Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

In my last two posts about the splendor of the hikes you can take around Santa Fe, I headed north of Santa Fe where we scrambled up and down ladders at Bandelier National Monument, and then another day head towards the stark inspirational beauty of Plaza Blanca.  Our third and final hiking excursion during our stay was to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, which is between Santa Fe and Albuquerque and about an hour away if you start at either of those cities.

What makes this hike fun is that it’s a relatively easy hike that includes walking through (and a few climbing over rocks) in the slot canyons as well as hiking up to the top of the cliffs for some stunning views of the rocks from bottom to top, if you take the 1.5 mile each way Canyon Trail to the overlook 630 feet up. Then on the way back join up with the rest of the 1.2 mile round trip easy Cave Loop and take the other fork to circle back to the parking area, which also takes you past a man made cave.

What makes this hike special are the the unique rock formations that are tent like, giving Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks their name. Kasha Katuwe means White Cliffs in the language of the Cochiti Pueblo people – you drive through some of their tribal lands to get here. We visited on a day after a huge rainstorm, and so the rocks still were retaining the moisture which resulted in more color and being able to really see the geologic layers of all the many thousands of years before us.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument 40 miles S of Sante Fe. Kasha-Katuwe means White Cliffs in the Keresan language of the nearby Cochiti Pueblo. It so happened that there was a big rain storm system that went through earlier in the week though, so instead of being white there is some color in the rock from the absorbed moisture that show off the layers Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument 40 miles S of Sante Fe. Kasha-Katuwe means White Cliffs in the Keresan language of the nearby Cochiti Pueblo. It so happened that there was a big rain storm system that went through earlier in the week though, so instead of being white there is some color in the rock from the absorbed moisture that show off the layers Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument 40 miles S of Sante Fe. Kasha-Katuwe means White Cliffs in the Keresan language of the nearby Cochiti Pueblo. It so happened that there was a big rain storm system that went through earlier in the week though, so instead of being white there is some color in the rock from the absorbed moisture that show off the layers

Walking through the canyons on Canyon Trail, you’ll be able to see the details of these layers up close.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument 40 miles S of Sante Fe. Kasha-Katuwe means White Cliffs in the Keresan language of the nearby Cochiti Pueblo. It so happened that there was a big rain storm system that went through earlier in the week though, so instead of being white there is some color in the rock from the absorbed moisture that show off the layers Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument 40 miles S of Sante Fe. Kasha-Katuwe means White Cliffs in the Keresan language of the nearby Cochiti Pueblo. It so happened that there was a big rain storm system that went through earlier in the week though, so instead of being white there is some color in the rock from the absorbed moisture that show off the layers Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument 40 miles S of Sante Fe. Kasha-Katuwe means White Cliffs in the Keresan language of the nearby Cochiti Pueblo. It so happened that there was a big rain storm system that went through earlier in the week though, so instead of being white there is some color in the rock from the absorbed moisture that show off the layers Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument 40 miles S of Sante Fe. Kasha-Katuwe means White Cliffs in the Keresan language of the nearby Cochiti Pueblo. It so happened that there was a big rain storm system that went through earlier in the week though, so instead of being white there is some color in the rock from the absorbed moisture that show off the layers

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, taking the Canyon Trail Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, taking the Canyon Trail

Walking through the canyons, they eventually get tighter into the slot canyons. When you visit, do be aware of any storm systems as slot canyons can be susceptible to flash flooding so take precautions. We saw the trails left behind from the flows of water the day before, but it was all dry for us with some areas of mud for the hike. Of course we weren’t visiting during monsoon season, and I still checked weather reports for flash flood risk.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Part of the trail is going to incude going through some slot canyons that some points require a little scrambling or fit only one person at a time Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Part of the trail is going to incude going through some slot canyons that some points require a little scrambling or fit only one person at a time

There may be a few points which require a little climbing over rocks and under a boulder to get through, one person at a time. That just makes it more fun, right?
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Part of the trail is going to incude going through some slot canyons that some points require a little scrambling or fit only one person at a time Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Part of the trail is going to incude going through some slot canyons that some points require a little scrambling or fit only one person at a time Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Part of the trail is going to incude going through some slot canyons that some points require a little scrambling or fit only one person at a time Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Part of the trail is going to incude going through some slot canyons that some points require a little scrambling or fit only one person at a time

After the slot canyon section, you will come to the clearly formulated tent rocks. The cloudy skies cleared for us and provided a brilliant New Mexico blue sky contrasting background. The tent features of the rocks, also called hoodoos, might bring to mind the otherworldly “fairy chimneys” of Cappadocia in Turkey, which is the only other place in the world with these formations. In both cases, it was volcanic activity that then eroded over time into the cliffs, canyons, and cones of softer pumice and tuff.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Sometimes the softer rock portion is topped by a harder caprock, often resulting in fascinating rocks that appear to be barely balanced.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument were formed by volcanic activity that then eroded over time into the cliffs, canyons, and cones of softer pumice and tuff often topped by a harder caprock, often resulting in fascinating rocks that appear to be barely balanced. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument were formed by volcanic activity that then eroded over time into the cliffs, canyons, and cones of softer pumice and tuff often topped by a harder caprock, often resulting in fascinating rocks that appear to be barely balanced.

And you may even see shapes that you recognize in the rock formations, similar to seeing shapes in clouds… I felt like I was passing guardians along the path at both these points here.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Some of the structures have caprocks perched on top of them; an amazing balancing act on the part of Mother Nature. This one looked like a little person Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Some of the structures have caprocks perched on top of them; an amazing balancing act on the part of Mother Nature. This one looked like a little person

As you begin to ascend steeply at one point on the trail, you get a chance to see the tent rocks from bottom to top to from above as you continue to walk up the path. The top of the mesa affords you a view over the Tent Rock formations,  down Peralta Canyon and across to the far away Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains. This was my favorite view of the hike.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Now we are going up a pretty steep part of the hike so that we get a chance to see the tent rocks from above on the cliffs. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Now we are going up a pretty steep part of the hike so that we get a chance to see the tent rocks from above on the cliffs. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Now we are going up a pretty steep part of the hike so that we get a chance to see the tent rocks from above on the cliffs. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Now we are going up a pretty steep part of the hike so that we get a chance to see the tent rocks from above on the cliffs.

Here is the  famous view of the Tent Rocks at Kasha-Katuwe and the gorgeous landscape for miles and miles around us.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. The reward for those steep rock stairs - a view of the tent rocks from above, and the gorgeous landscape for miles and miles around us Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. The reward for those steep rock stairs - a view of the tent rocks from above, and the gorgeous landscape for miles and miles around us

There’s a few more cool spots as you walk towards the end of the trail before you turn around go back and look down from the top at some of the canyons you had walked through earlier and also see a few more formations.

Looking into the canyon of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument from the cliff top. Looking into the canyon of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument from the cliff top. Looking into the canyon of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument from the cliff top.

As you head back, you should get back on the other half of the Cave Loop trail where it branched, you follow it so that you will eventually get to where can view a manmade cave. The cave still has blackened walls from cooking fires, and notice how it’s high off the ground for safety from animals an weather and enemies.
Cave at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Cave at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Cave at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Then when you are almost at the parking lot you will walk past more tent rocks which are more triangular and almost like teepees. I swear there’s a face in one of them…
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Rock Face at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

In the parking lot, besides a self pay station for the park admission, there is a restroom, as well as several picnic tables for eating before or after your hike if you wish. There are animal friends around hoping you will picnic.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument wildlife friend we encountered by the parking lot by the trailhead Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument wildlife friend we encountered by the parking lot by the trailhead

On the trail we encountered 3 other wildlife “friends”. I would not call them my friends, but F was pleased. This is pretty consistent with all our hikes – he’s always looking for all wildlife while I’m mesmerized by the views and getting them from different angles.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument wildlife friend we encountered on the trail Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument wildlife friend we encountered on the trail

As I said before, of our 3 nature day trips, this was the most fun for hiking because of the variety in the path. We rewarded ourselves on our way back to Santa Fe by stopping at Duel Brewery, which specializes in Belgian style beers .They also have a tasting room under construction in Albuquerque,, so check for an update on their website because you might find it on your way to stop by too even if driving back to ABQ instead. The tasting room we visited at Parkway Drive in Santa Fe also showcases lots of paintings. They offer some light food of cheese, meat or vegetable plates to go with the beer.
Duel Brewing and Taproom specializes in Belgian Style beers. They also had a large variety of art in their tasting room. Duel Brewing and Taproom specializes in Belgian Style beers. They also had a large variety of art in their tasting room. Duel Brewing and Taproom specializes in Belgian Style beers. They also had a large variety of art in their tasting room. Duel Brewing and Taproom specializes in Belgian Style beers. They also had a large variety of art in their tasting room. Duel Brewing and Taproom specializes in Belgian Style beers.

What do you think of the tent rocks? Have you been to New Mexico before, what was your favorite day trip or hike? Of the three easy hiking day trips I’ve now shared, which sounds or looks most appealing to you?
Looking into the canyon of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument from the cliff top.

Here’s the summary of my series of posts on Santa Fe, New Mexico Travels

Signature

Santa Fe Travels: Visiting Plaza Blanca

Last week, I mentioned how we had a wonderful day at Bandelier National Monument. We had to park at the White Rock Visitors Center and take the required free shuttle to Bandelier. When we returned, while stopping at the visitor center for a quick bio break before the drive (I have never regretted, whenever there is a restroom available on car trips, stopping in if we’re already parked, just in case. Nope, never.) While there, we stopped and spoke with the knowledgeable people at the information desk on recommended other sights to see. Plaza Blanca was one I asked about as I had wonderful reviews on Tripadvisor, but there was precious little information on visiting Plaza Blanca logistics.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

They drew out on a map for us how to get there, as well as giving us a few other tips. When you are visiting a new place, I always like stopping at visitor centers. I browse through the brochures becomes sometimes eye candy can attract me to a new sight I hadn’t known of, there may be coupons for places I’m planning on going to anyway, and asking the locals who are in the know may reveal unique adventures off the regular beaten path.

The land belongs to Dar Al Islam Mosque, who generously allows people to still visit with no charge. When you arrive at the area, there will be a fork – the left goes to Dar Al Islam Mosque, while the right will go to a small area where you can park and walk to Plaza Blanca. It will be a gravelly bumpy road. When you first park, the view will probably look similar to this.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. When you first park in the area to the right of the fork from Dar Al Islam Mosque, this may be your initial view Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. When you first park in the area to the right of the fork from Dar Al Islam Mosque, this may be your initial view

The Plaza Blanca sign is the best you’ll get in confirming you’re at the right spot.
Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is located near Abiquiu, NM. The formations here were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is located near Abiquiu, NM. The formations here were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area.

But walk a little bit farther and you’ll recognize the formations. It is not a difficult walk, but don’t expect any marked trails, though there are worn pathways you can see.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations

These various formations in Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe, such as in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas. There are various other White Place art pieces as well.
The formations here in Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area. The formations here in Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area. The formations here in Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area.

The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations. And the formations of the rocks twist, turn, and reach for the sky in different ways. Some seem scarred from battle.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations

Other rock formations seem like they are trying to soar

The formations here in Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area. The formations here in Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area. The formations here in Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area.

Others rocks are steadfastly observing the passage of time and seem so solid, but walk around another side and seem precariously stacked and tease with nooks and crannies you want to peer into.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

We almost had the area all to ourselves except for only three other cars during our visit. F and I probably spent a couple hours here, just mesmerized by the formations and the juxtapositions of shapes and colors. I can understand how Georgia O’Keeffe loved to look at this from her window, walk here, and even camp here, and naturally, paint here with so much inspiration everywhere.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

And I still can’t get over how the sky in New Mexico is so brilliantly blue.

Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

Plaza Blanca also a great area to explore exploration of forms in black and white photography.
Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is located near Abiquiu, NM. The formations here were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is located near Abiquiu, NM. The formations here were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is located near Abiquiu, NM. The formations here were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is located near Abiquiu, NM. The formations here were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is located near Abiquiu, NM. The formations here were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe.

There are not words to fully explain the quiet beauty that Plaza Blanca offers, a feeling of isolation from the world, it’s like a secret treasure offering peacefulness and dramatic formations. It seems every few steps and a turn was so picturesque in a new way.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

Plaza Blanca is about an hour north of Santa Fe in Abiquiu. You could make it a Georgia O’Keeffe themed day by visiting the museum in Santa Fe, driving to her Home and Studio for a tour in Abiquiu , and then getting away from the crowds at this secluded spot of Plaza Blanca a few miles away.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

I’m not sure if you can really tell the scale – here’s me really up close to some of the rocks to give you an idea how massive they are.
Providing a little scale of how large Plaza Blanca is in terms of height and width next to a person like me Providing a little scale of how large Plaza Blanca is in terms of height and width next to a person like me

Of course, be considerate of others, and leave no trace behind.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

There are no facilities here – I think the closest restroom is at Bode’s General Store which also offers some comfort food like chile (in frito pie or chili fries form!), burritos, and sandwiches that you can enjoy here or take with you.

Are you a Georgia O’Keeffe fan? Would you seek out visiting some of her natural inspirations like Plaza Blanca?
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

Here’s the summary of my series of posts on Santa Fe, New Mexico Travels

Signature