Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument in north-central New Mexico features remarkable cone-shaped rock formations and stunning natural and cultural landscapes. The name "Kasha-Katuwe" means "white cliffs" in the Keresan language of the Pueblo de Cochiti, reflecting the tribe’s deep connection to the land. This connection is honored through the co-administration of the monument by the Pueblo and federal land managers.

The iconic tent rock formations – some up to 90 feet in height – are protected by weather-resistant caprocks that shield the softer layers beneath. A national recreation trail allows visitors to explore these hoodoos up close, as well as enjoy the birds, plants, and myriad other beauties of the high-desert landscape

Hours and Seasons

The monument will be seasonally closed from December 15, 2025 to January 31, 2026. Please check back here or on Recreation.gov  for future updates regarding next year’s BLM Ticket availability

Entry into the monument is by reservation only, Thursdays through Mondays between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Visitors are asked to exit the monument by 4:00 p.m.

Annual Closures:

• The monument is closed annually from December 15 through January 31.
• Holiday closures include: Easter Sunday plus the Friday and Saturday prior and Monday following; May 3; July 13, 14, and 25; November 1; Thanksgiving Day. The Monument may also be closed for no more than three additional cultural days identified by the Pueblo each year.

Thank you for respecting the traditions and privacy of the communities adjacent to the Monument. You may see federal and local law enforcement personnel patrolling the area to help ensure the safety and protection of visitors, locals, and the environment.

Activities

Recommended activities during a visit to Kasha-Katuwe National Monument include:

Go for a hike: Explore the two segments of the national recreation trail. Both are well-maintained, but please exercise caution during inclement weather due to the risk of flash flooding.

• Cave Loop Trail: Enjoy an easy 1.2-mile loop with stunning views. The trail surface is gravel and sand, with relatively little elevation change.
• Canyon Trail: For a more adventurous experience, tackle the 1.5-mile, one-way Canyon Trail, which features a steep 630-foot climb to the mesa top. From here, you'll be rewarded with scenery of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, and Sandia mountains, as well as the Rio Grande Valley. 

Visit the Veterans' Memorial: Take a scenic drive along a 3-mile gravel road that leads to the Veterans' Memorial, where you can enjoy picturesque views of Peralta Canyon and the Jemez Mountain peaks. Walk the easy 1-mile loop of the Veterans' Memorial Trail, which is gravel and flat. This area also features picnic tables and shelters.

Features and Services

Access and parking: After making reservations on Recreation.gov and obtaining the Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass, visitors will gather at the Cochiti Visitor Center and follow a pilot car to the monument entry booth. From there, it is four miles to the monument’s designated parking area and trailhead. RVs are allowed but not recommended on the gravel road leading to the Veteran’s Memorial.

Facilities: There are picnic tables, shelters, and restrooms at both the main trailhead and the Veteran’s Memorial parking area.

Cell service: Cell service is available throughout the majority of the monument, except for within the Slot Canyon.

Drinking Water: There is no drinking water available at the monument.

Pets: Pets are not allowed in the monument, with the exception of identifiable service animals.

Nearby Attractions and Amenities: The Pueblo de Cochiti Visitor Center sells basic convenience items, including refreshments. There is a gas station, an ATM machine, and other convenience items available in the nearby town of Cochiti Lake. Camping, boating facilities, and RV hookups are available at the Cochiti Lake Recreation Area.

Special Recreation Permits (SRPs): Organized groups such as weddings and reunions, and commercial operations such as tours, filming, or professional photography, must apply and obtain an SRP or filming permit prior to conducting business. Educational groups also need to make special arrangements to visit the monument. Please contact the BLM Rio Puerco Field Office for details.

Fees and Passes

Two separate permits are needed to gain admission to the Monument, and are used to support its maintenance and conservation:  

• FIRST Reserve a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ticket Reservation from Recreation.gov.
  • The fee is $5 per person for visitors aged 16 and older
  • Youth 16 and under can enter for free, though they still require a reservation
  • The America the Beautiful Pass is accepted and waives the BLM Ticket Reservation fee for the pass holder and up to three additional visitors. Passholders and their covered guests still require reservations.
• AFTER purchasing your Recreation.gov ticket, purchase a Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass from Cochiti Pueblo.  
  • $20 per person for visitors over age 16
  • $10 per person for ages 2 to 16
  • Free for children under 2 years old
  • The America the Beautiful Pass cannot be used to waive the fee for the Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass

Both permits are required for entry into the Monument. To ensure an enjoyable experience, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and make reservations early, as tickets are limited.

Camping

Overnight camping is prohibited within the Monument.

Respect and Protect

It is prohibited to climb on or deface the rock formations or to enter the cave. For safety of people and resources, dogs (with the exception of service animals), drones, recreational shooting, open fires, and geocaching are not permitted in the monument. It is also not permissible to collect or disturb plants, animals, or landscape features. Please stay on designated trails and roads and respect signs indicating private property, closures, and restrictions.

Accessibility

The Monument hosts ADA compliant restrooms, picnic facilities, kiosks, and parking areas. While both the Cave Loop and Veteran’s Memorial trails are relatively flat and have gravel surfaces, they may not be conducive to wheelchair use.