Tent Rocks

About 5 miles south of Cochiti is an amazing natural treasure called Tent Rocks. Volcanic ash has been eroding away into some truly bizarre and beautiful shapes. Perfect cone shaped spires rise over 40 feet, some with rock balls carefully balanced on top. Flash floods have carved an extremely narrow canyon, about 200 feet deep and 3 to 20 feet wide. One can walk up this canyon and look up to the tiny sliver of blue sky, with ribbon-like cliff walls carved with such beauty, even the most talented Santa Fe sculptures would fail to re-create the subtle curves. The area has been designated as the "Tent Rock area of Critical Concern" by the Bureau of Land Management. If you have the time, a trip to Tent Rocks is sure to empty all cameras of there film. But be careful. If you see rain clouds, avoid the narrow canyon. When it rains here, it pours, and there is only one way for the water to escape…

Over the last few years Tent Rocks has become increasingly popular. Responding to this, the facilities available at the site have increased, with numerous covered picnic tables and added restrooms and parking. Although not generally allowed in National Monuments, many hikers bring along their dogs for the hike.

The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle.