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A picturesque trail that winds through the Kasha-Katuwe Monument’s unique tent-shaped hoodoos.


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Map Key

1.2

Miles

2.0

KM

Point to Point

5,951' 1,814 m

High

5,742' 1,750 m

Low

209' 64 m

Up

181' 55 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly An easy loop with great views and a fun landscape to explore.

Description

Of the two main trails at this trailhead for Kasha-Katuwe Tent Tocks National Monument, the Cave Loop Trail is the more difficult, but is also the more picturesque. You’ll start off hiking among the Monument’s unique tent-shaped hoodoos along a sandy trail.

From the trailhead, the trail heads to the northeast and is well-marked as it winds through the park’s namesake tent rock hoodoos. These formed from erosion after the Jemez volcanic field erupted 6-7 million years ago. The formations are still forming and pumice and tuff are quite fragile so please remain on the trail.

A half-mile into the hike, you’ll arrive at the intersection with the Slot Canyon Trail which heads to the right. Stay to the left here to continue on the Cave Loop Trail. After a short, gradual climb, the trail loops back to the south, returning hikers to the trailhead where they started.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  3.4 from 11 votes

#23747

Overall
  3.4 from 11 votes
5 Star
9%
4 Star
36%
3 Star
36%
2 Star
18%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#346

in New Mexico

#23,747

Overall
3 Views Last Month
3,102 Since Nov 23, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

36%
0%
55%
0%
9%
0%

Photos

Slot Canyon Trail
Dec 10, 2017 near Santo D…, NM
Slot Canyon Trail
Dec 10, 2017 near Santo D…, NM
Slot Canyon Trail
Dec 10, 2017 near Santo D…, NM
Slot Canyon Trail
Dec 10, 2017 near Santo D…, NM
Tent Rocks.
Nov 23, 2016 near Santo D…, NM
Tent Rocks.
Nov 23, 2016 near Santo D…, NM

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Sep 7, 2019
Patrick McIlmoyle
Apr 11, 2019
John Eversmeyer
Oct 28, 2018
Michal P
May 11, 2018
Matteo F
Mar 10, 2018
Erin Steven
1.2mi
Dec 29, 2017
Dustin Galuppo
Nov 19, 2017
Mark Bernal
Sep 2, 2017
Sabrina Tavella-Burka
1.2mi
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