Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

The last place we visited while we were at Cochiti Recreation Area was Kasha-Katuewe Tent Rocks National Monument which was only about 5 miles away.

Kasha-Katuwe means "white cliffs" in the traditional Keresan of the Cochiti Pueblo and is considered a significant place.

It is always interesting to see how natural processes change the rocks of an area.

The cone-shaped tent rock formations are the products of volcanic eruptions that occurred 5 to 6 million years ago. The eruptions left pumice, ash, and tuff deposits over 1000 feets thick. Precariously perched on many of the tapering hoodoos are boulder caps that protect the softer pumice and tuff.

Some of the formations have lost their protective caps and are deteriorating.

These formations are found here and in Turkey.

There are two trails here that you can follow. These people appeared to be off-trail.

This is an interesting place to visit. Keep in mind that there is no water available here although there is a vault toilet. Also, dogs are not allowed in the area at all with a significant fine if you bring one in.

I wanted to include some photos of Cochiti Recreation Area before we left. You can see my rig on the left with Mary Jane's next to it and Birdie's still further to the right.

This lake is actually created by damming up the Rio Grande River......yes, the same one that divides Texas from Mexico.

We were up on a hill by an observation outlook in the previous picture. Somebody had created these little statues along the walkway. They were all quite small but interesting.