KASHA-KATUWE

(TENT ROCKS CANYON)

In the Keresan language of nearby Cochiti Pueblo, Kasha-Katuwe means White Cliffs. On this tour we'll see dozens of cone shaped rock formations, the result of volcanic eruptions 6 to 7 million years ago, when tremendous explosions from the nearby Jemez volcanic field spewed pyroclasts (rock fragments) and blasted searing hot gases down the slopes of the Jemez Mountains. These explosions left pumice, ash and tuff deposits over a thousand feet thick in what is today Tent Rocks Canyon. Over millions of years wind and water erosion cut into these deposits, forming today's canyon and contouring the rocks into their tent like shapes.

Be prepared for an easy to moderate hike of about 45 minutes each way, as we'll hike all the way through the canyon and up to the top of the surrounding mesa. Here we'll have a spectacular panoramic view looking down on the canyon and out at the snow capped 12,000 foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with the beautiful green forests of the Jemez Mountains behind us. This is one of the most beautiful views in New Mexico and this tour is a photographer's dream!

After the tour of Tent Rocks Canyon our group may want to visit nearby Cochiti Pueblo. The Cochiti people are famous for their hand made drums, "Storyteller" figurine pottery and other pottery, as well as hand made jewelry. In order to schedule this visit we will need to make advance arrangements, so if this of interest to you or your group let us know when making your reservation.

Best time: Year round

Price: $65.00 per adult

See our children's price policy on the home page