gov reservation for every visitor; interagency passes alter only part of the charge.
- Second booking
- Buy the Cochiti Pueblo access pass for the same date, accounting for checkout fees above the advertised face price.
- Arrival
- Report to 1101 NM-22 from 7:45 a.m. and follow the pilot vehicle; do not navigate directly to the monument pin.
- On trail
- Use the paved Veterans' Memorial Overlook for the easiest route, and enter the sandy Slot Canyon early enough to clear its upper section by 2:30 p.m.
Good to know
A Recreation.gov reservation alone will not admit you: secure it first, buy a Cochiti Pueblo access pass for the same date, and report to the Pueblo visitor center rather than driving directly to the monument pin. Bring food and water; neither is sold onsite.
Notice these
- Cone-shaped tent rocks
- Slot Canyon
- Cochiti Pueblo landscape