We had heard about Tent Rocks last year but didn't have enough time to pursue it, but we knew when we were here this time, we'd go see what it was all about. It is a National Monument, one of the newest, it was created in 2001, officially called Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks. Kasha-Katuwe means white cliffs. When we were having dinner with Nancy and CT, I mentioned we were going to Tent Rocks and CT said to be sure to hike all the way to the top because it was well worth the climb. So we headed over Sunday morning. It is a small monument in area, only 5600 acres between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. It is an amazing landscape, formed from volcanic eruptions that deposited pumice, ash, and tuff deposits over 1000' thick. With erosion it has produced "tent" shaped forms from as small as a few feet to 90' tall. Come along with us as we hike the Slot Canyon Trail and the Cave Loop Trail.
 |
| The slot begins |
It gets narrower and narrower as we proceed, climbing gently all the time.
 |
| Tight quarters |
 |
| Tighter and tighter |
The erosion is incredible, the shapes and swirls amazing.
 |
| Erosion |
It really looks like a fairy land.
After a steep 500' climb almost straight up, yeah, a bit steep, thinking all the way of CT's words, "It's worth going all the way up". We arrive at the top.
It's definitely worth it!
Even though I'm wondering if I might leave my right ventricle behind. Before you think I'm totally pathetic, remember we are at 6500'. Not much sympathy, huh?
 |
| Rebuilding heart and lungs |
Looking down on the scenery it sure does look like a Fairy Land.
Other shots as we head back down.
We pass a cave that was built by humans. The white area on the cliff face is quite soft so caves could be excavated for shelter. you can even see the black staining on the roof of the cave from the smoke of fires.
 |
| Home sweet home |
I wanted to try to give a perspective of how high we climbed on this sensational hike. If you look carefully right at the top of the hill, you can see a person. That's where we were at the top!
It was a super morning. Mother nature has quite a paint brush!
We had a picnic farther into the monument and looking at the map it looked like we could take a forest road north up into the Bandelier and Los Alamos area and circle back around to Santa Fe. If you remember, this area had huge fires just last year. The Bandelier area was closed and there were many evacuations. We thought it might be interesting to see what has transpired since then.
The road climbs quite quickly as you head up into the Jemez Mountains north toward Los Alamos. The terrain is quite rugged and the signs of fire are everywhere. Makes you appreciate the tremendously difficult job the firefighters have.
 |
| Quite a view |
 |
| Rugged |
We even discovered an alien message board in the rock along side the road. You know the Los Alamos National Laboratory, home of the Manhatten Project is right up the road!
 |
| ET call home! |
Signs of fire were all around. But if you look close, green vegetation is coming back. Shrubs, grass, and small trees are already popping up all over. Bandelier is still restricted, but open. You have to take a bus into the Monument.
I know this has been a huge post with tons of pictures. I hope I haven't overdone it. It was just amazing day with amazing scenery that I wanted to share. Give me some feedback in the comments and let me know what you think.
2 comments:
So glad you had such a great day! We really enjoyed seeing the changes from the fire as we haven't gotten back there for a while. We had a great train trip, weather was perfect and not too much wind. CT is thinking about spending some time up around Antonito. We will be in touch.
It is always interesting to see how quickly mother nature repairs herself after a fire. Hard to remember sometimes that fire is good for a forest. Yellowstone was another good example of rejuvenation after a big fire.
Glad the train trip went great!
Post a Comment