Tent Rocks Slot Canyon Trail Hiking Guide
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is one of the strangest landscapes in New Mexico: cone-shaped hoodoos of volcanic ash, some capped with boulders, rising above a narrow slot canyon you walk through single file. It reopened in February 2026 after a four-year closure, now with a reservation system and a tribal access pass. The Canyon Trail winds up the slot and climbs to a mesa top overlooking the whole formation.
Permit: Timed-entry BLM ticket ($6 per person on Recreation.gov, no same-day or on-site sales) plus a Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass ($20 adults, $10 ages 2–16)
The Canyon Trail
The BLM describes the Canyon Trail as 1.5 miles one way, finishing with a steep 630-foot climb to the mesa top, for about 3 miles round trip. The lower section squeezes through a narrow slot canyon; the upper section climbs steeply to viewpoints above the tent rocks. The separate Cave Loop Trail, about 1.2 miles, is an easier option, and many visitors combine the two.
Reservations and Passes
Two things are required. First, a timed-entry ticket from Recreation.gov, $6 per person, which includes a $1 fee that applies even with an America the Beautiful pass; there are no on-site or same-day sales. Second, a Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass: $20 for adults and $10 for ages 2 to 16, free under two. You check in at the Cochiti Visitor Center before entering.
Hours and Season
The monument is open Thursday through Monday, with entry between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. and everyone required to exit by 4 p.m. It closes seasonally from December 15 to January 31, as well as on some holidays and Cochiti cultural days. Reservations for 2026 were open through December 14. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures.
Respect and Safety
The monument sits on and beside Cochiti Pueblo land, and access depends on the Pueblo's partnership. Stay on the trail, don't climb the formations and follow all ranger instructions. There is no drinking water. The slot canyon is prone to flash floods during storms; do not enter if rain threatens. Elevations range from about 5,570 to 6,760 feet.
Practicalities
Dogs are not allowed; only service animals may enter. Tent Rocks is about 50 miles north of Albuquerque via I-25, exit 264, roughly an hour's drive. Because entry ends at 1 p.m., leave the city early. Carry plenty of water and sun protection; there is little shade on the upper trail.
Hiking tips for Tent Rocks Slot Canyon Trail
- Book a timed-entry ticket on Recreation.gov ahead of time — there are no same-day sales.
- Budget for the Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass on top of the BLM ticket.
- Arrive well before 1 p.m., the last entry time, and check in at the Cochiti Visitor Center.
- Leave the dog at home; only service animals are allowed.
- Skip the slot canyon if storms threaten — it is prone to flash floods.
Nearby trails to explore
- La Luz Trail
- Volcanoes Trail
- Tree Spring Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Tent Rocks is back open and one of New Mexico's great short hikes. Use TrailMates to find Albuquerque hikers to share the reservation and the drive. Download the TrailMates app to connect.