Getting There and other Cochiti Pueblo, NM General Tips

Favorite Thing: Tent Rocks is located 55 miles northeast of Albuquerque and 40 miles southwest of Santa Fe. From Albuquerque, take I-25, exit 259 (Santo Domingo/Cochiti Lake Recreation Area), onto Route (SR) 22. Follow the signs to Cochiti Pueblo and Tent Rocks Nat'l Monument. If you miss exit 259, don't worry, you can get there too if you take Route 16 (Exit 264). Route 16 and 22 intersect at some point.

Travel 5 miles on a (dusty) gravel road, and you'll see the parking area to your right.

There is a bucket for entrance fee collection at the gate, but if you don't feel comfortable just putting your money at the unattended gate, you can also pay at the parking area.


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Favorite Thing: This is the view when you first start the hike. It is best to hike early in the morning, because it gets very hot as the day wears on...

There are 2 trails: Cave Loop (1.2 miles) is a fairly easy hike, 1/2 mile is loose sand, and you pass a little cave, which is not as interesting as the ones from Bandelier Monument. Canyon Trail (1.5 miles) is the fun hike, but it has narrow passages and steep climbs, but it is worth it since it ends at the overlook.


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Favorite Thing: A view from part of the Cave Loop...


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Favorite Thing: Here is another view at the Cave Loop...


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Favorite Thing: This is part of the Canyon Trail... a very welcoming shade =)

The bands of gray, beige, and pink rocks are a result of layering of volcanic materials, which were carved over time by wind and water, creating canyons and arroyos.


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Favorite Thing: This is the narrow passage which is part of the Canyon Trail... yep, it is this narrow..


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Favorite Thing: This is one look from the overview...

There are some rocky steps at the steep climb -- be careful not to slide!!


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Favorite Thing: And here is the top of the overview -- everything looks so much smaller...

On the way down, watch out for loose rocks (slip and slide), you really don't want to get hurt at the top of the overview..


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Favorite Thing: Cute little sun worshiping lizard ;)


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