| In north-central New Mexico, between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, lies the unique geological area known as Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Rocks. Kasha-Katuwe or "white cliffs" in Keresan, the traditional language for the Pueblo de Cochiti, features large, tent-shaped rocks on the steep cliffs of Peralta Canyon. These rocks were created by the volcanism and erosion, which have built up and then torn down this landscape.A tremendous volcanic explosion northwest of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks blew rock and ash for hundreds of square miles, leaving volcanic debris up to 400 feet thick. Over time, water cut into these deposits, creating canyons, arroyos and other features. While uniform in shape, the tent rock formations vary in height from a few feet to 90 feet. eniencesClose inspection of the fragile tent rock formations reveals their susceptibility to erosion. Some of the rocks standing farthest away from the cliff have lost their hard caprock and are disintegrating. An examination of the cliff face reveals small ravines leading inward. Wind and water prevail here, scooping holes of all shapes and sizes in the rock and contouring the ends of the ravines into smooth semicircles. As the result of uniform layering of volcanic material, bands of gray are interspersed with beige-colored rock along the cliff face.Today, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is administered by the BLM in cooperation with the Pueblo de Cochiti. The monument contains a 2-mile national recreation trail and is an area of critical environmental concern. The 3-mile access route to the monument crosses tribal land administered by the Pueblo de Cochiti.Vegetation and Wildlife Vegetation: In the midst of the formations, clinging to the cracks and crevices high on the cliff face, the vibrant green leaves and red bark of the greenleaf manzanita shrub stand in sharp contrast to the muted colors of the rocks. A hardy evergreen, the manzanita produces a pinkish-white flower in the spring that adds to the plant's luster. Other desert plants found in the area include Indian paintbrush, Apache plume, rabbitbrush, and desert marigold.Birds: Depending on the season, visitors are likely to see a variety of birds. Red-tailed hawks, kestrels, violet-green swallows, Western bluebirds, and an occasional golden eagle soar above Peralta Canyon or use the piñon-covered terrain near the cliffs. The hollows and crags of the cliff face provide nesting sites.Animals: The area also provides habitat for big-game and non-game animals. Elk, mule deer, and wild turkey frequent the higher elevations and adequate ground cover and food. Coyotes, chipmunks, and ground squirrels can be found almost everywhere. Top Visitors to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks will pass by Cochiti Reservoir as they travel west on NM Route 22. This is one of the largest earthen reservoirs in the world, spanning 5 miles across the Rio Grande and Santa Fe River drainages. Contained within the broad sweep of the dam is a 1,200-square-mile reservoir that stretches 4 miles to the north. A popular recreation spot, Cochiti Lake offers boating, fishing and camping. |
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