Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Cochiti Pueblo, NM
Cone-shaped rock formations of volcanic tuff rise above a narrow slot canyon, reached by a short trail with a steeper climb to a viewpoint. Arrive early, bring water, and check beforehand that the road through tribal land is open.
The cone-shaped rocks of Kasha-Katuwe are made of pumice and tuff, laid down by volcanic eruptions in the Jemez Mountains 6 to 7 million years ago. The formations rise up to about 90 feet (27 m). The monument lies in northern New Mexico, and the access road crosses Cochiti Pueblo land. The Cave Loop is about 1.2 miles (1.9 km) long and easy. The Canyon Trail is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) each way and climbs about 630 feet (190 m) to the mesa at the end.
Access is tightly regulated (as of October 2026): you need a reservation through Recreation.gov and also a tribal access pass from Cochiti Pueblo. The monument is open only Thursday through Monday, with entry until 1 p.m.; it is closed from December 15 to January 31, plus a few other days. The Veterans' Memorial Overlook is temporarily closed because of monsoon damage. Dogs are not allowed, and climbing on the rocks is prohibited. Arrive early in the day and bring water.
- Nearest town
- Cochiti Pueblo, NM
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 35.6612, -106.4172
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Main Gate Park RV ParkMotorhome stopover17 mi from Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument · 10 pitchesMotorhomesWaste disposal
- Los Pinos ParkMotorhome stopover20 mi from Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National MonumentMotorhomes
- Santa Fe Skies RV ParkMotorhome stopover22 mi from Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National MonumentMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Los Suenos de Santa FeMotorhome stopover23 mi from Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National MonumentMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Coronado CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National MonumentTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Coronado State MonumentCampsite25 mi from Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National MonumentTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in New Mexico · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument?
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is in Cochiti Pueblo, NM, at GPS 35.6612, -106.4172. It is about 16 mi from Los Alamos.
Can you camp near Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lookout Park, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 32 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bandelier National Monument (12 mi), Valles Caldera National Preserve (14 mi), Jemez Historic Site (17 mi) and Soda Dam (18 mi).
When is the best time to visit Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)