Tent Rocks

I've decided I need to post more often; I'm getting behind.  You would think every other day would be enough.  After all, we're not that active.  Anyway, we moved a bit farther up I 25 to exit 252 and another casino.  This one has level, gravel sites with electric.  The power boxes are locked and if you want electric, the security will unlock it for a charge (only fair.)  Since we were only boondocking, we were happy just to park.

From there, it was about 25 miles to a very special little national monument, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks.  When I was there about 8 years ago, there was nobody else there.  Now it has been discovered and lots of people are enjoying this unusual place.

First we headed up to the overlook which wasn't even there 8 years ago.  It's quite a view, but you need to see it personally to appreciate it.

The monument is located within the Cochiti Pueblo and 'Kasha-Katuwe' means 'white cliffs' in their traditional language.  Don't take any pictures while driving through the pueblo,  Our friends John and Carol wrote about their experience with that here.

But the 'tent rocks' are these unique formations seen here right along the road.

There are a couple of nice hikes.  Here's Ron heading into the canyon trail.

Which narrows into a cool slot canyon for awhile.

Then the trail climbs steeply through the tent rocks.

And up some more.

Until you're very thankful to make it to the top.  Funny, I don't remember it being that much of a climb 8 years ago.

On my return trip, I was refreshed by frequent small showers.  The clouds were really rolling in by the time I made it back down.

Rock wrens seemed to be everywhere.  (Unless it was the same one and kept following me.)

The whole hike was about 3 miles round trip with a 630 foot elevation gain (all at the end.)  Ron hiked part of this trail, then turned around and took the cave loop trail back to the car.  He said the cave was pretty interesting, unfortunately he has stopped carrying a camera.